The CW Made Some Surprisingly Good Fantasy TV Shows, And These 5 Are Easily The Best
The surge in popularity of fantasy programming can be attributed to the triumph of “Game of Thrones”, with numerous contemporary hits now accessible through streaming platforms such as HBO or premium networks. It’s less common these days to find new fantasy series on traditional television, primarily due to the substantial budgets needed to create a captivating fantasy world and the challenge of competing against giants like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. However, despite the difficulties, there have been several noteworthy fantasy series produced on network TV, with The CW contributing significantly to the genre by producing some truly unforgettable shows.
The CW may not have an abundance of high fantasy series, but it explores this genre by incorporating aspects of it into various shows. It boasts numerous programs with supernatural elements, making them part of that genre. Furthermore, it occasionally blends the fantastical into its teen dramas and superhero stories. Indeed, the CW is quite pioneering when it comes to such programming, but some stand out as exceptional choices on their roster.
5. Riverdale (2017-2023)
7 Seasons
Riverdale initially follows the conventional path of a teen drama and mystery series on The CW, but as the seasons progress, it embraces its fantastical aspects, making it one of The CW’s most distinct shows to venture into such territory. Riverdale is an intriguing series for The CW, veering off course frequently throughout its seven-season journey. Yet, this unpredictability is part of its allure, as Riverdale has gained fame and affection for its outlandish and fantastical plot twists. Its small-town ambiance and captivating characters also contribute to its appeal, ensuring discussions about it continue long after its conclusion.
Without a doubt, Riverdale has its share of issues – like occasional narrative inconsistencies and subpar writing at times. It also fails to fully exploit its fantastical elements early on, which limits its potential compared to other shows on The CW that better utilize genre conventions. Nevertheless, Riverdale offers a campy, enjoyable experience and is one of the most identifiable series that The CW has introduced in the last decade. Despite not being the best fantasy show on the network, its enduring legacy and entertainment value keep it relevant among top picks, though others outshine it.
4. iZombie (2015-2019)
5 Seasons
iZombie, airing on The CW, is one of their less recognized yet incredibly engaging TV shows, boasting an original and captivating blend of realism and the fantastical. This series stands out with its protagonist, a recently turned zombie disguising herself as human, making it a cut above many other supernatural shows on The CW. The unique concept sets iZombie apart from other supernatural series on The CW. Beyond being a refreshing take on the zombie subgenre, it offers strong writing, well-developed characters, and a perfect balance of suspense and comedy.
IZombie is an underrated gem that truly deserves a wider audience. With its impressive 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear that those who do watch it find it deeply resonant. The series boasts minimal flaws and stands out among The CW’s exceptional supernatural fantasy lineup. Sadly, due to its relatively smaller impact in the genre, it often gets overshadowed by more popular titles, but make no mistake – it’s equally captivating and deserving of your attention.
3. The Originals (2013-2018)
5 Seasons
The Originals is noteworthy as a 2010s fantasy series and spinoff, though it may not quite match the peaks of The Vampire Diaries. Over its five seasons, this show offers ample action and vampire folklore, making it a captivating choice for fans of the genre. Its intricate cast of characters leaves viewers yearning for more, provided they have watched The Vampire Diaries prior. Through these characters, it delves into the concept of family, even amidst progressively complex relationships. Although some storylines become repetitive over time, it remains an engaging and absorbing experience.
Compared to “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Originals” delves deeper into its mythology, making it a potential stronger choice for the fantasy genre. However, it doesn’t share the same iconic status or resonate as deeply with viewers. Its 84% Rotten Tomatoes score indicates that while it can drag in parts and exhaust its energy quicker than its predecessor, it does conclude on a high note. Consequently, although “The Originals” is one of The CW’s popular shows, it falls slightly behind “Vampire Diaries” when assessing their fantasy offerings.
2. The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
8 Seasons
Despite waning in its later seasons, The Vampire Diaries remains a popular series on The CW, with fans rewatching it annually. This enduring popularity is the reason why it holds such a high position among the network’s fantasy shows. While TVD’s lore isn’t particularly innovative, its small-town setting and engaging characters create an immersive world that viewers find themselves drawn back to repeatedly. The show never strays from its lore, consistently adding to it throughout its seasons.
Though not as high-quality as a series like Interview With the Vampire, The Vampire Diaries stands out as an engaging addition to network TV’s fantasy genre, despite some drawbacks. Despite losing steam in its final seasons due to cast departures and stale storylines, the show maintained enough appeal to secure an 86% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes. While it may not reach the pinnacle of The CW’s lineup because of its flaws, its enduring impact keeps it close.
1. Supernatural (2005-2020)
15 Seasons
Without a doubt, the standout fantasy series to emerge from The CW is undeniably Supernatural. Its impressive 15-season run and lasting impact speak volumes about its value. While not every season of Supernatural is flawless – much like other long-running shows, it experiences occasional dips and spikes in quality – the exploits of Sam and Dean Winchester continue to resonate deeply with viewers. The show evokes powerful emotions and offers a viewing experience that invites repeated viewings, even after completion. Supernatural boasts humor, emotion, clever twists, and several top-tier episodes – the essential ingredients of great television.
The TV show “Supernatural” excels at incorporating fantasy elements into its storyline, continually developing and enriching its universe while drawing upon existing mythology to create fresh challenges for the Winchesters. One reason it continues to resonate is because of its captivating environment. Compared to other fantasy shows on The CW, “Supernatural” stands out as the most robust. Even its less impressive seasons and episodes surpass many other series, and it boasts fewer flaws than numerous network projects. Its 93% Rotten Tomatoes score after 15 seasons is a testament to this.
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2025-04-28 07:48