10 Incredible Fantasy TV Shows You Probably Missed

Fantasy TV shows offer a perfect way to escape reality without leaving home. Early fantasy shows were often lighthearted and focused on everyday life with a touch of magic. Shows like Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie from the 1960s used supernatural powers mostly for comedic effect, rather than building complex, detailed worlds.

By the 1990s, fantasy shows began to explore more mature themes and tell ongoing, connected stories. Shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer combined classic myths with complex characters and their personal journeys. This change allowed fantasy to become a way to tell long, emotionally engaging stories, instead of just offering self-contained, one-off adventures.

Fantasy TV shows really took off in the 2010s, becoming incredibly popular thanks to epic, ongoing stories and increased production values. Shows like Game of Thrones and Once Upon a Time reached massive audiences and became some of the most successful fantasy series ever. At the same time, shows like Supernatural demonstrated that this type of storytelling could consistently attract dedicated viewers for many seasons on traditional networks and cable channels.

Many excellent, smaller fantasy TV shows – particularly comedies – don’t get the attention they deserve. Their niche appeal means they often struggle to find large audiences or high ratings, even if critics praise them. Here’s a list of 10 fantastic fantasy shows from various eras and subgenres that are likely to be known only to dedicated fans.

The Flying Nun (1967-1970)

Sally Field played Sister Bertrille, a new nun in the TV show The Flying Nun. Because she was very light and wore a large head covering, she could actually fly when the wind blew! The show was charming because it presented this silly idea as if it were perfectly normal.

Many fantasy sitcoms from that time, like Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie, focused on characters hiding their magical powers. But The Flying Nun was different – Sister Bertrille openly used her gift, simply requesting that people who saw it keep it a secret.

The show was a success for ABC in its first season and ran for three seasons total. Though it didn’t become as famously beloved as shows like The Addams Family or The Munsters, its quirky and lighthearted humor still makes it a uniquely charming fantasy comedy.

The Ghost & Mrs. Muir (1968-1970)

Hope Lange starred as Carolyn Muir, a recent widow who moves into a charming seaside cottage—only to discover it’s haunted by the ghost of its previous owner, Captain Daniel Gregg (Edward Mulhare), a man from the 1800s. A big part of the show’s charm came from the playful push and pull between the free-spirited Carolyn and the Captain, who was set in his old-fashioned ways.

Even though they had very different ways of seeing the world, the two characters slowly grew to care for each other and found common ground. Unlike many fantasy comedies at the time, The Ghost & Mrs. Muir was known for its gentle and heartfelt approach, blending humor with both warmth and a touch of sadness.

The show’s beautiful seaside location and melancholic mood set it apart, and Jessica Lange’s acting won her two consecutive Emmy Awards. Although it never attracted huge audiences, critics loved it. While it may not be as famous as other shows from the 1960s, The Ghost & Mrs. Muir remains a beloved and sophisticated classic for many viewers.

Galavant (2015-2016)

Galavant is a surprisingly funny and charming fantasy comedy series. Created by Dan Fogelman and featuring music by Alan Menken—the famed Disney composer—the show centers on Galavant (played by Joshua Sasse), a former knight who goes on an adventure packed with dragons, kings and queens, magic, and plenty of silly side quests.

Okay, let me tell you, this show is completely committed to its own silliness, and that’s what makes it brilliant. Galavant isn’t just a parody of those medieval fantasy stories – it actually tells a really sweet, surprisingly emotional story with characters you genuinely start to care about. And the songs! Seriously, every musical number is clever, catchy, and elevates the whole thing way beyond what you’d expect from a show with this kind of premise. It’s a delightful surprise.

Even though the show focuses more on humor and music than on its fantastical setting, it still builds a vibrant fairy-tale world with magic, adventure, and love stories. Despite positive reviews and a dedicated fanbase, Galavant is a surprisingly underappreciated television show.

Wonderfalls (2004)

I recently discovered this show called Wonderfalls, and it’s totally unique! It follows Jaye Tyler, a smart woman who just finished college but is stuck working at a cheesy souvenir shop near Niagara Falls. Things get really weird when little animal statues start talking to her, giving her these strange missions to help random people. It’s a bit quirky, but I’m hooked!

Reviewers loved the clever writing by Bryan Fuller and the show’s unique style, which mixed dry wit, dreamlike fantasy, and genuine emotional moments. Even though critics gave it high praise, Fox didn’t really promote the show, often changing when it aired and showing episodes in the wrong order.

Despite only four episodes airing in the U.S. before its cancellation, Wonderfalls – a show with 13 episodes total – gained a following after the rest were released internationally. Now, it’s considered a hidden gem from Bryan Fuller’s early work and a unique example of a funny, thoughtful fantasy comedy on a major network.

Joan of Arcadia (2003-2005)

The TV show Joan of Arcadia centers around Joan Girardi, a teenager played by Amber Tamblyn, who starts having visits from God – who appears as different people. The show draws a subtle connection to the historical figure Joan of Arc. Each week, Joan faces what seem like unrelated tasks or ethical dilemmas, but these challenges slowly connect to form a bigger picture and impact the lives of her family and friends.

