Fantasy TV is having a moment, with book-to-screen adaptations dominating streaming platforms. From Percy Jackson & the Olympians to Bridgerton, audiences can't get enough of seeing their favorite stories come to life. Yet, despite this boom, some of the most compelling young adult fantasy series remain stuck in development limbo. One such series is Tracy Deonn's The Legendborn Cycle, a trilogy that has all the ingredients to become the next Shadow and Bone—and it's time for streamers to take notice.
Since its debut in 2020, The Legendborn Cycle has earned critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. The series, which blends Arthurian legend with African American history and magic, follows 16-year-old Bree Matthews as she navigates a secret society of descendants from King Arthur's knights at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But Bree's journey is far from simple: she discovers she has her own magical heritage, Rootcraft, a form of balanced magic passed down through Black rootworkers. This puts her at the center of a centuries-old conflict between the Legendborn and Rootcrafters.
A Perfect Fit for the Fantasy TV Boom
Much like Shadow and Bone, The Legendborn Cycle offers a rich, layered world that balances humor, romance, action, and magic without relying on overly mature content. It's the kind of series that can appeal to both young adult readers and older fantasy fans. The story's dual magic systems—Arthurian lineage-based powers and Rootcraft—provide endless visual possibilities for a TV adaptation, from epic battles to intimate magical moments.
The series also features a cast of lovably messy characters, including Bree, the charismatic Nick (descendant of King Arthur), and the mysterious mage Sel. Their complex relationships and personal struggles add emotional depth to the high-stakes fantasy plot. For fans of epic fantasy sagas like the Green Bone Saga, this series offers a similarly intricate world with a fresh perspective.
Why the Wait?
In 2022, Black Bear Television acquired the rights to adapt The Legendborn Cycle, with Gossip Girl writer Felicia D. Henderson attached to develop the project. Yet, four years later, there has been no movement, leaving fans frustrated. Given the surge in fantasy programming across every streaming service, the delay is puzzling. The series has everything streamers look for: a built-in audience, award-winning source material, and a unique hook that sets it apart from other fantasy adaptations.
With three books already published and more on the way, there's plenty of material for multiple seasons. The third book, Oathbound, was even named one of Goodreads' favorite YA Fantasy & Sci-Fi books of 2025, proving the series' staying power. It's a shame that such a promising project has stalled, especially when other fantasy series like The Umbrella Academy have found success despite divisive endings.
What Makes It Special
At its core, The Legendborn Cycle is a story about identity, grief, and belonging. Bree's journey begins after her mother's death, and her exploration of Rootcraft becomes a way to connect with her heritage and heal. This emotional grounding makes the fantasy elements feel personal and relatable. The series also tackles themes of systemic racism and generational trauma, adding layers of depth that elevate it beyond typical YA fantasy.
For those who love supernatural fantasy with heart, The Legendborn Cycle is a must-read—and a must-adapt. It's time for streamers to recognize the potential of this series and give it the TV treatment it deserves. With the fantasy genre more popular than ever, now is the perfect moment to bring Bree Matthews' story to the screen.
