Though the recentfantasyrenaissance on television might have you thinking that all speculative fiction TV shows are as explicit asGame of Thrones, this is far from the truth. Fantasy might have gotten a foothold in the cultural conversation thanks to some of the more controversial and intense content within modern series. However,there are plenty of engaging shows that appeal to young adults.More mature than childhood series but not quite as graphic as adult-oriented projects, many of these works are greatfantasy TV shows for beginners.
Few of these areobscure fantasy TV shows that hardly anyone remembers, but that’s what makes them great watches for someone early in their fantasy experience. Many of these works are based on beloved books or have deep ties within cultural conversations, providing a sense of community alongside an unforgettable narrative. While some of these series have elements that target young or older audiences at times, for the most part,they achieve the difficult balance of crossing over between generations.
For many young adults, there are few fantasy book series as nostalgic asPercy Jackson and the Olympians, and audiences have been waiting a long time for them to get a worthy screen adaptation. In 2023, we finally got our wish with the Diseny+ series led by Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri as Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. If things keep going well forPercy Jackson,there’s no reason why all five books in the initial series shouldn’t be brought to life onscreen.
The original movies fell flat because they didn’t live up to the viewers' expectations, butPercy Jackson and the Olympiansis refusing to have that problem.
Percy Jacksonseason 2 will be released in December2025, and while the wait for the follow-up season has been agony, the fact that the series is taking its time is a good thing. The original movies fell flat because they didn’t live up to the viewers' expectations, butPercy Jackson and the Olympiansis refusing to have that problem. Adding new material and reshaping the novels' stories to reflect contemporary cultural conversations, the new series is as fun as the books.
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Before he was Elvis, Austin Butler was a half-elf hero inThe Shannara Chronicles, a TV series based on Terry Brooks' novel seriesThe Sword of Shannara. Following Butler’s Wil and his allies Amberle (Poppy Drayton) and Eretria (Ivana Baquero),The Shannara Chroniclessees the group travel across the gorgeous fantasy landscape and help Wil accept and fulfill his destiny.However, just because Wil is the prophesized hero doesn’t mean thatThe Shannara Chroniclesfails to uplift its supporting characters.
SinceThe Shannara Chroniclesfollows a group of young adults, even if their responsibilities are much larger than that, the series includes plenty of interpersonal drama alongside the magical plot. Though it was canceled after season 2,The Shannara Chroniclesis still worth getting into, asit’s the perfect balance between high fantasy and teen drama.The chemistry of the main cast helps keep the viewer invested and uplifts the world-building required to understand the series.
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Philip Pullman’sHis Dark Materialsnovels are known aschildren’s fantasy books that hit differently as an adult. The HBO series captures this balance perfectly. It’s told from the perspective of Lyra, who’s just a young girl at the start of the show.His Dark Materialsgrapples with serious subjects and sees Lyra growand develop into a powerful young woman. In conversation with relevant themes of oppression, religion, and coming-of-age,His Dark Materialsis a great book-to-screen adaptation.
His Dark Materialswill hit home for young adults because the audience will see their own loss of innocence and first steps toward adulthood reflected back at them through Lyra.
Though the TV show does take some creative liberties with the text, it’s overall a faithful adaptation and stays true to the heart of Pullman’s work.His Dark Materialswill hit home for young adults because the audience will see their own loss of innocence and first steps toward adulthood reflected back at them through Lyra. Dafne Keen, the actress who brings Lyra to life, is a strong protagonist who portrays Lyra’s courage as much as she does uncertainty, making her character vividly real.
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This animated series might have originally aired on Nickelodeon and was meant for kids, but this hasn’t prevented it from being one of the most critically acclaimed cartoons of all time. Telling a brilliantly plotted three-season story about Aang, a young boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders,Avatar: The Last Airbenderincludes some of the best character development in fantasy.From Zuko’s redemption arc to Aang’s grief over the loss of his people,ATLA
Though every season is iconic,ATLAonly becomes more serialized, leading to the epic showdown between Aang and Firelord Ozai in the final episodes. While there are still plenty of light episodes that audiences can put on and get lost inAvatar: The Last Airbender’s serious tone and gripping discussions of war and loyalties can sneak up on the viewer, suddenly packing an enormous emotional punch. Additionally,the magic system of the series is simultaneously easy to understand while being intriguingand packed with spellbinding lore.
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Without the chemistry between Colin Morgan and Bradley James, it’s likely thatMerlin, the BBC’s retelling of the legend of King Arthur, wouldn’t have been as successful. However, the series capitalized off of their comedic timing and genial verbal sparring very well, juxtaposing the serious dramatic performances from veteran actors like Anthony Head and John Hurt’s voice work as the dragon. Though there have been many takes on the Arthurian stories,Merlinbrings a new and unique perspective to the well-known stories.
Centering on the young Merlin and Arthur before they were the wise sorcerer and fair king they came to be known asMerlinmakes these fantasy heroes relatable and accessible.
