4 Great Fantasy Shows Most People Never Heard Of

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While fantasy shows are popular thanks to hits like Game of Thrones, many other excellent series haven’t gotten the attention they deserve. The fantasy genre is huge, and lots of fantastic shows – featuring everything from dragons and vampires to other magical creatures – have briefly captivated audiences… or really should have.

HBO’s True Blood demonstrated that fantasy stories could attract a sophisticated television audience, and Netflix shows like The Witcher proved that adaptations of books and comics can succeed, especially after the popularity of Game of Thrones. What’s great about fantasy TV is that each show creates its own distinct world and offers a fresh perspective on the genre, and the best ones truly stand out.

Preacher

The TV series Preacher is based on the popular comic book series of the same name and uniquely mixes fantasy with a gritty, realistic setting. The story begins when a powerful being named Genesis – born from an angel and a demon – merges with Jesse Custer, a con artist who becomes a preacher. This gives Jesse an incredible power called “The Word,” allowing him to control anyone just by telling them what to do.

At its heart, Preacher is an action-packed road trip about two friends facing incredible odds. When Custer discovers God has abandoned Heaven and is wandering the Earth, he sets out on a dangerous quest to find Him, joined by his girlfriend, Tulip, and his best friend, Cassidy – who also happens to be an Irish vampire.

Throughout the story, the main characters are chased by demons from Hell, angels trying to reclaim a powerful artifact, and a secret society descended from Jesus Christ. The show, like the original comic book, takes a little while to get going, and it does contain strong language. However, once it finds its rhythm, Preacher offers a truly unique experience.

It’s also worth noting that Seth Rogen is one of the TV series creators.

The Magicians

The TV series The Magicians skillfully blends the exciting world of young adult fantasy with realistic and mature emotions. It begins with Quentin Coldwater discovering that Fillory, the magical land from the books he loves, actually exists – a classic wish-fulfillment scenario for many young people.

The initial hopeful vision is quickly complicated, transforming into a more mature story when it’s revealed that Fillory is filled with real-world dangers stemming from political and historical struggles. Though the TV show differed from the books in some ways, it successfully preserved the original’s overall feeling and central ideas, staying true to the source material.

As a fantasy fan, I have to say The Magicians really delivers. What struck me most is how it balances pure, imaginative fun with genuinely tough emotional issues. It doesn’t shy away from darker themes, but it does it in a way that’s captivating. That’s why I think it’s so special – it starts by drawing you in with whimsical magic, but then keeps you hooked as you grow up with the characters and their struggles. It’s a show that really stays with you.

The CW’s Supernatural and The Magicians share some similarities, which isn’t surprising considering Sera Gamble—a writer, executive producer, and showrunner on Supernatural—was a key creator who guided The Magicians for all five of its successful seasons.

Warrior Nun

Though its title might remind some of Preacher, Warrior Nun quickly establishes itself as a unique fantasy series. The Netflix show, which unfortunately didn’t last long, tells the compelling origin story of Ava Silva, crafting her into a relatable and inspiring hero.

Ava, a 19-year-old orphan who has been paralyzed since childhood and suffered years of abuse, unexpectedly awakens in a morgue with incredible new powers. A glowing halo is now fused to her back, granting her these abilities. This also means she’s been drawn into a battle against demons and has made both allies and enemies within the Order of the Cruciform Sword. Despite her difficult past, Ava now has a chance at a completely new life.

Although Warrior Nun sometimes gets weighed down by its complicated story, it truly stands out thanks to its creative and well-executed fight scenes, and its interesting take on religious ideas. The show delivers on what its title suggests – a compelling blend of action and faith.

Netflix cancelled the show Warrior Nun after just two seasons, even though it had a dedicated fanbase. There was news in 2023 that the series might continue as a trilogy of movies, but that plan doesn’t seem to be moving forward, and it’s currently unclear what’s happening with the project.

Medium

Look, I rarely talk about network TV, but I have to say, this show – which debuted two decades ago – holds up remarkably well, even against the critically acclaimed dramas we’re seeing on streaming and cable these days. It’s based on the incredible true story of Allison DuBois, a real-life psychic, and Patricia Arquette delivers a fantastic performance as a fictionalized version of her, solving crimes with her unique abilities. I was genuinely surprised by how good it still is.

What makes Medium stand out is its willingness to explore both the frightening and the subtle aspects of its stories. While it can be genuinely unsettling—the opening credits alone are creepy—Allison always approaches things with an open mind. She avoids simple explanations and often discovers kindness and innocence in places where you’d expect only fear.

Allison works as a consultant for the Phoenix district attorney’s office, using her ability to communicate with ghosts. The show weaves together her professional life with her home life, focusing on her charming husband, Joe, and their three daughters, who each eventually discover they share her unique gift.

What makes Medium stand out, especially for its time, is its focus on the personal lives of its characters. Unlike many crime shows on network television that stick to the case itself, Medium takes the time to develop its characters more fully. This approach also distinguishes it from other supernatural shows like The X-Files.

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2025-12-01 03:09