Fantasy television has been booming, with hits like Game of Thrones and His Dark Materials setting the bar high. But among the many imitators, one show stands out for its bold mix of genres: Carnival Row. This 2019 Prime Video series, starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, fuses the epic scope of The Wheel of Time with the investigative intrigue of Sherlock, creating a dark fantasy noir that's as gripping as it is unique.
Despite its star power and compelling narrative, Carnival Row was canceled after just two seasons, leaving it as an underrated treasure. It's a show that packs mythical creatures, crime drama, and unexpected twists into a richly built world—perfect for a weekend binge if you're craving something different in the fantasy genre.
What Is 'Carnival Row' About?
The series unfolds in a steampunk-inspired world where pixies, fauns, and other fae creatures live alongside humans, but not as equals. After a devastating war destroys their homeland, the fae are forced to seek refuge in the human city of the Burgue. They're allowed to stay but are treated with disdain, confined to a slum district known as Carnival Row. The story centers on Rycroft 'Philo' Philostrate (Bloom), the only inspector who cares about crimes against the fae. When a series of bizarre murders targets both humans and fae, Philo is the only one with the knowledge to solve the case—until his former lover, the faerie Vignette Stonemoss (Delevingne), arrives and complicates everything by joining a rebel group that opposes the law Philo upholds.
Beyond the gritty streets, the show also explores the lives of the Burgue's elite. Agreus (David Gyasi), a wealthy faun, buys a mansion but faces prejudice from his human neighbors, including the Spurnrose siblings (Andrew Gower and Tamzin Merchant). Meanwhile, political tensions escalate as parliament debates the rights of fae refugees. When Chancellor Breakspear (Jared Harris) learns his son Jonah (Arty Froushan) has been kidnapped by political rivals, the city's fragile peace threatens to shatter.
Why It's an Underrated Fantasy Gem
What sets Carnival Row apart is its ability to build an expansive world without leaving the city. Instead of hopping across continents like The Wheel of Time, it zooms in on the Burgue from every angle—from the fae's cramped slums to the opulent mansions of the powerful. You see the city through the eyes of a privileged politician, a detective navigating the criminal underworld, and a fae brothel worker like Tourmaline (Karla Crome). Despite the fantastical elements, the show feels grounded, tackling real-world issues like immigration, prejudice, and political corruption.
Unfortunately, production was hit by COVID delays, and the series wrapped up earlier than planned, leaving fans wanting more. While it did get a proper ending—which is more than many shows can say—the world of Carnival Row had so much more potential. It's a dark, thought-provoking addition to the fantasy genre that deserves far more recognition than it gets.
If you're looking for more fantasy gems, check out our list of modern fantasy books that are flawless or explore other hidden fantasy book treasures. And for more streaming recommendations, see what's worth watching on Prime Video this weekend.
