What’s the value of a huge, complex fantasy story if it doesn’t have a satisfying conclusion? That’s what many fans are still asking about Game of Thrones, even years after its controversial ending left so many disappointed and upset. For nearly ten years, Game of Thrones was considered the best fantasy show on television, filled with impressive battles, complex politics, and spectacular dragons. However, instead of being remembered as a groundbreaking series, it’s often discussed as a show that ultimately couldn’t live up to its own high expectations.
The real challenge with fantasy television isn’t just creating impressive visuals. It’s about carefully managing the story’s rhythm, overall structure, and knowing when to reveal information. Game of Thrones initially excelled at this, but ultimately faltered by speeding up storylines and rushing to conclusions, leaving a blemish on what could have been a perfect series. The shows on this list are a welcome change, demonstrating that fantastic world-building and compelling mythology can still come together with a satisfying and well-executed ending.
You might notice some popular shows aren’t included in this list. Shows like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power are still ongoing, so it’s too early to compare them. While shows like Carnival Row were enjoyable, they didn’t have the same level of storytelling quality. We’ve chosen eight series that are as ambitious as Game of Thrones, but actually deliver a better experience, particularly with endings that feel earned and consistent with the characters.
‘His Dark Materials’ (2019-2022)
HBO
Based on Philip Pullman’s popular book series, His Dark Materials is a captivating show full of wonder and thought-provoking themes. Over three seasons, the series follows Lyra Belacqua (played by Dafne Keen) and Will Parry (Amir Wilson) on their adventures through different worlds, encountering everything from armored bears and witches to the powerful and controlling Magisterium. Ruth Wilson delivers a chilling performance as the formidable Mrs. Coulter, adding to the show’s intensity.
While the final season of Game of Thrones felt rushed, His Dark Materials carefully adapted Philip Pullman’s books, concluding in 2022 with a powerful and emotionally satisfying finale. The show’s excellent pacing, particularly in adapting The Amber Spyglass, allowed the bittersweet ending for Lyra and Will to unfold naturally. Ultimately, His Dark Materials surpasses Game of Thrones because it prioritized and effectively portrayed the characters’ emotional arcs.
‘The Magicians’ (2015-2020)
SyFy
Syfy’s The Magicians is frequently compared to an adult version of Harry Potter, but it’s actually a more complex show. Over five seasons, it creates a magical world that’s both captivating and perilous. The series centers on Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph) and his companions as they uncover Fillory, a fantastical land similar to Narnia. It also expertly balances humor and drama, shifting quickly between lighthearted comedy and intense, emotional moments.
This show wasn’t afraid to take risks, trying things like musical episodes and self-aware storytelling – something Game of Thrones never did. What really sets it apart is how thoughtfully it wrapped up even minor storylines. While the death of Quentin in Season 4 caused debate, the show didn’t shy away from the consequences. Ultimately, the writers delivered a satisfying ending by prioritizing genuine emotion over a neat and tidy resolution.
‘Merlin’ (2008-2012)
BBC One
The BBC series Merlin, inspired by the stories of King Arthur, didn’t have the massive budget of a show like Game of Thrones, but it made up for it with genuine emotion. The show, which ran for five seasons, follows young Merlin (Colin Morgan) and Prince Arthur (Bradley James), mixing together comedy, excitement, and heartbreaking moments.
Rather than overwhelming viewers with backstory, Merlin prioritized the relationships between characters, making Camelot a world you looked forward to returning to each week. Anthony Head’s portrayal of King Uther was powerfully intense, and Katie McGrath’s Morgana became one of the most iconic TV villains of her time. The finale didn’t avoid the difficult moments – Arthur’s death and Merlin’s grief – and showed how Merlin’s years of devotion ultimately led to heartbreaking loss. This gave the ending a genuine emotional impact that Game of Thrones never quite managed.
‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009-2017)
The CW
Balancing epic fantasy elements with relatable, personal drama is tough for any show, but The Vampire Diaries pulled it off remarkably well. The CW series, which began in 2009, quickly gained a dedicated following with its interconnected stories of vampires, witches, and mysterious doppelgängers. At its heart was a complex love story between Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and the Salvatore brothers, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder).
