10 Fantasy Shows That Still Have Massive Reboot Potential

10 Fantasy Shows That Still Have Massive Reboot Potential

Fantasy television has given us some of the most memorable characters, worlds, and stories ever created.

Many beloved shows ended too soon or left fans wanting more, and with reboots becoming increasingly popular, now might be the perfect time to revisit these magical universes.

Here are 10 fantasy series that deserve a second chance to cast their spell on audiences old and new.

1. Carnival Row (2019–2023)

Victorian aesthetics meet dark fantasy in this visually stunning series where faeries, centaurs, and other mythical beings face persecution in a gritty urban setting.

Political intrigue intertwines with forbidden romance, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that felt rushed toward its conclusion.

The show built an intricate world filled with warring factions, ancient magic, and social commentary that mirrors real-world issues.

Unfortunately, its cancellation left numerous plot threads dangling and character arcs incomplete.

A fresh reboot could fully explore the dense mythology and give proper attention to the complex relationships between humans and magical creatures, potentially becoming the next epic fantasy television deserves.

2. Grimm (2011–2017)

Portland became the battleground between fairy tale monsters and a detective who could see their true forms in this clever twist on procedural dramas.

Each week brought creatures from the Brothers Grimm stories to life, blending police work with ancient folklore in surprisingly effective ways.

The monster-of-the-week format provided accessibility while deeper mythology slowly unfolded across six seasons.

However, modern audiences crave more serialized storytelling and darker tones than the original offered.

Reimagining this concept could create something truly special—keeping the folklore foundation while embracing contemporary streaming sensibilities.

Updated special effects and grittier storytelling would attract both nostalgic fans and newcomers hungry for fresh supernatural content.

3. Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001)

Before superhero movies dominated entertainment, a fierce warrior woman traveled ancient Greece seeking redemption for her violent past.

Armed with a chakram and accompanied by her loyal friend Gabrielle, Xena fought warlords, gods, and her own demons.

The series broke ground with its strong female protagonist and progressive themes decades before they became mainstream.

Its blend of Greek mythology, action choreography, and emotional storytelling created a devoted fanbase that remains passionate today.

Modern audiences are hungry for powerful female-led adventures, making this the ideal moment to reintroduce Xena.

A reboot could maintain the feminist legacy while updating production values and exploring the complex relationship dynamics with contemporary nuance and depth.

4. Charmed (1998–2006)

Three sisters discovered they descended from a powerful line of witches, inheriting abilities to vanquish demons and protect the innocent.

Their Victorian San Francisco home became headquarters for battling supernatural evil while juggling relationships, careers, and family drama.

The original series balanced episodic demon-hunting with ongoing character development and sisterhood themes.

Though a 2018 reboot attempted to recapture the magic, it missed the darker edge and emotional depth that made the original special.

A new interpretation could honor the source material while embracing mature storytelling and updated mythology.

Focusing on complex family dynamics alongside magical battles would resonate with audiences seeking substance behind the supernatural spectacle and spellcasting action.

5. Supernatural (2005–2020)

Two brothers drove across America in a classic Impala, hunting demons, ghosts, and everything supernatural that threatened humanity.

What began as a monster-hunting road trip evolved into an epic saga involving angels, heaven, hell, and apocalyptic prophecies spanning fifteen remarkable seasons.

The Winchester brothers became television icons, and their story concluded after one of the longest runs in genre history.

Yet the expansive mythology created countless possibilities for exploring new characters within this established universe.

Rather than undoing the satisfying conclusion, a reboot featuring fresh hunters could introduce different perspectives on familiar lore.

New protagonists could encounter different supernatural threats while honoring the legacy that made this show a cultural phenomenon for dedicated fans everywhere.

6. Once Upon a Time (2011–2018)

Fairy tale characters lived trapped in a modern Maine town, their memories erased by a curse until a savior arrived to break the spell.

The series ingeniously reimagined classic Disney and folklore characters, giving them complex backstories and interconnected relationships across magical realms.

Its unique premise allowed endless creative possibilities, though later seasons struggled with increasingly convoluted plotlines.

The flexible universe structure means a reboot could start completely fresh without contradicting what came before.

New legends from different cultures could be explored, offering diverse representation while maintaining the core concept.

Darker storytelling choices and tighter narrative focus would appeal to viewers seeking sophisticated fantasy that respects both source material and audience intelligence throughout each episode.

7. The Shannara Chronicles (2016–2017)

Thousands of years after our world ended, magic and technology coexist in a realm where elves protect a dying tree that imprisons ancient demons.

Based on Terry Brooks’ beloved novels, the series introduced viewers to a post-apocalyptic fantasy landscape filled with adventure and danger.

Despite vibrant visuals and an interesting premise, the show ended abruptly after just two seasons. It never fully captured the epic scope or mature themes that made the source material so compelling to readers.

A proper reboot could do justice to Brooks’ extensive mythology, treating the material with the seriousness it deserves.

With better pacing and deeper character development, this world could rival other successful fantasy adaptations currently dominating streaming platforms worldwide.

8. Shadowhunters (2016–2019)

Hidden among ordinary humans, warriors with angelic blood hunt demons using ancient runes and magical weapons in modern New York City.

The series adapted Cassandra Clare’s popular novels, introducing audiences to a secret world of supernatural politics, forbidden love, and shadow realms.

Passionate fans campaigned vigorously when the show faced cancellation, demonstrating the franchise’s potential.

However, inconsistent writing and uneven worldbuilding prevented it from reaching the heights it could have achieved with stronger execution.

A reboot with improved storytelling and deeper exploration of the rich mythology could finally unlock what fans always knew was there.

The foundation exists for something truly special—it just needs creators willing to fully commit to the darker, more complex elements that make this universe fascinating.

9. Carnivàle (2003–2005)

During the dusty desperation of the Great Depression, a traveling carnival carried secrets darker than the era’s economic collapse.

Prophetic dreams, mystical powers, and an eternal battle between avatars of good and evil unfolded across America’s heartland in this atmospheric masterpiece.

HBO canceled the series after only two seasons, leaving major storylines frustratingly unresolved and fans devastated.

The slow-burn storytelling and symbolic imagery created something truly unique that has never been replicated in television since.

Reviving this haunting series would give closure to devoted fans while introducing new audiences to its mesmerizing blend of historical drama and supernatural mystery.

The unfinished prophecy deserves completion, and the show’s artistic vision remains relevant and compelling even decades after its untimely cancellation.

10. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

A California teenager balanced high school drama with her destiny as the chosen warrior against vampires, demons, and apocalyptic threats.

Joss Whedon’s creation revolutionized genre television by using supernatural monsters as metaphors for real adolescent struggles, combining horror with humor and heart.

The series influenced countless shows that followed, establishing storytelling techniques now considered standard in modern television.

Its cultural impact remains enormous, with new generations discovering it through streaming platforms and appreciating its timeless themes.

A thoughtful reboot could reimagine the monster-as-metaphor concept for contemporary issues facing today’s youth.

Rather than simply remaking what worked before, fresh creative voices could explore how supernatural storytelling addresses modern anxieties while honoring the original’s groundbreaking legacy and devoted fanbase.