Thefantasygenre is well-suited for long-form storytelling, but there are some TV shows that are still worth watching, even if they’re only one season. While fantasy stories often work better when they’re lengthy and complex, they have a tendency to be canceled by networks and streaming services. There are manyfantasy series that were canceled beforethey could complete their original plans, with some of thesefantasy shows ending on frustrating cliffhangers. This may turn viewers off of incomplete or short fantasy series, but there are a few one-season ones worth watching.
Short fantasy shows can make for great escapes from reality, even if they were initially supposed to continue for longer. Although some series that are canceled are left with unsatisfying endings, others remain watchable despite shortened runs.There are quite a few one-season fantasy series that still hold up, even if they had the potential to go beyond their first outings.
My Lady Jane
Cast
My Lady Jane is a Prime Video original series created by Gemma Burgess. The story is a “what if” style story of English royal history where King Henry VIII’s son Edward, Lady Jane Grey, and her husband Guildford all survive their real-life deaths. In the retelling of history, Jane Grey takes center stage, becoming queen and immediately finding herself facing nefarious villains.
My Lady Janewas canceled by Amazonafter its first season, which was somewhat surprising after the fantasy-romance show landed a 95% critic score and 90% audience score onRotten Tomatoes. Clearly,My Lady Janeresonated with viewers, but it seems that wasn’t enough to save it from an early end. And there are a few key storylines fromMy Lady Janethat won’t be resolved now that it’s over — most notably, who will eventually sit on England’s throne.
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Amazon Prime Video'’s anachronistic historical comedy My Lady Jane was canceled after one season, leaving many storylines open-ended and incomplete.
Fortunately,these unfinished storylines don’t preventMy Lady Janefrom being a swoon-worthy and fun time, especially since Jane and Guildford get a proper ending. This gives the Amazon series a finale that feels somewhat conclusive, even if there are still things left up in the air. Viewers can guess how things turn out, especially sinceMy Lady Janeseason 1’s endinggives a brief montage of its supporting cast. And viewers can always read thebookMy Lady Janeis based onif they want even more closure. But the show stands pretty well on its own, all things considered.
Kaos
Kaos is a dark comedy series starring Jeff Goldblum as Zeus. Zeus is enjoying being the King of the Gods, until he starts to self-destruct after thinking a wrinkle on his forhead is a sign of an ancient prophecy. His situation becomes even worse when Prometheus develops a plan to take Zeus down once and for all.
Kaosis among Netflix’s most disappointing fantasy cancelations, as the show’s unique approach to Greek mythology had a lot of potential. The Jeff Goldblum-led series also left viewers on a cliffhanger, though this doesn’t mean it’s not worth watching. Even if the outcome of Zeus' terrible antics will never be realized, the show offers a lot to love during its first season.Kaosexplores the cruelty of the gods in a way that’s both comedic and devastating, altering their stories for a modern audience in an impressively satisfying way.
Kaoshits so many great notes that it’s shocking it wasn’t renewed for season 2, but season 1 is still a must-watch addition to the fantasy genre.
Thecast ofKaosalone is reason enough to tune in, with Goldblum’s Zeus, Aurora Perrineau’s Eurydice, and Janet McTeer’s Hera being standouts. However,the Netflix series' reflections on power and death also make a compelling case for giving it a shot. That’s not to mention the great way thatKaosfixes the tale of Caeneus, weaving a powerful story about identity and great trans representation into its narrative.Kaoshits so many great notes that it’s shocking it wasn’t renewed for season 2, but season 1 is still a must-watch addition to the fantasy genre.
Cursed
Based on the upcoming book of the same name, Cursed is a re-imagining of the Arthurian legend, told through the eyes of Nimue, a teenage heroine with a mysterious gift destined to become the influential Lady of the Lake. After her mother’s death, she finds an unexpected partner in Arthur, a young mercenary, in a quest to find Merlin and deliver an ancient sword. Throughout her journey, Nimue becomes a symbol of courage and rebellion against the terrifying Red Paladins and their complicit King Uther.
Katherine Langford shines in 2020’sCursed,which doesn’t get enough credit for being one of the best reimaginings of Arthurian legend in recent years. TheNetflix show only had one seasonbefore it was canceled, butCursed’s early ending doesn’t make it any less engaging. Based on Thomas Wheeler’s book of the same name (illustrated by Frank Miller),Cursedfollows Langford’s Nimue on her journey to deliver the Sword of Power to Merlin. The show brings in Arthur and other figures from Arthurian legend, and they all prove refreshing takes on familiar faces.
Even with the Netflix series' frustrating final moments, Nimue’s journey is worth going on alongside her.
Cursedmakes a great addition to the fantasy genre for that reason, even if it’s ending leaves viewers on a massive cliffhanger. WhileCursed’s book counterpart concludesthe same way, it does offer more hope for Nimue — and allude to a continued story, thoughCursedhas yet to get a sequel. Even with the Netflix series' frustrating final moments, Nimue journey is worth going on alongside her.It will leave viewers wishing for season 2, but that’s further proof that it’s a well-crafted fantasy series.
A Solid Expansion Of The Dark Crystal Movie
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is the long-awaited prequel to the 1982 film The Dark Crystal. In the Netflix original series, audiences return to Thra and follow three Gelfing, Rian, Deet, and Brea, who attempt to save their world after discovering the truth behind Skeksis' power. Despite fans' love for the franchise, Netflix canceled the series after one season.
Netflix’s prequel toThe Dark Crystal,The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistanceis a hugely underrated fantasy series. Unfortunately, it didn’t gain enough traction to warrant a second season, but it went over well with its dedicated audience. In fact,The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistanceboasts an 89% critic score and 94% audience score onRotten Tomatoes, highlighting its positive reception. Many will neverforgive Netflix for canceling this amazing fantasy show, but for those who haven’t seen it, it’s worth diving into.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistanceseason 1’s endingdoes set up more to come, but it also concludes on a high note. This makes it more watchable, even knowing the story ended before it was supposed to. Fans of 1982’sThe Dark Crystalwill appreciate how it digs deeper into the film’s world and lore, and the movie does give viewers an idea of how things play out after season 1. Of course, it would have been nice to see it happen on-screen. However,viewers shouldn’t write offThe Dark Crystal: Age of Resistancebecause it’s only one season.
The Acolyte
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
The Acolyteis one of the most divisiveStar Warsshowsto hit Disney+, making its cancelation after season 1 somewhat unsurprising. However, there’s a lot to enjoy about this addition to the franchise, which leans more into its fantasy elements than previous releases. The series follows a Jedi and his former Padawan as they become wrapped up in an investigation that leads them to the Sith.The AcolyteexploresStar Wars’villains in a fresh way, giving them far more complexity than prior projects. It also benefits from its exploration of the Force and stunning Lightsaber duels.
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Needless to say,The Acolyteis worth checking out, even if it’s not a perfect show.The Acolyte’s cancelation after season 1might leave certain storylines unresolved, but the show’s ending isn’t totally unsatisfying. The frustrating elements are overshadowed by the positive ones, and it’s always possible fans will get closure in futureStar Warsprojects. (In fact,The Acolyte’s heroes will live onin books and comics.) And even if there’s no resolution on-screen, viewers shouldn’t avoid this one-seasonfantasyshow. It’s one of the most daringStar Warsprojects to date, and that’s reason enough to tune in.
