Fantasy has long been a cornerstone of television, delivering some of the most beloved and epic stories ever told. From the groundbreaking Game of Thrones to the animated masterpiece Arcane, the genre continues to captivate audiences. And the future looks even brighter, with a slate of highly anticipated fantasy series on the horizon. We've ranked the most hyped upcoming shows, from the return of a wizarding world to a video game adaptation that could redefine the genre.
6. Harry Potter (2026)
It's been nearly two decades since the last film in the original Harry Potter saga hit theaters, but the magic is far from over. HBO is developing a television series that will dedicate an entire season to each of J.K. Rowling's seven books, promising a deeper dive into the wizarding world than ever before. The project has already generated immense buzz, despite controversies surrounding Rowling's public statements and the recasting of beloved characters. Still, the sheer nostalgia and the promise of a more faithful adaptation have fans counting down the days. If the series can capture the spirit of the books while expanding the lore, it could become the next Game of Thrones-style cultural phenomenon. For those who grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, this is the ultimate trip down memory lane.
5. Magic: The Gathering
Netflix is finally bringing the iconic card game Magic: The Gathering to the small screen, and the timing couldn't be better. After years of development hell, the project was revived with showrunner Terry Matalas (12 Monkeys, Star Trek: Picard) at the helm. The series promises to explore the vast multiverse of the game, from the plane of Dominaria to the city of Ravnica, with a focus on the Planeswalkers who wield immense magical power. Given Netflix's success with Arcane, expectations are sky-high for this animated adaptation. If it can match that show's visual flair and emotional depth, Magic: The Gathering could become a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
4. Fourth Wing
Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing took the book world by storm, becoming a BookTok sensation and a bestseller. Now, Amazon MGM Studios is adapting it into a TV series, with a star-studded creative team including Michael B. Jordan, Lisa Joy, and Jonathan Nolan as executive producers. The story follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman forced to become a dragon rider at a brutal military college, where she must navigate deadly rivals and uncover dark secrets. With a reported budget that rivals big-budget films, the series aims to bring the epic romance and high-stakes action of the book to life. Fans of the romantasy genre are already marking their calendars, and if the adaptation stays true to the source material, it could be the next big thing in fantasy television.
3. God of War
Amazon is also developing a live-action series based on the critically acclaimed God of War video game franchise. The show will follow Kratos, a Spartan warrior who becomes the God of War, and his journey through Norse mythology with his son Atreus. The games are known for their brutal combat, deep storytelling, and stunning visuals, and the series aims to capture that same epic scale. With a dedicated fanbase and a rich source material, God of War has the potential to be one of the most exciting fantasy shows of the decade. The casting of Kratos is still under wraps, but the hype is already at fever pitch.
2. The One Piece
Netflix's live-action One Piece was a surprise hit, and now the streaming giant is doubling down with an anime remake titled The One Piece. This new adaptation will retell the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew from the very beginning, with the promise of staying even closer to Eiichiro Oda's original manga. The announcement sent shockwaves through the anime community, as fans eagerly await a version that could rival the beloved original. With Wit Studio (Attack on Titan) handling animation, expectations are incredibly high. If it delivers, The One Piece could become the definitive way to experience this epic adventure.
1. The Wheel of Time (Season 3)
While not a new series, the return of The Wheel of Time for its third season is generating massive hype. Based on Robert Jordan's epic fantasy novels, the show has been building a loyal following with its intricate world-building and complex characters. Season 3 promises to adapt the fourth book, The Shadow Rising, which is widely considered one of the best in the series. With the stakes higher than ever and the production values improving each season, fans are eager to see how the show handles the series' most iconic moments. If you haven't caught up yet, now is the perfect time to dive into this sprawling saga.
These are just a few of the fantasy series that have fans buzzing. Whether you're a fan of wizards, dragons, or pirates, there's something to look forward to. And for more fantasy recommendations, check out our list of fantasy series beyond Westeros that fans adore. The future of fantasy TV is bright, and we can't wait to see what these shows have in store.
