If something, the present decade has confirmed the ability of the fantasy franchise. From excessive fantasies resembling The Wheel of Time, The Lord of the Rings, and Home of the Dragon, to collection resembling The Legend of Korra and Steven Universe, fantasy has confirmed itself to be an impactful style, opening up the viewers to an imaginative universe that gives nuanced solutions to the common inquiries many maintain in the true world.
However fantasy tv has clearly existed for much longer than simply these previous few years. The 2000s, specifically, gave us a slew of entertaining new fantasy collection propped up by developments in expertise and constructing upon the success of iconic ’90s reveals like Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Themes of household, morality, love, and justice have been dutifully explored within the aforementioned reveals and in fantasy collection altogether. In the course of the daybreak of a brand new century, these tv collection stay beloved because of their engagement with the evolution of the characters themselves, concrete worldbuilding, and charming storytelling.
Listed below are the ten finest fantasy collection from the 2000s that also maintain up completely at present.
10
‘The Vampire Diaries’ (2009 – 2017)
Tailored from the L.J. Smith novels, The Vampire Diaries debuted on the tail finish of the last decade and but would go on to be an iconic fantasy within the years to come back. Taking inspiration from different well-liked fantasy franchises in syndication earlier than its premiere episode, the collection follows Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a younger teenager from the fictional city of Mystic Falls, Virginia, who not too long ago misplaced each of her mother and father.
Coping with the grief of her loss, duties as an older sister, and typical highschool hurdles, Elena finds solace in her diary. That’s till she meets new scholar Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). As the 2 develop nearer, Elena and her pals rapidly unearth the secrets and techniques of Mystic Falls and be taught that Stefan isn’t who he seems to be, leading to nearly a decade’s price of supernatural melodrama.
A Brooding and Enthralling Look into the Supernatural
A typically wholesome mixture of romance, thriller, and fantasy, The Vampire Diaries stays enthralling, even with its weaker moments. Be it due to the love triangle between Elena, Stefan, and Stefan’s older, mischievous brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder), a detailed take a look at witchcraft by the use of pals like Bonnie (Kat Graham) and the menacing but emotionally advanced villains resembling Katherine (Nina Dobrev), and the Originals, the collection captured the eye of audiences longing for a brand new teen drama. Since its premiere, the collection has been rightfully credited as influencing the subsequent technology of supernatural teen dramas.
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9
‘Carnivale’ (2003 – 2005)
Carnivale
- Launch Date
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2003 – 2004
- Community
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HBO
- Administrators
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Jeremy Podeswa, Jack Bender, Scott Winant, John Patterson, Rodrigo García, Tim Hunter, Alan Taylor, Alison Maclean, Dan Lerner, Peter Medak, Steve Shill, Todd Subject
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Bree Walker
Sabina Engstrom
Regardless of solely airing for 2 seasons earlier than a cancelation, Carnivale stays probably the most creative dramas of the mid-2000s. Set in the course of the Nice Melancholy, the collection follows a touring carnival comprised of people tapped into the esoteric.
Divided into two fundamental storylines, the viewers follows a younger hopeful named Ben (Nick Stahl), who joins mentioned carnival and turns into aware about therapeutic powers that he continues to hone in on all through the collection. Concurrently, a Methodist preacher named Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown) learns of his personal talents, believing them to be an indication from God. Because the collection progresses, each plots slowly converge, leading to an thrilling and intriguing story about future and the complexity of morality.
A Uniquely Compelling Darkish Fantasy
Taking inspiration from Christianity, Gnosticism, and the lore of the Knight’s Templar, the collection rapidly comes into its personal as a universe with its distinctive worldbuilding, entrenched lore, and recognizable aesthetics, one thing most fantasy initiatives yearn for. Regardless of a swift cancelation and followers being left with a cliffhanger, many proceed to look fondly on the present as an bold journey that compelled audiences to rethink their relationships to their virtues in addition to the nuances that make up and separate situations of free will from destiny.
8
‘Charmed’ (1998 – 2006)
Charmed
- Launch Date
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1998 – 2005
- Community
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The WB
- Showrunner
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Brad Kern
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Darcas Macopson
Uniformed Cop
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Holly Marie Combs
Piper Halliwell
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-
Charmed follows the lives of the three Halliwell sisters as they be taught of and make use of their magical powers. Set in San Francisco, the collection introduces audiences to the eldest, mature sisters, Prue (Shannen Doherty), her center, level-headed sister Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and youthful, enthusiastic sister Piper (Alyssa Milano) as they vanquish demons, fall in love, and discover their sisterhood following the introduction of magic of their lives.
