Ranging from ancient myths to tales of horror, the fantasy genre has yielded several classics on television. Not all of them are mainstream hits, though, coming and going quickly and mostly unseen but developing a small but devoted audience nonetheless. Today, as programming schedules try to capitalize on the hype of money-making hits such as Game of Thrones and The Witcher, the fantasy genre continues to stay as relevant as ever.
Given that fantasy television is healthier than ever, it's a good time to consider a revival or reboot attempt at any of the underrated cult classics that might enjoy a more mainstream reception the second time around. Improved visuals and camera formats over the years can help in providing a more realistic touch to these fantastical other-worldly stories.
Dave The Barbarian (2004)
A silly satire on the feats of strength by hypermasculine fantasy heroes like Conan the Barbarian, Dave the Barbarian is one of the most underrated Disney animated shows. Each episode dealt with the titular hero teenager's misadventures in a world filled with supernatural threats, eccentric wizards, and foolish invaders.
Unfortunately, the 2004 cartoon couldn't generate much of an audience, getting canceled after just one season. However, today there are several animated parodies of the fantasy genre such as Crossing Swords and Disenchantment. As they cater largely to a mature audience, Dave the Barbarian can be the perfect kid-friendly alternative to these recent shows.
The Storyteller (1987)
The Storyteller is not only a heavily underrated fantasy show but also a memorable anthology. Narrated by an old storyteller to a dog (that acts as a metaphor for the audience), each episode narrates a particular story from European folklore or mythological traditions. The tone of the stories can shift from humorous to macabre, making it a perfect fit for viewers of all ages.
The show incorporated both live-action and puppet elements but still prioritized atmospheric tension instead of a Muppets-like naivety. Hence, a Storyteller revival can be a perfect pick for those viewers who wish to see a dark and twisted show reminiscent of horror anthology TV shows like Tales From The Crypt.
Spawn (1997-1999)
A cult favorite in the pantheon of adult animated shows, Spawn is a faithful adaptation of Todd McFarlane's horror fantasy comic series. The basic premise deals with an expert assassin who is revived from the dead to do the Devil's work on Earth. However, as he explores his new superpowers, he discovers mysterious secrets behind his human past.
With nail-biting thrills and Keith David in one of his most iconic voice roles, Spawn drew some loyal fans but fizzled out of the popular discussion after just three short seasons. With its hyperviolent superhero action and philosophical themes on life and death, a Spawn reboot would be the perfect show to complement similarly edgy comic book adaptations such as The Boys and Preacher.
The Crow: Stairway To Heaven (1994-1995)
Brandon Lee's final film The Crow remains a classic among neo-Gothic horror flicks. However, its TV adaptation went under the radar despite an equally thrilling take on the same story. The tale of revenge and redemption starts off with the murder of a rock musician and his wife, and his rebirth as a supernatural entity.
Despite garnering positive reviews, The Crow: Stairway To Heaven was canceled after its production studio Polygram was sold to Universal Studios. Ending on an inconclusive cliffhanger, the show couldn't end the larger storyline that went beyond the original movie. But as The Crow's lore originated from a supernatural comic series, a modern adaptation would suit the currently diverse nature of adult-oriented comic book adaptations.
Carnivàle (2003-2005)
Religion and fantasy combine against the backdrop of a traveling circus in Dust Bowl-era America. As the lives of a circus troupe are explored, a larger conspiracy brews involving the end of the world. Apart from Biblical struggles over good and evil, the HBO supernatural series Carnivàle was also rooted in other mythological mysteries such as the Knights Templar order.
Despite its limited two-season run, Carnivàle built a highly-immersive world that makes it a character-driven dark fantasy. The show's pastors, circus freaks, convicts, and many other characters can drive a mystery driven with style with substance with a modern revival. The success of recent horror favorites such as American Horror Story proves that dark fantasy still has an active viewer base.
The Odyssey (1997)
The Greek epic Iliad's story with scenes such as Helen's abduction and the siege of Troy with a wooden horse is a common and recurring theme in the fantasy genre. However, the aftermath of the Trojan War is brought out perfectly in The Odyssey, another epic that dealt with the naval adventures of Greek king Odysseus who spent ten years reaching Greece from Troy.
The decade-long journey forms the premise of The Odyssey TV adaptation by famed Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky. The grand production design and the outdated visual effects might not have aged well but its swords-and-sandals narrative can be relied upon to craft an all-new version for history and mythology buffs.
Class Of The Titans (2006-2008)
Before Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson novels integrated Greek mythology into pop culture, Class of the Titans was the first one to give ancient Greek figures a modern makeover. The premise involves seven teenagers who are destined to save the world from the titan Cronus who has escaped from a thousand-year exile. In their quest to defeat Cronus, the protagonists are accompanied by Greek gods and heroes, ranging from Zeus to Hercules.
With a Percy Jackson series currently being developed by Disney+, it is clear that Greek myths still pique the interest of many fantasy aficionados. In this context, Class of the Titans can contribute to this ongoing interest with its reimagining of the classic source material along with a coming-of-age story for its lead characters.
I Am Not Okay With This (2020)
Following the success of The End Of The F***ing World on Netflix, I Am Not Okay With This served as another morbidly humorous teenage tale adapted from Charles Forman's graphic novel. With elements of horror and teen dramas, I Am Not Okay With This was anchored by a brilliant performance from Sophia Lillis as she plays a high-schooler who deals with personal tragedies and newly-found supernatural abilities. And yet a major cliffhanger in the debut season could never be resolved because Netflix eventually axed the show.
What's interesting is that I Am Not Okay With This boasted callbacks and influences from the movies and culture of the 80s. This retro nostalgia was successfully recreated in the Netflix hit Stranger Things but unfortunately, I Am Not Okay With This never got a second chance to explore these stylistic themes further.
Goosebumps (1995-1998)
With the Goosebumps series of young-adult horror novels, RL Stine is arguably one of the most successful authors of all time. Stine's absurd brand of horror found its footing in the episodes of Goosebumps, some of which are scary enough in modern standards.
While the Goosebumps book franchise still retains its popularity due to two recent live-action movies, the cynical darkness of the source material has been heavily watered-down in favor of a more witty storyline. Hence, it is high time to bring back a horror anthology like Goosebumps. With the nostalgic 90s Nickelodeon show Are You Afraid Of The Dark receiving a revival, there is still some hope for more Goosebumps seasons.
Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends (2004-2009)
Regarded as one of the best Cartoon Network shows, Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends is still not as talked about as other of the network's classics like Courage The Cowardly Dog and Samurai Jack. The animated series dealt with pre-adolescent children and their imaginary friends. As the kids come of age, these imaginary creations are thrown into a foster home where they can be up for adoption by others.
The wildly original narrative went beyond the usual tomfoolery of anthropomorphic animals-driven comedies. A continuation of the original series can be an interesting step for Cartoon Network to introduce the comedy fantasy series to newer audiences.