Whether you remember them from your childhood or recently discovered them on streaming services like Tubi or PlutoTV, many older fantasy shows are still worth watching. No matter if you prefer adaptations of beloved books or exploring brand new worlds, there’s a special magic in revisiting these forgotten fantasy series and enjoying them again at home.
Beloved shows like Hercules remain popular and hold up well over time, but many fantasy series are eventually forgotten. If you’re looking for a show that sparks a nostalgic “Oh, I remember that!” feeling and is still just as enjoyable as you recall, there are several whose magic continues to captivate.
Search Out the Legend of the Seeker
While inspired by Terry Goodkind’s The Sword of Truth books, Legend of the Seeker creator Sam Raimi didn’t aim for a strict adaptation, and the show doesn’t follow the books closely.
Craig Horner, known from shows like Blue Water High and Once Upon a Time, stars as Richard Cypher, a hero on a mission to overcome the villain Darken Rahl. Bridget Regan, who has appeared in Agent Carter and The Rookie, gained a dedicated fanbase for her role as Mother Confessor Kahlan Amnell. The series ran for two seasons, from 2008 to 2010, but was ultimately cancelled when viewers who had read the original books noticed significant differences between the show and the source material.
Even if you’re unfamiliar with the original books, Legend of the Seeker delivers everything you’d want in a fantasy show, and it has the author’s blessing. Just go into it without expecting a direct adaptation, and you’ll be able to enjoy it without being bothered by its less-than-stellar reviews.
The Shannara Chronicles Needs to Come Back
Before becoming famous for his role as Elvis, Austin Butler played a half-elf, half-human warrior in the 2016 MTV series . The show, created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, followed .
Beyond the presence of Sebastian Croft, the dynamic between Poppy Drayton (known from the Charmed reboot) as the Elven Princess, Ivana Baquero (Pan’s Labyrinth, Spartacus: House of Ashur) as a thief who becomes a loyal friend, and Manu Bennett (The Hobbit trilogy, Arrow) as a powerful, centuries-old Druid creates an ideal team to assist Ohmsford in protecting the Four Lands.
As a fan, I still can’t believe The Shannara Chronicles managed a 79% score on Rotten Tomatoes with such a limited MTV budget – imagine what it could have achieved with the resources of a streaming giant like Amazon or HBO! It’s so frustrating that it was canceled after just two seasons, especially after being moved to Spike. To make things even worse, the show ended on a huge cliffhanger! Hopefully, if Austin Butler needs another project, he’ll revisit this world because there’s so much more story to tell.
Take a Journey to The Outpost
The CW’s The Outpost was created by Kynan Griffin and Jason Faller and first aired in 2018. The show centers on Talon, played by Jessica Green (known from The Librarians: The Next Chapter), who is the last remaining member of her tribe, the Blackbloods.
Okay, so this show isn’t exactly a blockbuster with a huge budget – you’ll need to go with it a little and not worry too much about how everything looks. But honestly, the acting more than makes up for it! Jake Stormoen, who you might recognize from the Mythica films and Extinct, is great, and Imogen Waterhouse (The Buccaneers) and Robyn Malcom (Rake, Upper Middle Bogan) really lead a fantastic cast of women. It’s a strong female-led story, and that’s a big part of what makes it work.
Though you might see echoes of shows like Xena, The Outpost delivers a classic fantasy adventure with humor and a touch of romance, making it perfect for anyone wanting a new series to get hooked on.
Merlin, But Make Him Young and Sarcastic
There are many King Arthur and Merlin adaptations, but the 2008 series remains remarkably timeless. It concluded in 2012, and the creative team – Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Johnny Capps, and Julian Murphy – seemingly worked magic, as the show still boasts an impressive 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Colin Morgan, known from shows like The Fall and Humans, plays a young and somewhat awkward Merlin who’s discovering his magical abilities. Bradley James, who has appeared in Damien and Medici: Masters of Florence, plays King Arthur as very self-assured. Their playful back-and-forth creates a fun, comedic dynamic that’s often missing in fantasy series.
