Emily Flores
Fantasy shows are no strangers to bold creativity, yet not all manage to stay in public memory. Over time, some productions aired quietly or ended too soon. Their obscurity often hides inventive storytelling and surprising details. What follows is a list of 10 little-known fantasy shows that most viewers never encountered but remain worth exploring.
Gormenghast (2000)
This adaptation of Mervyn Peake’s novels follows young heir Titus Groan rebelling against ancient castle traditions, while ambitious kitchen servant Steerpike schemes for power. Built with practical sets instead of CGI, the gothic series created haunting grandeur but quickly faded from memory despite its visual magnificence.
The 10th Kingdom (2000)
How often does a network commit to nearly seven hours of fantasy television? “The 10th Kingdom” tried, airing as a bold miniseries on NBC. The show followed Virginia and her father, who stumble from New York into the Nine Kingdoms. They face trolls, dwarves, and even a cunning Wolf.
Spellbinder (1995)
“Spellbinder” told the story of a teenager who finds himself pulled into a parallel dimension controlled by Spellbinders, authoritarian figures wielding strange medieval-style technology. Created through an Australian-Polish collaboration, it was unusual for its time. Multilingual performances required dubbing, and although it never broke into the mainstream, it remains a rare cross-cultural experiment.
Neverwhere (1996)
Neil Gaiman’s “Neverwhere” carried a moody charm when it first appeared on BBC Two. It follows Richard Mayhew, an ordinary man who slips into London Below, a hidden world beneath the city filled with strange characters. The production was filmed in tunnels and stations, which are rarely seen on screen.
The Dresden Files (2007)
Jim Butcher’s “The Dresden Files” novels inspired a SyFy series in 2007, though it ended after just one season. Viewers followed Harry Dresden, a Chicago detective who also wielded magic, battling dark forces while solving crimes. The mix of noir mystery and supernatural storytelling had plenty of untapped potential.
Legend Of The Seeker (2008–2010)
Based on Terry Goodkind’s novels, “Legend of the Seeker” followed woodsman Richard Cypher as he embraced his destiny to battle dark forces alongside Kahlan. The show had a cinematic quality as it was filmed entirely in New Zealand’s stunning wilderness. However, broadcast restrictions limited its reach, and it quietly faded after two seasons.
Carnival Row (2019–2023)
The show lasted only two seasons before its world of humans and mythical beings faded away. “Carnival Row,” set in a Victorian-style city, mixed political intrigue with detective fantasy. Even with Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, its high-budget sets and effects made it difficult to keep alive.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015)
This BBC miniseries drew from Susanna Clarke’s acclaimed novel and reimagined the Napoleonic era with the return of magic to England. Period costumes and settings were crafted with meticulous authenticity. Despite a glowing critical response, “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” slipped quietly past global audiences.
Galavant (2015–2016)
Few shows dared to mix musicals, comedy, and fantasy like “Galavant,” which followed a knight on absurd, song-filled adventures. Its songs came from Disney legend Alan Menken, while filming in the UK brought a tongue-in-cheek nod to familiar fantasy tropes. Low ratings forced cancellation after two seasons, but streaming revived it.
Emerald City (2017)
Lasting just one season, “Emerald City” took Oz into darker territory. Dorothy’s path carried her into a war-torn realm where rival witches fought for dominance. With elaborate sets, sweeping Spanish backdrops, and layered characters driving political intrigue, the series built an ambitious world that never caught the attention of wider audiences.