Centering on the young Merlin and Arthur before they were the wise sorcerer and fair king they came to be known asMerlinmakes these fantasy heroes relatable and accessible. This is a key piece of whyMerlinworks so well and why younger audiences respond so well to the series. Though some of the visual effects are dated by today’s standards,Merlinshines because it shows undiscovered parts of its characters. The series helps the audience empathize with everyone, crafting nuanced moral questions.
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Starring Jennifer Morrison as Emma Swan, the unlikely hero of a group of displaced fairy tale characters,Once Upon A Timeis notable because of how well Emma’s character evolves throughout the story. When we first meet Emma, she finds it hard to believe that the residents of the small Maine town she comes to could possibly be magical princesses and heroes.Once Upon A Timeuses flashbacks of the fairy tale world that parallel the Earth storylines. Through this, the viewer roots for Emma to place her trust in Storybrooke.
Once Upon A Timehas dark elements, but unlike many harsh, brutal contemporary fantasy TV shows,the enduring themes of hope and love conquering all are the driving force behind the narratives.As the series progresses,Once Upon A Timeintroduces new fairy tale creatures and worlds, broadening the scope of the story to include many different properties. The early seasons are the strongest, butOnce Upon A Timeis a great show for viewers to get lost in, with many seasons that are uplifting to the very end.
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Like many of thebest fantasy TV shows with only one season,My Lady Janewas canceled before its time, as the iconic series could’ve gone on for many seasons. Loosely based on the novel of the same name,My Lady Janeis a fantasy fictionalization of the short-lived reign of the real Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for just nine days. However, inMy Lady Jane,Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel give Jane and her love interest Guildford much more to do and an even more heroic story.
My Lady Jane: The 10 Funniest Moments Of Season 1
Known for its anachronisms and tongue-in-cheek humor, My Lady Jane has many hilarious moments throughout season 1 of the fantasy romance TV show.
My Lady Janeleans further into romantasy territory than some of the other young adult fantasy shows. It has a few more explicit scenes and dialogue, but it’s a good middle-ground between shows for young audiences and adult viewers. With plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor and gorgeous costumes and sets,My Lady Janebalances the fun side of the story with the yearning of Jane and Guildford’s love story with ease.The series successfully grapples with its inherent juxtaposition and makes you care deeply about the characters.
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As one of thebest supernatural teen drama TV shows,The Vampire Diariesis enduring for a reason.Starring Nina Dobrev as Elena, the magnetic humanwho attracts the attention of the vampire brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore, played by Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder,The Vampire Diariesthrives on its romantic entanglements. However, the magical and mystical elements of the series don’t get lost, as they play a role in the love stories and dramatic narratives of the project.
WhileThe Vampire Diariesisn’t afraid to lean into the melodrama of its story, it also doesn’t take itself too seriously, mining its premise for comedy whenever it can. With so much lore and exciting developments in every episode,The Vampire Diariesmoves at a quick pace, sure to keep modern audiences engageduntil the final season. Additionally, since there are two spinoff shows,The OriginalsandLegacies, there’s no shortage of narratives to dive into withinThe Vampire Diariesworld.
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2Wednesday (2022–Present)
Jenna Ortega leads this dark fantasy comedy
It’s been a few years sinceWednesdayseason 1 dropped on Netflix,quickly skyrocketing to fame and showcasing what a talent Jenna Ortega is. As the macabre and sardonic Wednesday Addams, Ortega cements herself as more than a scream queen, bringing unexpected depth to the well-known character. Though waiting for season 2 has been difficult, the next collaboration between Ortega and Tim Burton, one of the series' executive producers, will likely be everything we’ve been wanting to see.
Wednesday is a relatable protagonist, as she isn’t afraid to be different and doesn’t feel the pressure to change herself to be what other people want her to be.
Wednesday is a relatable protagonist, as she isn’t afraid to be different and doesn’t feel the pressure to change herself to be what other people want her to be. Not only is this a great message for young viewers, but it’s also a resounding encouragement for audiences of all ages to be themselves and focus on what they want out of life. However,Wednesdaystill manages to sneak some character development into the story, demonstrating that it’s okay for Wednesday to change as long as it’s on her terms.
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This underrated ghostly teen drama has been making waves recently,and it’s easy to see whySchool Spiritsis gaining traction in the fantasy genre. Following Peyton List as Maddie, a high school student who wakes up one day and realizes she’s no longer in the land of the living,School Spiritssees Maddie navigate her new reality while attempting to solve her murder. It’s a dark premise, butSchool Spiritsdoesn’t shy away from that.
The series balances the emotional depth required to deal with so much death with plenty of fun and lots of intriguing mystery elements to keep the audience engaged. With a relatable high school setting and plenty of interconnecting plot threads,School Spiritsstands out among teenfantasyprojects from recent years. It has a unique and offbeat premise, but it isn’t afraid to take itself seriously, with List pulling her own as the compelling protagonist.
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