Joan of Arcadia is a unique show that combines the relatable experiences of teen dramas with thought-provoking questions about faith and life’s purpose. It doesn’t rely on flashy effects, instead focusing on how something greater than ourselves affects everyday people, their families, and the choices they make. When it first aired in 2003, the show was a hit with both critics and viewers, who appreciated its fresh approach, emotional honesty, and well-crafted stories – qualities that set it apart from most teen shows at the time.

The show was boosted by strong acting, especially from Tamblyn. Although it initially received award nominations, viewership dropped, and CBS ultimately canceled it after two seasons. Now, it’s fondly remembered as an intelligent drama that was a bit ahead of its time, and a unique fantasy series on network TV because it explored themes of faith without being overly religious.

Forever (2014-2015)

Ioan Gruffudd plays Dr. Henry Morgan in the TV series Forever. Dr. Morgan is a medical examiner in New York City who never ages and helps the police solve crimes. Throughout the show, he’s also trying to find a way to finally end his immortality. Each episode features a current case alongside glimpses into Henry’s long life, showing how living forever has affected him emotionally.

When the series first came out, reviews were mixed – some critics thought it didn’t offer anything new to the popular genre of supernatural crime shows. But viewers quickly fell in love with it online, drawn in by its heartfelt and somewhat sad atmosphere, as well as a subtle, endearing performance by Gruffudd.

Even though it received good reviews, ABC canceled the show Forever after just one season, in part because they worried the main storyline wouldn’t be able to continue for many years. This cancellation has become a defining part of the show’s history. Now, Forever is fondly remembered as one of the many TV series that ended prematurely, and stands out as a genuinely heartfelt fantasy crime show from the 2010s.

Grimm (2011-2017)

The show Grimm takes inspiration from classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales, but presents it in the style of a police drama. It centers on Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), a detective in Portland, who learns he’s descended from a long line of Grimms. These Grimms are responsible for keeping the peace between humans and the Wesen – mythical creatures who live hidden among us.

The success of the show stemmed from its clever blend of ongoing fantasy storylines with self-contained weekly cases. This approach kept the show engaging throughout its six seasons and over 120 episodes. It gradually developed a rich mythology, memorable characters, and a surprisingly believable supernatural universe.

I absolutely loved Grimm when it was on NBC – it really grabbed me and had a dedicated following. But honestly, it feels like it’s faded from the conversation compared to shows like Supernatural, Buffy, or even Once Upon a Time. It’s a shame, because I think it was just as good, if not better, and I wish more people still talked about it!

Pushing Daisies (2007-2009)

The show Pushing Daisies follows Ned (Lee Pace), a baker who can bring dead people back to life for a short time with just a touch. He teams up with private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) to solve crimes by briefly reviving victims and getting them to reveal their killers.

The heart of the show lies in Ned’s relationship with Chuck, his childhood sweetheart, whom he resurrects but can never physically touch. Critics loved its unique approach, storytelling style, beautiful visuals, and the way it mixed mystery, romance, and the fantastical elements of a fairy tale.

Although the show received great reviews, its unusual style and continuing storyline kept it from attracting a large audience on ABC. Now, it’s considered a beloved cult classic that was cancelled prematurely, and it’s recognized as one of Bryan Fuller’s most important creations. Its popularity has actually increased thanks to people discovering it on streaming services.

Carnivàle (2003-2005)

Carnivàle is a dramatic, fantastical series set in America during the Great Depression. It tells two separate stories that gradually connect, ultimately revealing a larger battle between good and evil. This conflict is rooted in religious beliefs, mysterious symbols, and predictions of the end of the world.

Reviewers loved the show’s boldness, its immersive mood, beautiful visuals, and unique storytelling. It stood out from other shows on TV with its slow burn, mysterious vibe, complex plot, and rich symbolism. But viewers had mixed reactions. The show’s deliberate pace and intricate backstory were difficult for some to get into.

HBO’s Carnivàle was a pioneering fantasy series, appearing before the network had fully built its reputation for high-quality television. Now, it’s considered a cult classic – a bold and imaginative attempt at fantasy television that unfortunately ended after only two seasons, leaving many to wonder what might have been.

Dead Like Me (2003-2004)

I absolutely loved Dead Like Me! It’s about George Lass, this really sarcastic 18-year-old who dies way too young. But that’s not the end of her story! She ends up joining a team of grim reapers working right here in Seattle. The show is all about her trying to figure out this bizarre new job, dealing with the fact she’s left her family behind, and just navigating all the weird rules and paperwork that come with being a reaper. It’s surprisingly funny and really touching.

This show is a unique mix of dark comedy, thoughtful moments about life’s big questions, and relatable workplace drama, all set against a supernatural backdrop. What really made it stand out was its ability to handle the topic of death with both humor and sadness, rather than focusing on shocking visuals. Created by Bryan Fuller, the series bears his trademark style – strange supernatural ideas, dry wit, and a gentle approach to the subject of death. Fuller ultimately left the show due to disagreements about its creative direction.

Despite being well-loved, Dead Like Me never achieved high ratings on Showtime and stayed a favorite among a smaller, dedicated audience. Now, it’s considered one of the best fantasy TV series that many people still haven’t discovered, and a unique example of the emotionally resonant fantasy shows that became popular later on.

2026-05-23 19:13