Fantasy television is in the middle of a renaissance. 2026 alone has delivered new seasons of House of the Dragon and Interview with the Vampire, plus fresh entries like Avatar: Seven Havens and Witch Hat Atelier. But the real excitement is building around what's coming next. A slew of high-profile fantasy adaptations are in various stages of production, and fans are already debating, dissecting, and—in some cases—dreading them. Below, we rank seven of the most talked-about upcoming fantasy shows by the sheer volume of hype they've generated.
7. Harry Potter (2026–present)
HBO's ambitious reimagining of J.K. Rowling's wizarding world arrives December 25, 2026, with Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione. The first season will adapt Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, introducing a new generation to Hogwarts. A stellar supporting cast includes John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Snape, and Nick Frost as Hagrid. HBO has already renewed it for a second season and reportedly envisions a decade-long run. Yet the project has generated more skepticism than excitement. Constant comparisons to the beloved films, backlash against Rowling's public statements, and accusations of a cynical cash grab have dampened enthusiasm among the core fanbase. Still, curiosity alone keeps it on this list—and if you want to revisit the magic, check out a new audio experience that brings the Gryffindor common room to life.
6. Magic: The Gathering (TBA)
Netflix is finally bringing the world's most popular trading card game to animation. First announced in 2019, the series has weathered numerous behind-the-scenes shakeups, but with Terry Matalas (12 Monkeys) as showrunner, it's back on track. The story will span multiple planes and follow Planeswalkers—powerful mages who can travel between realities. A sneak peek at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival thrilled attendees, though no release date has been set. With a massive built-in fanbase and a feature film also in development, the hype is real. For more on the franchise's latest merchandise, see new gaming bags and exclusive gear.
5. Fourth Wing (TBA)
Rebecca Yarros's romantasy phenomenon is headed to Prime Video. The adaptation of Fourth Wing, the first book in the Empyrean series, has been in development since 2023 with Yarros executive producing alongside Michael B. Jordan, Lisa Joy, Jonathan Nolan, and showrunner Meredith Averill. The story follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman who joins Basgiath War College to become a dragon rider, facing brutal challenges and a forbidden romance. Esther McGregor stars as Violet, with Emilio Sakraya as Xaden Riorson. Given the book's colossal BookTok success, expectations are sky-high—many are calling it the next Game of Thrones. Whether it lives up to that remains to be seen, but the buzz is undeniable.
4. The Dark Tower (TBA)
Stephen King's sprawling multiverse saga is getting the prestige TV treatment from Mike Flanagan. The series will reboot the story of Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, on his quest to reach the Dark Tower. Spanning eight novels and countless connections to King's other works, this is considered the holy grail of King adaptations—especially after the 2017 film flopped. Flanagan's track record with The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass has fans optimistic. Sam Strike and Jasper Pääkkönen are reportedly attached to star. For more fantasy reading recommendations, don't miss 10 must-read fantasy books for Tolkien fans.
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (2027)
While technically a film, this epic is part of a larger fantasy TV universe? Actually, no—it's a movie. But the hype around Middle-earth is so intense that it bleeds into television discussions. Amazon's The Rings of Power continues, and Warner Bros. is expanding the film franchise with The Hunt for Gollum, directed by and starring Andy Serkis. Fans are eager to return to Peter Jackson's vision, though some worry about milking the franchise. Either way, conversations are raging.
2. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026)
HBO's next Game of Thrones spinoff is already generating massive buzz. Based on George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, the series follows Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg as they wander Westeros decades before the events of the main series. With a more intimate, character-driven tone and a planned 2026 premiere, it's seen as a return to form for the franchise. For more on Martin's literary legacy, see his best books ranked by Goodreads.
1. The Witcher: Season 4 (2026)
Okay, it's not a new show, but the recasting of Geralt has sent shockwaves through the fandom. Liam Hemsworth takes over from Henry Cavill, and fans are divided. Some are curious, others outraged. The hype—both positive and negative—is off the charts. With the show's future hinging on this season, it's the most talked-about fantasy TV event on the horizon. Love it or hate it, you can't ignore it.
From wizarding worlds to dragon academies, the next few years promise a feast for fantasy fans. Some of these shows will soar; others may crash. But one thing's for sure: the conversation is just getting started.
