It’s official: “The Wheel of Time” has stopped turning. Prime Video recently announced the cancellation of its hit fantasy drama series, making its critically acclaimed third season the de facto series finale. While fans may be left without a satisfying conclusion to Rosamund Pike’s Moiraine or the prophecy of the Dragon Reborn, there are other high fantasy series that can fill the void.
For those who can’t get enough of intricate world-building and fantastical spectacles, we’ve compiled a list of the best fantasy shows to stream now. In curating this list, the focus was on series that have either concluded their storylines or are still ongoing, avoiding the pitfalls of unsatisfying cliffhangers. Notably, “Game of Thrones” is absent from this list for obvious reasons.
The Witcher: A Gritty Fantasy Adventure
Netflix’s adaptation of “The Witcher” plunges viewers into a gritty, monster-filled fantasy world where magic is real and danger lurks around every corner. Based on the beloved fantasy novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski and CD Projekt Red’s video game series, it follows Geralt of Rivia, a no-nonsense, mutated monster-hunter-for-hire, formerly portrayed by Henry Cavill and now played by Liam Hemsworth.
Geralt tries to steer clear of the realm’s tangled politics, but fate has other plans. His path soon crosses with that of a young princess, Freya Allan, whose mysterious powers have put a price on her head. Reluctantly, Geralt takes on the role of her protector, using his formidable skills to shield her from those who would exploit her.
While the plot can be dense and occasionally confusing, the show’s sheer spectacle and relentless pace make it a thrilling watch that’s bound to hook fans of “The Wheel of Time.”
His Dark Materials: A Blend of Science and Fantasy
Philip Pullman’s beloved trilogy comes alive in this three-season television adaptation on Max. Set in a parallel world ruled by a powerful religious authority known as the Magisterium, the series follows young heroine Lyra Silvertongue, played by Dafne Keen, as she embarks on a quest to find her missing friend, only to find herself in the crosshairs of destiny.
After learning the secrets of her family’s heritage, her search for the truth propels her across multiple worlds, including a hauntingly distorted version of our own, filled with magic, mysterious powers, and daemons—animal companions that are physical embodiments of a person’s soul.
What sets “His Dark Materials” apart is its ability to blend the familiar with the fantastical, creating a rich narrative that’s both an epic adventure and a layered exploration of science, religion, and the meaning of family.
A Discovery of Witches: A Spellbinding Journey
Based on Deborah Harkness’ “All Souls” trilogy, “A Discovery of Witches” is a criminally underrated entry in the high fantasy genre. Teresa Palmer stars as Diana Bishop, a historian and reluctant witch who has long suppressed her magical heritage. While researching alchemy and science at Oxford, Diana uncovers an enchanted manuscript that paints a target on her back for all the witches, vampires, and daemons vying for control of its secrets.
To uncover the manuscript’s origins and keep it from falling into the wrong hands, Diana forms an uneasy alliance with vampire biochemist Matthew Clairmont, played by Matthew Goode. Despite ancient rivalries between their species, the two are drawn together by a bond that defies tradition and deepens as Diana’s magical abilities awaken.
While not as sprawling as “The Wheel of Time,” “A Discovery of Witches” is a spellbinding journey worth every moment, packed with unforgettable characters, epic battles, and a simmering love story that’ll keep you invested.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Love it or hate it, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” is perhaps the closest analogue to “The Wheel of Time” in Prime Video’s library. Despite its critics, the series delivers a visually stunning return to Tolkien’s world, immersing viewers in the grandeur and mythology of the Second Age. Amazon invested heavily in bringing this era of Middle-earth to life, and the scale and detail are undeniable.
Set thousands of years before the movies and novels, “The Rings of Power” explores the rise of the evil Dark Lord Sauron, threatening the fragile peace of Middle-earth and setting the stage for the forging of the iconic rings. This is high-scale fantasy at its peak, full of unexpected twists, elaborate world-building, and sprawling battle scenes.
The show serves as both a strong standalone story and an accessible intro to the rich lore of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” so newcomers will find it just as compelling as long-time fans. Its deviation from the source material remains a point of contention, similar to “The Wheel of Time.”
The Legend of Vox Machina: Animated Fantasy Adventure
While Prime Video opted not to renew “The Wheel of Time” for a fourth season, it’s forging ahead with its animated fantasy series “The Legend of Vox Machina.” All three seasons so far have achieved an impressive 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, and while animated shows often struggle to break through in the crowded streaming landscape, this one’s continued success speaks volumes.
Based on the popular Critical Role web series, the show follows a ragtag group of adventurers known as Vox Machina as they embark on epic quests to battle dark forces, powerful villains, and ancient magic. With each member bringing their own quirks and flaws, the series blends high-stakes action with sharp humor and genuine heart, making it as emotionally resonant as it is entertaining and visually stunning.
This is a must-watch for fans of Dungeons & Dragons-style adventures, offering a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. As “The Wheel of Time” fans seek new worlds to explore, these series provide a rich tapestry of stories to dive into, ensuring that the magic of high fantasy continues to captivate and inspire.