A Defining, Modern Fantasy
The one late ’90s entry within the article, Charmed continues to carry a particular place within the hearts of its audiences. Managing to operate strongly as a household sitcom in addition to it features as a fantasy journey, the collection would entertain audiences with its fast, comedic beats, savory romantic plots, in addition to an enchanting look into witchcraft from the angle of latest American sisters. Regardless of the controversy and ache connected to the collection, Charmed stays integral to the material of contemporary fantasy tv.
7
‘Smallville’ (2001 – 2011)
Smallville takes a easy premise and creates a compelling narrative about adolescence, ostracization, and real concern for the worldwide group. Following Superman (Tom Welling) via highschool, faculty, and his coveted place as a Metropolis/primarily based journalist, the collection fastidiously introduces numerous, notable villains, allies, and foes, turning one other coming-of-age story into an epic story that lives as much as the expectations set by the supply materials.
A Gratifying Story of a Champion’s Rise to Greatness
All through the collection, Tom Welling supplies audiences with genuinely relatable adolescent experiences, shattering inflexible binaries that place the human in opposition with the opposite. Harnessing the nuances and contradictions that include turning into Superman, Smallville manages to exceed the viewers’s expectations. Balancing mundane moments of sincerity and progress with an thrilling show of extraterrestrial energy, the collection is a must-watch for anybody wishing to have a detailed take a look at the makings of a superhero earlier than their rise to recognizable glory.
6
‘Bleach’ (2004 – 2012)
Bleach
- Launch Date
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2004 – 2023-00-00
- Community
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TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC, BS TV Tokyo
- Showrunner
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Tite Kubo
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Masakazu Morita
Ichigo Kurosaki (voice)
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Fumiko Orikasa
Rukia Kuchiki
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Yuki Matsuoka
Orihime Inoue
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Hiroki Yasumoto
Yasutora ‘Chad’ Sado
Alongside Naruto, Bleach stands as probably the most well-liked manga-turned-anime diversifications in latest reminiscence. Following Ichigo Kurosaki (Masakazu Morita), a seemingly regular teen who features powers and the standing of a Soul Reaper, a Grim Reaper-esque determine that protects the stability between the residing and the afterlife.
A Compelling, Complete Have a look at Life After Demise
An intriguing amalgamation of a number of Japanese and Asian religions and philosophies, Bleach is likely one of the uncommon examples of a collection that makes use of its supply materials as a basis for its televised adaptation. Venturing into new territory, the collection has been lauded for offering audiences with plots and examples of character improvement that aren’t solely well-written but in addition culturally conscious. Providing audiences a broader and extra enthralling take a look at the afterlife, ethical grayness, and danger as a side of life.
5
‘Supernatural’ (2005 – 2020)
Supernatural
- Launch Date
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2005 – 2020-00-00
- Community
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The WB, The CW
Initially anticipated to conclude after the fifth season, Supernatural had already staked its declare into the hearts and minds of fantasy followers worldwide. For higher or for worse, its continued manufacturing and subsequent conclusion in 2020 solely emphasizes its significance and cultural relevance. Following the 2 Winchester brothers, Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki), as they traverse the continental United States in hopes of carrying their father’s legacy of looking monsters. As their quests persist, they come across a biblical conspiracy and shortly notice they sit on the heart of mentioned divine plot.
An Unforgettable Duo and A Wealthy Exploration of Mythology
A lot of the present’s attraction rests with the solid. From Ackles’ portrayal of the resourceful but humorously immature and artful Dean, Padalecki’s efficiency of the extra level-headed Sam, and frequent contributions from the likes of Mark Pellegrino, Misha Collins, and Mark A. Sheppard, the collection is ready to make gentle of the treacherous journey the 2 brothers discover themselves in. With a powerful mythology taking inspiration from Abrahamic religions and numerous folklore from around the globe, Supernatural makes probably the most of its influences whereas additionally sharing a touching story of two brothers discovering their means again to at least one one other and creating an impenetrable bond.
