Rediscover These 10 Underrated Fantasy Shows That Deserve Your Attention!

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As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the enduring allure of the fantasy genre in our entertainment landscape. Time and again, grandiose franchises like J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” and J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” have ensnared our collective imaginations and transported us to realms of epic quests, colossal conflicts, mythical beasts, and enigmatic riddles. Over the years, as the fantasy genre has continued to grow and adapt, it has also found a firm place on our television screens.

From the 80s and 90s through to the early 2000s, there was a rise in popular high fantasy and supernatural shows. However, it was during the 2000s that we saw more complex and groundbreaking series like “Lost” take center stage, pushing the boundaries of television. As we entered the 2010s, fantasy had become an integral part of mainstream culture, with shows such as HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” virtually reinventing the genre for a new audience. Despite the widespread success, there were numerous underappreciated fantasy series that slipped through the cracks. The following 10 underrated gems from the 2010s are certainly worth revisiting, as you’ll soon discover.

10
‘Da Vinci’s Demons’ (2013 – 2015)

The fictional series, Da Vinci’s Inventions, delves into the life of a youthful Leonardo da Vinci during the Renaissance period in Florence. The narrative is filled with intrigue and innovation as Leonardo becomes entangled in the power struggles between the Medici and Pazzi families, and their complex ties to the Catholic Church. Each installment offers a glimpse into his thoughts, his internal battles, and his insatiable thirst for knowledge.

An Ambitious Fantasy Ahead of Its Time

Traversing the delicate balance between historical truth and imaginative storytelling, this series portrays Leonardo da Vinci blazing a legendary trail. Developed by David S. Goyer for Starz and starring Tom Riley in an exceptionally captivating portrayal of Da Vinci, the show was visionary for its time. Rich visuals, intricate characters, his uncanny visions, and pioneering inventions push the limits of genre conventions. Although it was innovative, Da Vinci’s Demons did not receive the recognition it deserved.

9
‘Haven’ (2010 – 2015)

Drawing inspiration from “The Colorado Kid,” a novel by Stephen King, Haven unfolds as a captivating fantasy series. It invites viewers into the quaint coastal town of Haven, where strange phenomena are an everyday occurrence. The narrative commences when FBI agent Audrey Parker is transferred to this peculiar town. Not long after her arrival, she comes to understand that Haven harbors individuals with extraordinary talents, who are collectively referred to as “The Troubles.

Full of Supernatural Mysteries

Over its five-season span, the show Haven veered so far from its original content that it essentially became a distinct series on its own. This was done quite effectively. It blends the conventions of traditional small-town crime stories with the captivating allure of supernatural lore, employs a weekly monster theme, and delivers tales that span from extraordinary to terrifying. The lead characters are played by Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant, and Eric Balfour, and watching Rose’s portrayal of Audrey as she tackles mystical perils and ancient curses is an enjoyable guilty indulgence.

8
‘The Almighty Johnsons’ (2011 – 2013)

In the TV series titled “The Almighty Johnsons“, an ordinary existence gets a fantastical twist as four siblings discover they are reborn versions of Scandinavian gods residing in New Zealand. When the youngest sibling, Axl, reaches maturity and claims Odin’s powers, he sets out on a journey to reignite their divine abilities, boost their strength, fulfill prophecies, and prevent three Norse goddesses from hindering them from achieving their maximum potential.

Mundane Life Meets Divine Prophecies

The television series, The Almighty Johnsons, typically begins with the Johnson siblings handling everyday issues such as arguments over women, socializing, and enjoying their days. However, when they encounter the intense, high-stakes duties associated with their divine roles, the plot becomes engaging, lively, and comical. Not long after, the family finds themselves catapulted into a whirlwind of mythological escapades, which is supported by clever dialogue, witty humor, and plenty of relatable personal turmoil.

7
‘The Fades’ (2011)

This six-part BBC series, penned by Jack Thorne, centers around a teenage character named Paul. He’s been having troubling dreams about ghostly figures called Fades. As he uncovers his unique ability to see these spirits, he learns that a catastrophic event is imminent. Joining forces with his close friend Mac and a band of ghost hunters, Paul embarks on a mission to prevent the Fades from invading our world and causing devastation.

A Chilling, Character-Driven Series

1. Let me clarify a few points first. The series “The Fades” was honored with the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series in 2012; it has an impressive approval rating of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, thanks to the critical acclaim it received. Critics were particularly impressed by its gripping and intriguing narrative. The series ends on a suspenseful cliffhanger, but unfortunately, it was never renewed for another season. Despite this, it’s definitely worth watching for its raw visual style, chilling storyline, exceptional performances by Iain De Caestecker as Paul and Daniel Kaluuya as Mac, and poignant emotional moments.

2. To provide some background information, the series “The Fades” won the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series in 2012; it boasts an approval rating of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes due to its favorable reviews from critics. The narrative was praised for being tense and engaging. Unfortunately, the series ended on a cliffhanger without any plans for a second season. However, its gritty aesthetic, haunting storyline, standout performances by Iain De Caestecker as Paul and Daniel Kaluuya as Mac, and emotional depth make it worth watching.

3. To set the stage, “The Fades” was awarded the BAFTA for Best Drama Series in 2012 and earned an approval rating of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes due to positive reviews from critics. They appreciated its intense and captivating narrative. The series concluded with a dramatic cliffhanger, but regrettably, it was never renewed for another season. Nevertheless, its gritty visual style, unsettling storyline, powerful performances by Iain De Caestecker as Paul and Daniel Kaluuya as Mac, and emotional impact make it a must-watch.

