When it comes tofantasyshows on TV, the genre is surprisingly both a playground of creativity and a battlefield of early farewells. Fans are blessed with shows that are heavy on magic, time loops, talking beasts, cursed bloodlines, chosen ones, you name it. However, despite the wonder and the awe they evoke, most fantasy TV shows barely make it past two or three seasons.
The reasons vary. The story arcs either conclude on time, the networks decide to shake things up, or it is the classic “fans loved it, but critics hated it” dilemma. Sometimes, it is simply the cost of conjuring dragons out of thin air on a meager budget. Either way,short-lived fantasy showsare more common than long-running ones.
And that is why the rare long-running fantasy shows, the ones that managed to stretch their enchanting story past five or more seasons, are literal gems. These are the ones that don’t just introduce fans to fantastical worlds, but allow room for evolution and growth. They survive the roller coaster of ratings, last through several changes in the cast, and even expand the lore in an organic way. In this list, we count down ten fantasy series that defy the norm. Because they have a lot of seasons that you can binge for a while.
10’The Magicians' (2015 – 2020)
The Magicians
Adapted from the trilogy of novels written by Lev Grossman,The Magiciansis set against the backdrop of Brakebills University. It may seem like an average college from the outside, but it’s actually a secret institution for those gifted with magic. It begins with Quentin Coldwater, a reserved grad student who finds out that the fantasy world of Fillory is real and is posing a danger to humanity. Teaming up with a cast of misfits, he fights gods and monsters alike.
Dark but Deeply Addictive
Across five seasons, we witness that, in the university, the spells are complex, the consequences are brutal, and the curriculum is harsh enough to include interdimensional travel. The show premiered on Syfy in 2015 andquickly carved out a cult followingfor the way it delivered emotionally raw storytelling. Each season was better than the last. From Season 2’s chaos in Fillory to Season 3’s key quest, the writing is always sharp, a little bit hilarious, and ever afraid to explore the unknown.
9’Grimm' (2011 – 2017)
Grimmtakes place in Portland, Oregon, and follows homicide detective Nick Burkhardt, whose life is turned upside down when he discovers that he has descended from a long line of supernatural guardians known as Grimms. Charged with the duty of protecting people and maintaining the balance between humanity and mythical creatures called Wesen, Nick must navigate the world of fairy-tale-inspired monsters, all while keeping his day job.
Folklore Meets Gritty Crime-Solving
Grimmis one of those rare fantasy TV shows that blends police procedural with dark fantasy elements, introduces new factions, and tackles themes of legacy and mortality. Its six-season run fuses genres. It starts with monster-of-the-week cases, then evolves into an elaborate, rich lore complete with ancient artifacts, royal bloodlines, and political conspiracies. The series received praise for its inventive creature development and steady escapist tone.
7 Highly Anticipated Fantasy Shows Coming in 2025
With the genre constantly one-upping itself with more ambitious and immersive shows, it’s no surprise that 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year.
8’Fantasy Island' (1978 – 1984)
Fantasy Island
Created by Gene Levitt for ABC, this one is a classic. Its plot goes something like this: On a remote island somewhere in the Pacific, a bunch of exclusive guests arrive with the intention of living out their deepest desires in real life. Whether it is reliving a lost romance, becoming a movie star, or dealing with personal trauma, there is space for dreams both noble and nefarious to come true.
Unique and Immersive Fantasy Playground
If you’re drawing comparisons withThe White Lotus, let us remind you thatFantasy Islandis in no way similar. Each episode of the series unfolds like a story about mortality, with Mr. Roarke and his assistant Tattoo create elaborate scenarios that subvert expectations and reveal hidden truths. The series ran for seven seasons and 152 episodes, becoming a Saturday night ritual for many. It was rebooted for a single season in 1998, and another sequel premiered on Fox back in 2021, all to decent response.
7’Once Upon a Time' (2011 – 2018)
Once Upon A Time
Set in the quaint town of Storybrooke, Maine,Once Upon a Timepresents a reality where fairy tale characters live under a powerful curse that has stripped them of their memories and identities. Emma Swan, a skeptical bail bondswoman, discovers that she is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming. And that’s not all. Her son, Henry, believes that she is the key to breaking the curse of the Evil Queen.
A Timeless Fairy Tale Reimagined
Over the course of seven amazing seasons, the show revealed layered backstories for beloved fairy tale characters like Rumplestiltskin, Captain Hook, and Belle. The narrative expands wide enough to include realms like Neverland, Camelot, and the Underworld,weaving characters from Disney and literature alike. The fantasy series thrives on reinvention. Each season introduces something new and even though Season 7 pivots to a new cast and setting, it’s still bingeworthy.
6’Outlander' (2014 – Present)
During the harsh aftermath of World War II, a British combat nurse named Claire Randall is enjoying a second honeymoon in Scotland with her husband when she is mysteriously transported back in time from 1945 to 1743 Scotland. Despite not knowing how and why she got there, Claire gets embroiled in clan politics, Jacobite rebellions, and a passionate romance with a Highland warrior named Jamie Fraser.
