We all need an escape from time to time (Or for at least one hour every evening with a glass of wine and no one to talk to. Just me?) That’s what makes fantasy TV series such a fun distraction. It’s not really possible to think about all the work that didn’t get done or the list of errands to run when you’re trying to understand magical realms, mythical quests, and interspecies romances.
I asked some friends to help me make this list of series that can help me escape to another place without leaving the couch. What did we miss?
I know, there was a lot of heat thrown at the last season (Why, Daenerys, why?), but this drama based on the series of novels by George R. R. Martin is still worth it. I definitely had to watch season one twice to get everyone’s names and families straight, but after you get a handle on Westeros, you’ll be hooked until the final showdown for the throne.
Lucifer (Fox/Netflix)
The devil’s got a brand new gig in this series based on the DC Comics character Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis). In this show, he’s taken the elevator up from hell to make Los Angeles his home and spends his free time solving crimes, believe it or not. It’s got all the supernatural goodies you would expect but with plenty of humor, too.
A Discovery of Witches (Sundance Now)
Consider this the Twilight for grownups. Based on the trilogy by Deborah Harkness, the show centers on Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer) a historian, professor and reluctant witch who finds herself teaming up with fellow academic Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode), who also happens to be a vampire. Who doesn’t enjoy a tale of forbidden love?
True Blood (HBO)
If you want some lighter vampire fare, you can’t go wrong with this campy take on The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris, which centers on telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin). Full of southern charm and lots of blood, every season is full of crazy surprises and a cast of creatures that are very easy on the eyes.
Those looking for action and with a taste for all things Medieval can tag along with the Witcher as he hunts down all things dark and wicked across The Continent. In this series based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski, Henry Cavill stars as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hitman of sorts bound to protect the 12-year-old Princess Ciri (Freya Allan).
His Dark Materials (HBO)
Have you ever wondered if the world you live in is the only world out there? If so, then you need to add this series inspired by the Philip Pullman trilogy to your queue. Young orphan Lyra (Dafne Keen), a girl at the center of a mysterious prophecy, uncovers other worlds while trying to find her missing friend. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)
Every family has a showoff. But what if everyone in the family had a special talent? In this adaptation of the comic series, a group of adopted siblings (who also happen to be superheroes) comes back together to figure out what really happened to their father. And oh yeah, they may have to save the world, too.
Who says a fantasy show has to be super serious? In this quirky comedy, America’s sweetheart Kristen Bell stars as the not-so-sweet Eleanor Shellstrop, who ends up in what appears to be heaven after her untimely death. But not all is as it seems in this land of do gooders and endless frozen yogurt.
Supernatural (The CW)
Need a new show to binge? Ready to really get invested in a series? Then this one starring Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki as the supernatural fighting, constantly bickering-but-sure-to-make-you-cry brothers Dean and Sam Winchester is for you. Angels, demons, heaven and hell — in 15 seasons, they’ve seen it all.
Once Upon a Time (ABC)
Fairy tales are a big part of childhood. Personally, I also seem to identify with the villains in these stories. Those stories are far darker and more complicated in this drama set between the fairy tale world and the town of Storybrooke, Maine, which happens to be populated by real fairy-tale characters with alter egos.
Which fantasy series is your favorite? Did I miss any? Share your picks in the comments.