I have to say, The Vampire Diaries really knew how to tell a story. The pacing was fantastic – every twist and cliffhanger felt natural and deserved, never cheap. The finale, back in 2017, delivered on that promise with some genuinely moving moments. We saw Stefan make the ultimate sacrifice to finally take down Katherine and Hell itself, and Elena finally got her happy ending, waking up to a human life with Damon. And in a sweet touch, they even reunited Stefan with Damon in the afterlife. Honestly, despite all the drama, the show gave each character a satisfying, complete journey.
‘Grimm’ (2011 – 2017)
NBC
The TV show Grimm, which ran on NBC from 2011 to 2017, wasn’t a major hit, but it gained a dedicated fanbase by blending crime investigation with elements of traditional stories. The show follows detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) as he learns he’s a ‘Grimm’ – a protector responsible for keeping the peace between humans and Wesen, mythical creatures from fairy tales and folklore.
What sets Grimm apart from Game of Thrones is its consistency. Grimm always stays true to its central story: Nick Burkhardt’s journey to reconcile his responsibilities, his values, and his family life. The 2017 finale provided a satisfying conclusion, with Nick using his family’s power to defeat the ultimate enemy and save the world. We also see heartwarming developments for other characters – Rosalee and Monroe have triplets, and Kelly and Diana grow up and work together. Throughout its run, Grimm consistently delivers a clear and well-focused narrative.
‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005-2008)
Nickelodeon
As a huge animation fan, I still think about Avatar: The Last Airbender all the time. It originally aired from 2005 to 2008, and it’s truly one of the best fantasy shows ever made. The story follows Aang, a young guy who has to learn to control water, earth, fire, and air to save the world from the Fire Lord. But what really sets it apart is how incredibly detailed everything is – the world feels so real, the different ‘bending’ styles are amazing, and it’s full of interesting cultures and spiritual ideas. Plus, the characters aren’t just there to support Aang; Zuko, Katara, and Toph all go through their own complex and important journeys.
A fantastic series deserves a great ending, and “Sozin’s Comet” truly delivers one of the best finales in TV history. While shows like Game of Thrones stumbled when trying to meet high expectations, Avatar: The Last Airbender created a thrilling, moving, and completely satisfying conclusion. Aang’s decision not to kill Ozai, but instead take away his power, highlighted the show’s strong moral compass. Plus, the storylines for Zuko, Katara, and Sokka all reached fulfilling conclusions, which is why fans continue to consider it a benchmark for how to end a TV series.
‘The Good Place’ (2016-2020)
NBC, 2018
Okay, so at first glance, The Good Place doesn’t scream epic fantasy, right? It feels more like a really clever sitcom… but about the afterlife. Honestly, by the time the show finished its run in 2020, it completely blew my expectations away and proved to be one of the most original fantasy shows of the last ten years. Created by Michael Schur, it centers around Eleanor Shellstrop, played brilliantly by Kristen Bell, who winds up in what seems like heaven, only to quickly realize things are… a lot weirder than they appear.
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Led by the always-engaging Ted Danson, and featuring a fantastic supporting cast including William Jackson Harper, Jameela Jamil, and Manny Jacinto, The Good Place made complex philosophical questions surprisingly easy to watch. The show was also smartly structured – each season felt fresh and moved the story along at a good pace, and the 2020 finale provided a satisfying and elegant conclusion. Unlike Game of Thrones, which faltered when faced with challenges, The Good Place consistently valued its core ideas and characters, delivering a heartfelt yet optimistic ending.
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997-2003)
The WB
When Buffy the Vampire Slayer first aired in 1997, it wasn’t expected to become such an important show in the fantasy genre. Created by Joss Whedon, the series transformed the silly idea of a teenage vampire hunter into a complex story about overcoming difficult experiences and finding strength. Sarah Michelle Gellar played Buffy as a character who was both fierce and emotionally fragile, and she was supported by a close group of friends – affectionately known as the “Scooby Gang” – who brought a lot of heart to the show.
The show’s blend of self-contained episodes and ongoing storylines explored a wide range of themes, from the challenges of being a teenager to epic, world-ending conflicts. It demonstrated that fantasy could be about more than just defeating monsters – it could also be about personal growth. The 2003 finale of Buffy didn’t close things off, but instead broadened the show’s universe. The choice to distribute Buffy’s power among many potential Slayers was a powerful move, transforming the ending into a message about the importance of community and leaving a lasting impact.
I’ve been thinking about it, and there have been eight TV shows recently with endings that really stuck the landing! It got me wondering – out of all the fantasy shows out there, which one had an ending that really left you feeling satisfied?
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2026-02-03 20:06