It’s always interesting to look back on thefantasyTV shows of a certain era, as series from certain decades often share similar themes and aesthetics. However,all the best otherworldly shows from the 2000s are unique, tackling different intersections of fantasy and other genres and presenting complex stories that have stood the test of time. While many of these series are still widely talked about today because they’re so enduring, others have faded from memory, even though they’re on par with the best fantasy shows of the modern era.
Like the many1990s fantasy TV shows that hold up today, the 2000s series has some dated elements, as the special effects and budgets weren’t as streamlined or significant as they are today. However, this only increases the nostalgia that viewers have for these projects, allowing them to be fondly remembered. There are many instances when fans will return to a beloved show and discover that it’s aged better than they remembered, still feeling fresh and relevant when compared to similar works airing right now.
Patricia Arquette leads the cast ofMedium,and while the series has a great premise and would’ve worked with another actress, it’s impossible to imagine anyone but Arquette playing Allison. It’s not uncommon for crime procedural TV shows to infuse elements of the supernatural into the fabric of their shows, asThe X-FilesandFringedid with sci-fi and fantasy. However,Mediumdoes so in a way that’s accessible to all audiences, tackling Allison’s personal life and her work as a psychic.
InMedium, Allison can commune with the dead, predict the future, and look into the past, resulting in many complex messages she has to untangle.
Throughout the series, Allison helps the police solve weekly cases, lending expertise and uncovering clues with her gift. ThoughMediumisn’t as widely talked about within the fantasy genre, it’s a great example of a classic procedural show that can introduce new audiences to more magical and surreal stories, gaining interest in fantasy as a whole. InMedium, Allison can commune with the dead, predict the future, and look into the past, resulting in many complex messages she has to untangle.
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Fans ofMisfitsshould watchThe Umbrella Academy, as Robert Sheehan stars in both and plays equally snarky and offbeat characters. However, inMisfits, he’s among a group of young people who suddenly acquire superpowers while they’re performing community service for their offenses. It’s a fun premise, and the British series soon proved itself to be quite capable of sustaining the mysteryand intrigue from the early episodes. Unafraid to be off-color and rude,Misfitsis a satirical twist on the superhero genre.
It’s amazing how wellMisfitsholds up today, still as fresh and funny as it was back in 2009. The series blends sci-fi and fantasy and grapples not only with the sudden onset of superpowers but also with how these skills reflect the hardships that the characters face in adolescence. However,Misfitsisn’t heavy-handed with its thematic connection to the coming-of-age genre, asit takes the problems of its characters seriously while also managing to find humor in them.
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The criminally underrated TV showLegend of the Seekerdeserves to be reevaluated today,as even though it hasn’t been well-remembered, it’s worth watching. Loosely based onThe Sword of Truthnovel series by Terry Goodkind,Legend of the Seekerboasts Sam Raimi as one of its executive producers and benefits from this rich team of fantasy writers and creators. Steeped in the complex lore from the books,Legend of the Seekerinstantly transcends the boundaries of a typical fantasy series, expanding in scope and drawing the audience in.
Even by today’s standards,Legend of the Seekerlooks great,using practical effects and lush exterior shots to root the fantastical world in reality. Like most high fantasy shows,Legend of the Seekerhas to spend time explaining the rules of the world and the magic system, but once the viewer understands these facets of the story, the series takes off and delves into an exciting, action-packed world. With Craig Horner leading the cast as The Seeker of Truth,Legend of the Seekersuccessfully chronicles a classic chosen one narrative.
Legend of the Seeker (2008–2010)
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There’s a chance that ifCarniválehad premiered today, the dramatic Dust Bowl series would’ve been on the air for many years. Unfortunately, when it first hit screens in the early 2000s,it ran for only two seasons despite the positive reception and strong performance throughout season 1.It was an ambitious project that intended to grapple with serious topics and infuse surrealism into the fabric of the narrative. This made each episode dream-like and eccentric, like the carnival it followed.
Thanks to HBO, the scale and detail ofCarniváleare immersive, allowing the look and feel of the series to rival projects being put out today.
Thanks to HBO, the scale and detail ofCarniváleare immersive, allowing the look and feel of the series to rival projects being put out today. Additionally, it wasn’t just the setting ofCarniválethat was vividly crafted, but every piece of lore and character detail that appeared onscreen. No stone is left unturned in the show, leaving the viewer with the sense that every plot has a deeper, overarching purpose with a destiny that’s yet to unfold onscreen. This kind of planning and intricacy is what most fantasy series hope to achieve.
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Supernaturalmight have premiered in the 2000s, but this smash hit series was such a cultural touchstone that it ran for fifteen seasons, ending in 2020. It’s only been a few years sinceSupernaturalwent off the air. However, there has been no shortage of discussion and post-mortem conversations unpacking the long and storied history of the series and its characters.Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles star as Sam and Dean Winchester,the brothers who travel the country saving people from demons while trying to save themselves.
