Over the past few years,fantasyTV shows have earned a reputation for being long and winding series that require a significant commitment from the viewer. While this is the case with plenty of projects, there are also just as manygreat works of fantasy that are quick, bingeable, and easy to get lost in.Whether they’re miniseries that use their tight runtime to the story’s advantage or shows that were unfortunately cut short after season 1, these series are equally immersive.
While somefantasy TV shows fall off after one season, many of these series are so good that audiences will wish there were more seasons. However,there’s something incredibly satisfying about being able to consume the entirety of a story in one sittinginstead of painstakingly dedicating hours, days, or even weeks to a single show. While there’s no wrong way to watch TV, these series are well-suited to the streaming age, as they provide the ups and downs of a well-crafted story and provide plenty of gratification by the narrative’s end.
Katherine Langford might be best known for her work in13 Reasons Why, but the actress does an amazing job leading the cast ofCursedand Nimue, the Lady of the Lake. Entrenched in the legends and lore of King Arthur and Camelot,Cursedexplores the other side of these fantastical tales through the eyes of the Fey.Devon Terrell plays the young Arthur, who joins Nimue and helps her lead a rebellion to save her people, cultivating a strong romantic connection with her along the way.
Though critical and audience reception ofCursedwas mixed, the show laid the groundwork for exciting future installments and likely only would’ve gotten better with time.
Cursedis a fantasy TV show that deserved better, which only becomes clearer with every successive viewing of the series. Though critical and audience reception ofCursedwas mixed, the show laid the groundwork for exciting future installments and likely only would’ve gotten better with time. However, since it only ran for one season, viewers can join Nimue and Arthur on their adventures and love stories quickly and efficiently. In conversation with similar fantasy teen dramas,Cursedcarves out a niche for itself effectively.
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Gorgeously animated and perfectly written,Over the Garden Wallis the kind of TV show that can, and should, be revisited year after year.With an atmosphere and tone suited to the autumn months,Over the Garden Wallstrikes the right balance between being slightly scary and warm. Led by iconic actors like Elijah Wood and Melanie Lynskey, who lend their voices to the series,Over the Garden Wallis as well acted as it is animated.
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With ten episodes that clock in at less than fifteen minutes long,Over the Garden Wallonly takes a few hours to watch, and every moment of the series is captivating. On a cozy fall night when there’s a chill in the air and maybe a little rain coming down,there’s nothing better than diving intoOver the Garden Walland getting lost in the woods.Though the series came out over ten years ago,Over the Garden Wallhas lost none of its potency and will continue to be a fantasy classic.
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There are many takes on the Greek mythology genre, butKaoswas especially original. Starring Jeff Goldblum as Zeus,Kaostakes many of the familiar gods and heroes of legend and transforms them into characters that suit the modern era. However, this doesn’t mean thatKaosisn’t just as interested and engaged in the fantasy elements of the series.The stellar ensemble cast is committed to bringing the fantastical story to lifeand keeps up with the fast-paced, witty dialogue.
Since it’s only eight episodes long,Kaoslends itself to being viewed in one sitting, sucking the audience into the narrative from the opening scene.
ThoughKaosfell victim to Netflix’s pattern of canceling a TV show before it can truly take off, the series hits home for every viewer who watches it. However, since it’s only eight episodes long,Kaoslends itself to being viewed in one sitting, sucking the audience into the narrative from the opening scene. As the lives of the central humans intertwine with the prophecies of the gods, the series proves itself to be one of the best recent retellings of classic mythology.
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Despite the overwhelmingly positive critical and audience reception,My Lady Janewas canceled after its incredible first season.While some series are difficult to watch all the way through after being cut short before their planned finales,My Lady Janegave itself an ending that works both as a potential cliffhanger and a satisfying conclusion. Despite the many calls to save the series, it’s unlikely thatMy Lady Janewill return to the small screen anytime soon.
My Lady Jane: The 10 Funniest Moments Of Season 1
Known for its anachronisms and tongue-in-cheek humor, My Lady Jane has many hilarious moments throughout season 1 of the fantasy romance TV show.
However, the good news is that there’s a well-crafted season ofMy Lady Janeready to be binged by new audiences and fans who can’t get enough of the show. Anchored by the explosive chemistry between Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel, Jane, and Guildford,My Lady Janeis unafraid to be funny and poke fun at the tropes of the fantasy genre while cultivating a captivating romantasy story that sweeps away the audience. IfGeorge R.R. Martin is a fan ofMy Lady Jane,it’s a good indicator that the series is worth diving into (viaGeorgerrmartin.com).
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1Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015)
This fantasy miniseries uses historical elements to weave a compelling tale
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrellis anobscure fantasy TV show few people rememberbased on the beloved book by Susanna Clarke. Set in a fictionalized history where magic is real and understood to exist, if not well thought of,Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrellfollows the titular characters as they navigate the brewing dark forces and contemporary issues. Like Clarke’s original novel,Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrellis full of sharp humor and smart writing alongside its mystical elements.
Each episode paves the way for the next installment of thefantasyseries, making it impossible to turn off.
A faithful adaptation of its source material,Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrellis a tight miniseries with seven total episodes that don’t waste a moment. Though it came out in 2015, before binging shows on streaming services had become mainstream practice, it seems as ifJonathan Strange & Mr Norrellwas crafted to be consumed this way. Each episode paves the way for the next installment of thefantasyseries, making it impossible to turn off.
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