The Golden Age of Television stretched from 2000 to 2023, and some of the greatest fantasy shows debuted during that time period. The genre has seen so much progress over the past few decades, with technological advancements and the popularity of several influential fantasy shows driving that.
TV shows like Game of Thrones, with its sprawling storyline and multiple character arcs, proved that there was a market for fantasy. While Game of Thrones’ impact will forever be felt, there are shows in the genre that highlight why 2000 to 2023 truly was the Golden Age of Television.
The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
Available To Stream On: Netflix
The Vampire Diaries ran for eight seasons from 2009 to 2017. When the supernatural teen drama’s first season aired, it was clear that there was something special about it. Granted, the series had some moments that left a lot to be desired, but there’s no denying that it revolutionized TV shows about the supernatural.
What TVD did so exceptionally well was how it paid attention to both its antagonists and protagonists. The series has some of the most complex villains in a fantasy series, and that’s down to how well they were written. From the love triangle between Elena, Damon, and Stefan, to the brotherly love between the Salvatores, TVD has earned its place in the Golden Age of TV.
The Sandman (2022-2025)
Available To Stream On: Netflix
The Sandman was canceled for understandable reasons, but the show’s premature ending doesn’t negate all the effort that went into it, from both the cast and those behind-the-scenes. The dark and gritty series is complicated in a lot of ways, but it also tells a smart story involving gods that will keep you entertained.
While The Sandman has gorgeous visuals, the show’s biggest accomplishment is its cast. Tom Sturridge is captivating as the powerful Dream, and the rest of the actors give stunning and memorable performances. Despite the mixed reviews that The Sandman has gotten, its rich world and complex characters set it apart from other fantasy TV shows.
Supernatural (2005-2020)
Available To Stream On: Netflix
With 15 seasons, Supernatural is one of the longest-running fantasy TV shows to ever grace the small screen. The CW’s series longevity wasn’t brought about by pure luck. Instead, it built its large fan base by ensuring that its two main characters, Dean and Sam Winchester, remained the show’s anchor until the very end.
Although the show is long, it’s easy to watch, and that’s because the dynamic between Dean and Sam makes the series funny, but also infuses it with emotional depth. Even in its slower moments, Supernatural offers a masterclass on how to have characters that audiences can get invested in. With its adventure and horror elements, Supernatural is a cut above the rest.
Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)
Available To Stream On: HBO Max
Based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones is one of the best fantasy series of the past two decades. At the time of its premiere, there was simply no other TV show that had managed to have the same level of storytelling and world-building as the HBO fantasy series.
From the magical elements to the fight for the Iron Throne, Game of Thrones revolutionized the genre. While the fantasy series’ ending angered some of its fan base, that doesn’t take away from how good it is. Game of Thrones’ characters are truly what will grab you, as they’re realistic, and thus, easy to both love and hate.
The Wheel Of Time (2021)
Available To Stream On: Prime Video
Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time is one of the most divisive fantasy series, as not everyone who loves Robert Jordan’s book series is a fan of the TV adaptation. That being said, there’s no escaping the fact that The Wheel of Time has attributes that make it a great fantasy show from the Golden Age of Television.
The series has an enthralling world with a captivating magic system that’s easy enough to follow. While the characters could use a little more work, there’s no arguing that Rosumnud Pike is exceptional as Moiraine. Unfortunately, The Wheel of Time was canceled after its third season, so it didn’t have the opportunity to turn its weaknesses into strengths.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
Available To Stream On: Netflix
What makes or breaks a fantasy show usually comes down to how its world is brought to life and how its characters are written. Thankfully, Avatar: The Last Airbender does both exceptionally well. The show only has three seasons, and they are perfect from start to finish, which is a rare feat in the fantasy genre, as some TV shows tend to fall off as they continue.
The show invites its audience into Aang’s journey as he masters the four elements, but it also balances his story with great characters that are essential to its narrative. There’s something appealing about seeing the different kingdoms that Aang and his friends explore on their adventures, which is made better by the seamless action scenes.
The Magicians (2015)
Available To Stream On: Netflix
The Magician’s premise is by no means revolutionary, as it includes several tropes we’ve seen countless times in fantasy TV shows. However, the series reinvents those conventions, and it alters itself with each new season, resulting in higher stakes as it goes on. Despite being great from start to finish, The Magicians remains grossly underrated.
The magic school trope might be common, but it’s executed incredibly well in The Magicians because the show finds a way to balance its lore with a darker, more realistic approach. The series’ themes help it stand the test of time and cement its place as a rewatchable show.
Merlin (2008)
Available To Stream On: Prime Video
Over the years, there have been several adaptations of King Arthur’s story, with Merlin ranking at the top of the list. The fantasy series perfectly builds up its story and immerses viewers in Camelot and its title character, who has to keep his powers a secret.
But what makes Merlin such a superb series is the dynamic between Arthur and the mage. As the two go on adventures, it’s easy to fall in love with the characters and enjoy their relationship, which anchors the show. Although Merlin makes some significant changes to its source material, it’s a funny and wholesome series, with a monster-of-the-week format that consistently keeps it fresh.
Arcane (2021)
Available To Stream On: Netflix
Of all the video game adaptations released during the Golden Age of Television, Arcane is the one that stands out as the best. Based on the League of Legends characters, Netflix’s animated series balances its high-stakes story with a stunning world filled with magic, advanced technology, and incredible action.
Every episode of Arcane is perfectly executed, its characters are given ample opportunity to shine, and the soundtrack complements the show’s narrative. At first glance, it’s clear that a lot went into bringing the League of Legends characters to life, but what will really make you stay with the show till the very end is how its story unfolds.
His Dark Materials (2019)
Available To Stream On: HBO
His Dark Materials is based on Philip Pullman’s fantasy book trilogy. The author’s story was previously adapted in the 2007 film, The Golden Compass. However, the later fantasy series did justice to its source material, and that’s because it had enough time to build its world and develop its characters.
Since there are three books in the series, each season of His Dark Materials adapts a corresponding novel. What makes His Dark Materials such a masterpiece lies in how everything unravels. The first season introduces audiences to its main protagonists and outlines the stakes, while the second and third seasons pay off Lyra’s adventure.