WhenSupernaturalfirst started, it was a traditional monster-of-the-week series in many ways, with Sam and Dean’s quest to find their father and avenge their mother developing slowly in the background. However, following the soft reboot in season 6,Supernaturalexpanded in scope, taking on new villains and monsters, forcing Sam and Dean to grapple with problems that had higher stakes than ever. This has contributed toSupernatural’s reputation for being one of the most popular fantasy series with crossover appealto fans of other genres.
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Looking back on the hit TV showLosttoday is a reminder of just how much the series did right. Though this supernatural mystery show sparked controversy and conversation throughout its six-season run, viewers were passionate about it because it was so engaging and iconic. While every season ofLosthas something to offer, even the later installments when things got a little strange,the first season is a masterclass in how to craft a perfect piece of television.
Balancing the elements of realism and interpersonal drama with supernatural mysteriesthat grow more complex as the series progresses,Lostis best known for shocking the audience at every turn. Even though some of the fantasy elements become difficult to follow in the later seasons, these episodes are still packed with adventure and intrigue, encouraging audiences to stick with the series and discover how it will all end. Over twenty years after it first premiered, fans still can’t stop talking aboutLost.
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It’s hard to imagine modern vampire television withoutThe Vampire Diaries,a supernatural teen drama that might be a little soapy but has stood the test of time with ease. Nina Dobrev leads the cast as Elena, a human teen who gets caught in a vampiric love triangle with the Salvatore brothers. One of the greatest love triangles in fantasy television, the ups and downs of Elena’s relationship with Damon and Stefan are a large part of what makesThe Vampire Diariesso compelling. However, it’s far from the only enduring aspect of the show.
These emotional stories combine with the intricate lore of the world, making it a fully developed narrative.
As the series progresses,The Vampire Diariescontinues providing shocking twists and compelling villains, but it also elevates the importance of the core friendships and development of its characters. These emotional stories combine with the intricate lore of the world, making it a fully developed narrative. The supernatural elements of the series are used as a jumping-off point for discussing real issues that are just as impactful today. Additionally, the most important part ofThe Vampire Diarieshas never faded; it’s good old-fashioned fun to watch.
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The short-lived but well-remembered fantasy seriesPushing Daisiesis set in a richly colorful and dynamic world, cramming crime, romance, and adventure into every episode.Starring Lee Pace as Ned, a pie maker who can bring people back from the dead,Pushing Daisiesfollows his journey using this power for good and selfish reasons. His romance with Chuck (Anna Friel) is the beating heart of the show, but it is made more complicated by the fact that they can never touch, or she’ll die.
It’s a classic case of forbidden romance that sets the stage for the quirky world ofPushing Daisies,which has only become more attractive and relevant with time. At this point, the show is more than just a cult classic, as any fantasy fan is well aware of the impact that the series has had on television. Though it was canceled too soon,Pushing Daisieswill always live on in the hearts of its fans and will likely never get old.
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There are many TV and movie adaptations of the legends of King Arthur and the warlock Merlin, as these are some of the oldest fantasy stories in Western culture. However, one of the most recent takes on this well-known partnership is the BBC seriesMerlin, which uses a slightly more modern lens to look back at this medieval period.Chronicling the early relationship between Merlin and Arthur, played by Colin Morgan and Bradley James,Merlinsees the pair develop their bond and save the kingdom.
Merlin’s conflict stems from the fact that magic is forbidden, forcing Merlin to keep his powers a secret.
While it could be argued that some of the special effects are dated, this is part of the charm of an older show likeMerlin, and the smaller budgets in the early seasons forced the writers and showrunners to get creative with the storytelling.Merlin’s conflict stems from the fact that magic is forbidden, forcing Merlin to keep his powers a secret. This creates instant tension in every episode and is a metaphor for many of the larger issues of tolerance and prejudice thatMerlintackles with ease.
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The iconic children’s animated adventure seriesAvatar: The Last Airbenderhas been a beloved part of the fantasy genre since it first premiered in 2005.Transcending genre and target audience by appealing to viewers of all ages,ATLAhas received many spinoffs and live-action adaptations, all trying to capture the initial magic of the original series. However, it’s hard to compete with the tight story and incredible character development of aTV show that had its ending planned from the start.
From the gorgeous visuals to the emotionally complex story, everything aboutATLAmakes it easy to revisit today, sparking nostalgia and joy in all audiences. The magic system ofATLAis rich and nuanced, expanding with the series and rooted in a love and appreciation for the natural world, as it’s based on the four elements. Each season only further cementsAvatar: The Last Airbenderas the kind offantasyTV show that writers and showrunners are still trying to replicate.
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