For decades, television has been saturated with crime dramas centered on detectives and police officers. From The Rookie to Blue Bloods, Will Trent, and the sprawling Law & Order franchise, these shows deliver compelling cases and memorable characters. Yet, most stick to a realistic formula. If you're craving something with a supernatural twist and a protagonist unlike any other, look no further than Forever, an ABC series that premiered in 2014 and remains one of the most underappreciated fantasy crime dramas ever.
What Is 'Forever' About?
Forever immediately sets itself apart from traditional police procedurals. The story follows Dr. Henry Morgan (Ioan Gruffudd), a medical examiner for the NYPD. But Henry is no ordinary coroner—he's immortal, having lived for over two centuries. His first death occurred in the 1800s when he was shot and thrown overboard after defying a slave ship captain's orders to stop treating an enslaved man. Every time Henry dies, he vanishes and reappears in a nearby body of water, reborn with only a scar from that original gunshot wound.
Henry shows no signs of aging, so his secret remains hidden from almost everyone. Only his dear friend Abe (Judd Hirsch) knows the truth. This extraordinary backstory makes Henry an exceptional medical examiner; his centuries of experience give him insights that crack cases in ways no one else can. He works alongside Detective Jo Martinez (Alana de la Garza), but his immortality stays concealed. Each episode features a fresh mystery, interwoven with compelling flashbacks to different eras Henry has lived through.
A Unique Blend of Fantasy and Crime
Forever deserves a binge-watch because it combines all the gripping elements of a crime drama with a magical twist. The flashbacks not only flesh out Henry's extraordinary life but also explain why he's such a skilled investigator. An overarching storyline introduces a chilling antagonist named Adam (Burn Gorman), who taunts Henry and claims to be over 2,000 years old. Viewers are left wondering: Will Henry ever uncover the secrets of his immortality? Can he overcome the sorrow accumulated over centuries? These questions give the series an added layer of magical realism that elevates it above standard police procedurals.
Fans of shows like Lucifer or Sherlock—which also put inventive spins on crime-solving—will find plenty to love here. For more hidden treasures in the fantasy genre, check out our list of Forgotten Fantasy Gems: 7 Near-Perfect Shows That Deserve a Second Look.
An Electric Cast That Grounds the Fantasy
Forever could have felt silly without a talented cast to ground it. Instead, the series crackles with energy and emotion. Gruffudd is astounding as Henry, delivering a gruff, brisk demeanor that masks deep heartache. He makes us see Henry's brilliance while also sensing the weight of immortality. De la Garza's Jo is a perfect partner—direct, sensible, and authentically New York. Lorraine Toussaint brings gravitas as the police lieutenant, but the show truly comes alive in scenes with Hirsch. His worldly wisdom and connection to Henry's past help tie together past and present, and Hirsch masterfully portrays an elderly figure with profound insights.
Why It's Still Worth Watching
Despite a devoted fan base and a unique narrative, Forever struggled in the ratings. ABC canceled the show after just one season of 22 episodes. A social media campaign to save it in 2015 ultimately failed—Forever itself was not immortal. Yet, the series remains available to stream and is absolutely worthy of your time. For those who appreciate underrated fantasy storytelling, it's a gem that deserves a second look, much like the shows highlighted in 80 Years of Fantasy: The 10 Greatest Movie Masterpieces, Ranked.
If you're a fan of crime dramas with a supernatural edge, Forever offers a fresh take that still feels innovative more than a decade later. Its blend of mystery, history, and magic makes it a binge-worthy experience that proves some of the best shows are the ones that ended too soon.