Merlin is a fantastic fantasy show with a little bit of everything – heartwarming friendships, witty banter, plenty of laughs, exciting magic, and a fresh take on the classic stories of King Arthur, Merlin, and Guinevere. The only weak spot is the very last episode, so feel free to skip it if you decide to watch the series again.
Goodness, Gracious, It’s Kröd Mändoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire
The show Kröd Mändoon and the Flaming Sword of Fire only lasted for one season in 2009. While this makes it a quick and easy show to watch all at once, it doesn’t have the lasting impact of longer-running series.
Even though it only has a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this comedy remains charming. While most fantasy shows focus on detailed storylines or action, Kröd Mändoon prioritizes humor and a fast-paced, unpredictable feel. This makes it different from other shows in the genre, and also helped it become memorable.
Comedians Matt Lucas (known from shows like Rock Profile and Doctor Who), Chris Parnell (SNL, Anchorman, 30 Rock), and Kevin Hart (Jumanji movies, Die Hart) all added their comedic talents to this typically more dramatic type of show. Kröd Mändoon is perfect for viewers who enjoy wonderfully absurd characters and a captivating story.
The Legend of William Tell is a Fantasy Brat Pack Adventure
The Legend of William Tell is a little-known fantasy series that reimagines the classic tale of William Tell, giving it a similar feel to the Robin Hood story, complete with magical elements and a touch of romance.
Originally airing in 1998 as a 16-episode series, the show is beautifully set against the landscapes of New Zealand, which almost feels like another character. Kieren Hutchison, known for his roles in One Tree Hill and Monarch Cove, plays William Tell. He’s joined by Andrew Robertt (Secret Agent Men, Orange Roughies), Nathaniel Lees (Mortal Engines, Sweet Tooth), and Beth Allen (from several Power Rangers shows), all of whom either aid or challenge Tell throughout his journey.
As a fan, I’m always amazed by how well this series holds up! It’s clear Raymond Thompson really cared about the little things when he created it, and honestly, it feels like that dedication is why it still feels so fresh and relevant today. It really has stood the test of time.
The New Legends of Monkey’s Old Tricks Still Hold Up
While the story of New Legends of Monkey has roots in the classic 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West, and was previously adapted for Japanese television in the 70s and 80s, the 2018 Netflix series by Craig Irvin and Jacquelin Perske feels like a modern take that will remain popular with audiences for a long time.
With a blend of heart, humor, action, and a clear story, New Legends of Monkey is a captivating show. Over two seasons, it follows the journey of Chai Hansen (known from The 100 and Watching You) as the god Monkey. He’s on a mission to find ancient scrolls, aided by two fallen gods and a young child.
Luciane Buchanan (known for The Night Agent and Chief of War), Josh Thomson (from the Australian The Office), and Emilie Cocquerel (The Letter for the King) join the cast as key characters accompanying the group on their quest for the scrolls. The show currently has a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but its future is uncertain as it hasn’t been officially renewed for another season.
Roar While Watching Heath Ledger
Many fans revisit films like A Knight’s Tale or 10 Things I Hate About You to remember Heath Ledger, but The Lion in Winter also deserves attention. In it, Ledger plays Conor, a prince without a home who needs to bring together warring Celtic tribes, liberate his people from the Romans, and avenge the deaths of his family and those he cared about.
Roar, a fantasy adventure series created by Shaun Cassidy and Ron Koslow for Fox, is perfect for a weekend binge. The show features a strong cast, including Lisa Zane (known from Monkeybone and L.A. Law), Sebastian Roche (General Hospital, Fringe), Vera Farmiga (The Departed, Bates Motel), and John Saint Ryan (EZ Streets, Coronation Street), alongside Heath Ledger as the lead character, Conor.
I have to admit, Roar didn’t stick around for very long – it only lasted one season, and critics weren’t blown away, giving it a 45% score on Rotten Tomatoes. But looking back, it debuted right in the middle of the Hercules: The Legendary Journeys craze, and honestly, it just got lost in the shuffle. It wasn’t a bad show, it just didn’t have a chance to really stand out.
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2026-04-12 01:40