The 2000s were a transformative decade for television, marking the rise of cable dominance before streaming took over. Networks scrambled to capture audiences with bold, genre-defining shows, and fantasy was no exception. Long before the fantasy boom of the 2010s and 2020s, these series became cultural touchstones for millennials and Gen Z, many still beloved today. Here's a look at the best fantasy TV show from every year of the 2000s.
2000: Inuyasha
Kicking off the decade, Inuyasha (2000–2004) blended time travel, feudal Japan, and demonic lore. The anime follows a girl who journeys back in time to help a half-demon recover shards of a magical gem. While not as ubiquitous as some later anime, it spawned films, games, and toys, and its DVDs topped bestseller lists for weeks. It remains a pivotal entry in the fantasy genre and a favorite among early 2000s anime fans.
2001: The Fairly OddParents
Nickelodeon's The Fairly OddParents (2001–2017) was a staple of childhood for many. Timmy Turner, a neglected kid, gets fairy godparents who grant his every wish—often with hilarious, chaotic results. The early seasons are comedy gold, and the show's wish-fulfillment fantasy resonated with a generation. It's easily one of the network's finest cartoons.
2002: Naruto
Anime powerhouse Naruto (2002–2007) became one of the "Big Three" anime, dominating charts and pop culture. Set in a world where ninjas wield magical powers, it follows a rebellious young ninja chasing his dreams. Part comedy, part action-adventure, its memes and quotes still echo in casual conversation. For 2002, no fantasy show had a bigger cultural impact.
2003: Dead Like Me
Showtime's Dead Like Me (2003–2004) is a dark dramedy with fantasy overtones. After a college student is killed by a falling toilet seat from space, she becomes a reaper escorting souls to the afterlife. With Mandy Patinkin as her gruff mentor, the show's bleak humor about life and death earned it a cult following. It's an underrated gem that deserves rediscovery.
2004: Lost
ABC's Lost (2004–2010) was a phenomenon. Survivors of a plane crash land on a mysterious island with strange forces, blending mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy. Its ensemble cast and flashback-driven storytelling captivated millions, even if the finale divided fans. The early seasons are widely considered perfect, and the show remains a landmark in serialized television.
2005: Merlin
BBC's Merlin (2005–2012) reimagined the Arthurian legend with a young, secret wizard serving Prince Arthur. The show mixed adventure, humor, and fantasy, becoming a hit for its charming leads and episodic magic. It ran for five seasons and remains a beloved entry in the fantasy TV canon.
2006: The Vampire Diaries
The CW's The Vampire Diaries (2006–2017) kicked off a vampire craze. Set in Mystic Falls, it follows Elena Gilbert caught between two vampire brothers. With romance, drama, and supernatural lore, it became a cultural juggernaut, spawning spin-offs and a dedicated fanbase. It defined teen fantasy for the late 2000s.
2007: Pushing Daisies
ABC's Pushing Daisies (2007–2009) was a whimsical fantasy about a pie-maker who can revive the dead with a touch. Its vibrant visuals, quirky narration, and romantic subplot earned critical acclaim and a cult following. Though short-lived, it remains a unique, beloved fantasy series.
2008: True Blood
HBO's True Blood (2008–2014) brought a gritty, Southern Gothic twist to vampire fantasy. Set in a world where vampires "come out of the coffin," it mixed horror, romance, and social commentary. The show was a ratings hit and a cultural phenomenon, pushing boundaries for fantasy on cable.
2009: Being Human (UK)
The original UK Being Human (2009–2013) followed a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost sharing a flat. It blended supernatural elements with everyday struggles, earning praise for its character-driven storytelling. It spawned a US remake and remains a standout fantasy series of the decade.
These shows paved the way for the fantasy renaissance of the 2010s and beyond. For more hidden gems, check out our list of Hidden Fantasy Gems: 5 Underrated Shows You Probably Missed. And if you're a fan of the genre, don't miss our ranking of the Top 7 American Fantasy TV Shows of All Time.
