Set in Ravka, a fictional country based on Russia that is divided by the ominous Shadow Fold-an area of oppressive darkness where hideous creatures feast on human flesh-an orphan named Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) discovers she alone possesses the power to save her country from the forces of darkness that threaten to destroy it when her ability to summon and control light makes itself known.Īs Alina contends with those who would like to use her and her unique ability and those who want to snuff it out completely, the show digs into larger themes of destiny and abuses of power without ever shying away from some more difficult topics like racism and oppression. So whether you’re looking for something to check out with younger viewers or just looking for yourself, these fantasy series will allow you to escape into a new world without ever leaving your couch.Īdapted from Leigh Bardugo’s popular Grishaverse trilogy and the subsequent Six of Crows duology, Netflix’s new series Shadow and Bone features a familiar Chosen One narrative with broad enough appeal to attract even those who think they don’t like fantasy.

Netflix has definitely gotten a head start on the next wave of ambitious fantasy programming, with a handful of can’t-miss shows already available, but there are a handful of others that are worth watching too. Audiences are finally seeing the merits of said shows, which, like the similar science-fiction genre, allow us to escape into new and exciting worlds or realms and explore complicated topics like unchecked power, or the never-ending battle between good and evil through epic adventures and deep character explorations. While it’s not possible for every show to hit the sky-high marks of Thrones, it’s important to celebrate and embrace new and existing fantasy programming. New shows in the genre are on the rise as TV networks and streaming services attempt to find the next Game of Thrones, which broke a number of different barriers when it became a massive hit that captured viewers’ attention around the world, racking up Emmy nominations and awards in the process.

After years of being overlooked by mainstream audiences or shoved into the darkest corners of the internet, fantasy programming seems to be everywhere.

Shadow hunter season 1 episode 11