4
‘True Blood’ (2008 – 2014)
true blood
- Launch Date
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2008 – 2014-00-00
- Community
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HBO Max
True Blood follows the lives of a number of supernatural souls primarily based within the fictional city of Bon Temps, Louisiana. By way of the eyes of Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), the collection takes place in a world the place vampires will not be solely broadly identified to the better world but in addition reside alongside people. A darkish, gritty, steamy, and momentarily foolish story of affection, dread, and the dangers one takes to defend those they love and discover that means of their respective existences, True Blood could very properly be probably the most influential vampire-led collection of its decade.
A Chic Supernatural Epic
Between the love triangles between Sookie and characters just like the brooding Invoice (Stephen Meyer), the chilly and menacing Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), and the loyal Alcide (Joe Manganiello), and the depth in lore surrounding the varied species in Bon Temps, True Blood stands as a robust instance of refreshing worldbuilding. Delving deeper into the characters themselves, the artistic minds behind True Blood have supplied audiences with an astonishingly wealthy lore full of all of the character improvement, (blood)lust, and drama that followers of fantasy have come to understand.
3
‘Merlin’ (2008 – 2012)
Merlin
- Launch Date
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2008 – 2012-00-00
- Community
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BBC
- Showrunner
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Julian Jones
Derived from Arthurian myths, the exemplary BBC fantasy collection from the 2000s follows a younger Merlin (Colin Morgan) as a teen rising up alongside then-Prince Arthur Prince Arthur (Bradley James). Despatched to Camelot by his mom, Merlin realizes that his true future is to guard Arthur. Nevertheless, with magic banned by King Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head), among the many introduction of different magical foes, Merlin’s duties are additional difficult because the collection goes on.
A British Fantasy Marvel
An imaginative retelling of the story of King Arthur, the collection buoys itself on the power of its comedic beats, robust attraction to maturing viewers, and the collectively stellar performances from its solid members. With every season, followers have been gifted with improved portrayals, expansions on the riveting magical universe on the heart of the collection, and the intelligent depiction of shut relationship dynamics. The collection stands as an incredible fantasy adaptation that makes use of acquainted tropes as a foundation for enthralling storylines baked with intriguing lore that pulls from the traditional tales of Arthur whereas providing new illuminating views an opportunity to sit down on the heart.
2
‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007 – 2009)
For followers of Lee Tempo, seeing him achieve extra recognition for his performances in reveals like Basis and movies like Our bodies, Our bodies, Our bodies should really feel rewarding. Be it via phrase of mouth or off the power of his latest initiatives, many have discovered their means again to the underrated fantasy-drama Pushing Daises. With Tempo within the main position as Ned, the collection follows a seemingly regular baker with supernatural powers. Gifted, for higher or for worse, with the flexibility to reanimate the deceased with a single contact. Regardless of the caveats to mentioned talents, he rapidly aligns himself with Detective Emerson Cod (Chi McBride), who depends on Ned’s powers to resolve chilly instances.
Paranormal Pleasantries with a Dose of Dread
Recognized by many as a forensic fairytale, Pushing Daisies expertly combines the interesting intrigue of a police procedural with the lightness that may come out of fantasy tales. Together with well-written characters with equally enthralling backstories and the collection taking advantage of its magical properties, Pushing Daisies was an underrated marvel. With the appearance of streaming, extra individuals than ever can now dive into the charming tales of Ned, Cod, and their respective ties to the nice past.
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1
‘Avatar: The Final Airbender’ (2005 – 2008)
Developed by Bryan Koneitzko and Michael Dante DiMartino, Avatar: The Final Airbender takes place on an Earth-like planet influenced by Asian and Native American cultures and follows 12-year-old Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen) and his pals on a worldwide mission to liberate mentioned world from the specter of the Fireplace Nation. In three, sturdy, seasons, Avatar: The Final Airbender combines a jovial youthfulness with the darkness of matters resembling genocide and imperialism, creating an genuine and finally pleasant collection for followers to dive into.
A Worthwhile Show of Fierce Optimism, Hope, and Camaraderie
The collection continues to be recommended for its groundbreaking method to depicting delicate matters whereas additionally remaining accessible for all ages. The sincerity bleeds via the display screen as characters confront the results of imperialism and genocide, pushing again towards programs that strip kids of their company. Between moments of comedic reduction from characters like Sokka (Jack DeSena) and transferring examples of redemption from the likes of Zuko (Dante Basco), the collection stays a beloved story of grief, resilience, and resistance and an inspiration for animated epics to come back.