It Rewards Patience With Passion
Outlanderthrives in its emotional core and historical significance. We watch a saga that transcends time and space, a romance that tries to tackle wars, colonial America, and personal tragedies, and a lush narrative of survival unfolds over the course of seven seasons. Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan anchor it all with their very human performances. And even though it has a fantastical premise, it is just as intellectually engaging as it is meticulously researched. Beloved by fans, Outlander is a slow-burning epic you can watch for a while.
5’Buffy the Vampire Slayer' (1997 – 2003)
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
A favorite for a reason,Buffy the Vampire Slayertakes you to the sleepy California town of Sunnydale and tells the story of Buffy Summers. Buffy is not your average high school student. She is the latest in a long line of “Slayers,” young women endowed with superhuman strength and agility and tasked with protecting the world by battling vampires, demons, and other forces of darkness. She is joined by her loyal friends Willow and Xander, her mentor Giles, and a rotating cast of allies.
A Fantasy Icon That Never Gets Old
Buffy the Vampire Slayerran for seven captivating seasons, neatly wrapped up all the arcs, and it still doesn’t feel enough. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character faces everything from ancient prophecies to cursed vampires and the show evolves from a teen drama to a layered and fearless exploration of power. Each seasonintroduces a new “Big Bad,”and we all remember Spike and Glory. Critically acclaimed and culturally iconic, the show single-handedly helped redefine the fantasy genre on television.
4’Charmed' (1998 – 2006)
Set in modern-day San Francisco,Charmedtells the story of three sisters, Prue, Piper, and Phoebe Halliwell, as they find out that they are the Charmed Ones and that their destiny is to protect the innocent from the many forces of evil. Their powers include telekinesis, time-freezing, and premonition. Which they use to ward off demons, warlocks, and other supernatural threats.
Spells and Sisterhood
There have been new Charmed Ones in the 2018 reboot, but we’re adequately partial to the original Halliwell sisters. Over eight seasons, they juggle magical battles as well as their careers, romances, and motherhood. All while keeping their true identities a secret. An impressive feat.Charmedis undoubtedly a defining fantasy series of the early 2000s and its evolving mythology has drawn in long-term fans that still turn to nostalgia and familiarity.
3’Game of Thrones' (2011 – 2019)
Game Of Thrones
In the land of Westeros, the only game played is one of power.Game of Thronesbegins with the nine noble families vying for control of the Iron Throne, but one thing leads to another, and it quickly spirals into an epic about war, prophecy, dragons, and politics. From the threat of the White Walkers to the rise of Daenerys Targaryen, there are dozens of intertwining storylines being told across continents.
Epic Scale and Ruthless Twists
Over the course of its eight seasons and 73 episodes, this dense and character-driven saga cements its reputation as one of the most groundbreaking fantasy series in the history of the genre. Its cinematic production, morally complex characters, andthe most shocking plot turnswere a delight to watch, even for fans of George R.R. Martin’s novels. In the early seasons, the show’s direction is meticulous. And even though the final season sparked debate,Game of Thronesremains gripping and unforgettable from start to finish.
2’Adventure Time' (2010 – 2018)
10 Seasons
Adventure Time
Another animated classic to make it to our list of long-running fantasy shows to binge for a while isAdventure Time. Set in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo, it follows Finn the Human and Jake the shape-shifting Dog as they embark on surreal adventures. It may appear to be a whimsical cartoon on the surface, but the series reveals a rich mythology, tragic backstories, and evolving relationships between characters like Princess Bubblegum and Marceline.
Endlessly Inventive and Whimsical
Spanning ten delightful seasons and 283 episodes,Adventure Timehas consistently proved itself to be one of the most boundary-pushing and visually stunning fantasy shows on television. It combines slapstick humor with genuine moments of love, loss, and growing up. And that’s where its genius lies. Created by Pendleton Ward, it is inventive, bold, and relatable. Also, as the seasons progress and Finn matures, the world of Ooo expands into multiverses, and it is a rare sight to witness.
10 Fantasy Shows That Are So Obscure They’re Practically Myths
These are imaginative, boundary-pushing fantasy TV shows that never got their due and quietly flew under the radar.
1’One Piece' (1999 – Present)
20 Seasons
Monkey D. Luffy is a young pirate and dreamer with an infectious grin. He sets sail to become the King of the Pirates by finding the legendary treasure known as the One Piece. But, of course, he cannot do it alone. So along the way, he assembles a diverse crew, names it the Straw Hat Pirates, and together, they traverse the Grand Line. They battle tyrants, encounter marines, and defeat mythical beasts.
A High-Seas Adventure That Never Runs Dry
With over 1,100 episodes and counting,One Pieceis the ultimate long-running fantasy show. Its storytelling is equal parts whimsical and profound. And that is because world-building defines imagination and the swashbucking action is impossible to look away from. The sky-bound cities and underwater kingdom, the emotional backstories of beloved characters, and the escalating stakes, all converge into intricate plotlines that have earned the series global acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