6
‘Wynonna Earp’ (2016 – 2021)

In the 2010s, there was an attempt to revive the genre of Westerns with a contemporary twist. Based on Beau Smith’s graphic novels, Wynonna Earp follows the story of its namesake character, who is the rebellious great-great-granddaughter of Wyatt Earp, a renowned lawman from the past. She inherits both his firearm and the duty to confront the evil spirits that have tormented their family for generations, having been resurrected once more.

Iconic Female-Led Adventure

In the enigmatic town known as Purgatory, the show follows Wynonna joining forces with her sibling Waverly, the immortal Doc Holliday, an eccentric band of companions, and battling supernatural dangers to safeguard their home and people. What makes it unique is its fearless fusion of horror, witty conversations, well-developed characters, and creative plot twists. Melanie Scrofano skillfully portrays the toughness and fragility of her character, while the action scenes are thrilling. Unfortunately, it often goes unnoticed.

5
‘Camelot’ (2011)

Over time, multiple adaptations of the Arthurian saga have emerged on screen, be it in movies or TV shows. However, the series Camelot offers a fresh take on this timeless story that’s hard not to admire. Following the unexpected demise of King Uther, Britain finds itself plunged into turmoil. The enigmatic Merlin steps in and transforms a commoner, Arthur, into the new monarch. As he strives to fulfill his preordained role, Arthur encounters betrayal and hostility, mainly from his half-sister Morgan, who covets the throne for her own ambitions.

A Grand Reimagination of a Legend

In this show, medieval sorcery takes center stage, with Joseph Fiennes portraying the passionate Merlin and Eva Green embodying the cunning Morgan. The series Camelot, despite not garnering acclaim for its innovative plotlines and striking visuals, was reminiscent of popular fantasy TV shows that preceded it, eventually ending after only ten episodes. However, its unique concept and grandiose scope make it a lesser-known treasure worth discovering.

4
‘Dirk Gently’ (2010 – 2012)

As a passionate film buff, I can’t help but be captivated by the offbeat detective series, Dirk Gently, inspired by Douglas Adams’ renowned novels. In this show, Stephen Mangan brilliantly portrays the enigmatic Dirk Gently, a detective who sees the universe as an interconnected web. Employing a unique, holistic approach, he untangles the most puzzling mysteries, even when his methods seem peculiar to the rest of us. His assistant Richard MacDuff and everyone else are consistently left in awe by Dirk’s unpredictable outcomes.

Detective Drama with Fantasy Twist

The fantasy series in question crafts a lively and quirky universe that’s unlike anything else, making it hard to pin down a specific genre due to the bizarre, often unexplainable investigations and outcomes. Despite this, it’s an engaging watch thanks to Adams’ dry wit in the writing and the playful direction. The series’ diverse plotlines, though seemingly unrelated, come together delightfully. Unfortunately, Dirk Gently often gets overlooked due to its competition with traditional crime dramas.

3
‘Galavant’ (2015 – 2016)

As a movie connoisseur, I must say that the title “Galavant” immediately sets the stage for an enchanting journey into the realm of fantasy and adventure. This captivating tale masterfully intertwines musical humor with the grandeur of medieval lore, focusing on the valiant knight, Galavant. In his quest for retribution against the malevolent King Richard, who has stolen his beloved Madalena, our hero encounters a twist: Madalena chooses to remain with King Richard due to his wealth. Amidst this turn of events, Galavant finds himself aiding Princess Isabella in her mission to reclaim the kingdom of Valencia from King Richard’s tyrannical rule.

Not Your Traditional Fairy Tale

Galavant offers a captivating blend of witty scripting, enchanting narratives, and catchy tunes. Essentially, it’s like having Disney on TV, yet surprisingly, it didn’t resonate with mainstream viewers, getting canceled after only two seasons. The show, conceived by Dan Fogelman, benefits from the charismatic acting of Joshua Sasse and Timothy Omundson. It exudes an infectious energy and enthusiasm, making it a production that deserves more acclaim.

2
‘The Shannara Chronicles’ (2016 – 2017)

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my enthusiasm for “The Shannara Chronicles,” a captivating series conceived by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. This tale is beautifully set in the imagined realm of the Four Lands, a post-apocalyptic landscape where magic has supplanted technology. The narrative follows me, a half-elf named Wil Ohmsford, the noble elf princess Amberle, and the cunning human rogue Eretria as we band together on an urgent mission: to halt the summoning of an ancient demon army that threatens to annihilate our world entirely.

Criminally Underrated High-Fantasy

Based on Terry Brooks’ “The Sword of Shannara” trilogy, this series is a must-revisit due to its unique blend of classic fantasy tropes with modern flair. Austin Butler, known for his performances in films like “Elvis” and the upcoming “Dune: Part Two”, stars alongside Poppy Drayton and Ivana Baquero, seamlessly balancing the intricate plot, character development, and the constant battle between good and evil. Unfortunately, due to its debut on TV when the fantasy genre was already saturated, it didn’t attract a large audience and was sadly canceled after two seasons.

1
‘Grimm’ (2011 – 2017)

In a delightful, humorous, and captivating way, Grimm is a beloved long-standing fantasy series that’s hard not to adore. The story centers around Nick Burkhardt, a detective who uncovers his ancestral roots as the final Grimm – these are enigmatic guardians tasked with maintaining order among mystical creatures called Wesen. As Nick navigates his dual roles as a detective and a Grimm, he relies on his trusted allies to keep everything under control.

A Hidden Treasure Worth Exploring

The way police procedurals incorporate alluring mythological elements into their storylines is fascinating, and under the skilled direction of Stephen Carpenter, Jim Kouf, and David Greenwalt, this series becomes exceptional. It showcases impressive acting from David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, and Silas Weir Mitchell, who breathe depth into their characters as they explore themes of self-discovery. The mysteries often unfold on an episode-by-episode basis but are interconnected within a broader, twisted narrative arc.

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2025-02-25 02:03