There are many fantasy TV shows have great pacing, intriguing storylines, picturesque cinematography, and are all-around enjoyable to watch. However, adaptations are tricky, and not every interpretation of an author’s works for the smaller screen is executed correctly.

It’s worth noting, however, that these TV shows can still be successful even if they diverge from the source material, and doing so doesn’t necessarily mean it’s terrible. In fact, there are several fantasy TV shows with no bad seasons. While every show has flaws, these fantasy TV shows based on books are the best of the best.

10 The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power

2 Seasons, 2022-Present

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is an interesting enough adaptation, despite the criticism it faces for failing to stay true to J. R. R. Tolkien's original works. The Rings of Power is based on the appendices of The Lord of the Rings and expands on Tolkien’s backstory of Middle-earth. However, audience reviews of The Rings of Power aren’t as favorable as critics’. Season 1 lacks diversity in its cast, a common complaint amongst viewers, but this is thankfully something that is better in season 2.

There is also a lot of concern surrounding how overly complex the stories are, but the show’s pacing is so slow that it makes the narrative even more confusing. The Rings of Power has its strengths, though. The show has been praised for its stunning cinematography, and set and costume design, which set the overall tone of The Rings of Power well. Unfortunately, the solid depiction of Middle-earth isn’t enough for a lot of viewers, though, but perhaps The Rings of Power season 3 will change their minds.

9 Interview With The Vampire

2 Seasons, 2022-Present

Interview with the Vampire is doing fantastically so far, and with a little more time, it could be one of the standout titles in the fantasy TV genre. Plus, with Interview with the Vampire season 3 on the way, now is a perfect time to check it out. Interview with the Vampire is based on Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles series, and follows vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac through the stories he recounts to journalist Daniel Molloy. Unlike other recent vampire TV shows, Interview with the Vampire is far darker and more gruesome.

Louis’ narrative delves into his human life as a black man in the 1910s, becoming a vampire, and his later struggles with a new vampire teenager, which is fascinating. However, there is still room for improvement in season 3. For example, some viewers think the ing characters and their respective subplots could be fleshed out more, which occasionally dampens the impact of the show’s incredible themes and exploration of complicated topics. There’s a lot of potential for Interview with the Vampire, and while it isn’t as celebrated as other titles, it’s still one of the best fantasy adaptations for TV.

8 Shadow And Bone

3 Seasons, 2021-2023

Even though Shadow and Bone is a short watch, with only 16 episodes, it’s still an enjoyable title worth checking out. Shadow and Bone is an adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s novel of the same name, and it also includes storylines from the author’s other works. The story focuses on Alina Starkov, a magical Grisha orphan, who is responsible for the fate of her war-stricken world. Many consider Shadow and Bone’s cancellation a tragedy, especially considering its high ratings and frequent praise from audiences.

The Shadow and Bone TV show does a great job of bringing the Grishaverse to life, and the characters are brilliantly written. However, one small issue with Shadow and Bone is that some elements are more perplexing than they need to be, but with a little suspension of disbelief, it’s not a huge problem. Another little criticism is that it relies on cliches from YA fiction books, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing for some audiences. Unfortunately, this canceled fantasy TV show ends on a cliffhanger and leaves behind several unanswered questions, which sadly taint viewers’ watching experience.

7 The Magicians

5 Seasons, 2015-2020

Even with The Magicians’ limited budget, the show still draws viewers in with its impressive special effects and engaging plotlines. The Magicians is based on Lev Grossman’s trilogy of the same name, which focuses on Quentin Coldwater and Julia Wicker, two best friends since childhood, whose destinies in the world of magic are very different. The Magicians is frequently praised for its development with every season. While season 1 is still great, each further installment only improves upon itself.

Quentin and Julia’s stories are endearing, and The Magicians offers a fresh perspective for those who love Harry Potter, but are looking for a change of pace. However, there are some faults with the show. The Magicians doesn’t cut Julia’s assault scene from the book, and this moment is widely disliked by viewers and readers alike. Season 4 is also generally strong, but in the later episodes, specifically the finale, it takes a turn. Audiences are generally disappointed by season 4’s last episode, especially considering how amazing a majority of the show is.

6 The Wheel Of Time

3 Seasons, 2021-Present

Audience reviews of The Wheel of Time are generally mixed, with some believing it’s a solid adaptation of the series of the same name by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, whereas others consider it a disappointment. Even without the discussion of the source material, The Wheel of Time is still an enjoyable watch for both those who have and haven’t read the books. The show follows Aes Sedai member Moiraine Damodred and her interactions with four people, one of whom she believes to be the reincarnation of the Dragon, who is responsible for their world’s destruction or saviour.

Robert Jordan is the main author of The Wheel of Time books, but Brandon Sanderson is only credited as co-author for the last three installments.

The Wheel of Time’s biggest strengths are its visuals and casting. Rosamund Pike is stellar as Damodred, and her performance is even more impressive against the backdrop of the beautifully depicted fantasy world. The show is undoubtedly ambitious, perhaps a little too much in the beginning, and at times, it feels like The Wheel of Time relies on special effects so much that it forgets to check back in with the characters. The Wheel of Time denies characters their best stories, which is an area of improvement the show needs to focus on.

5 His Dark Materials

3 Seasons, 2019-2022

His Dark Materials is an adaptation of the trilogy of the same name by Philip Pullman, and follows Lyra, an orphan living in a multi-world reality. His Dark Materials’ depiction of the books’ fantastical world is beautiful, and the show is often praised for how it tackles topics of corruption, morality, and free will. HBO’s underrated fantasy TV show also features a brilliant star-studded cast, including the likes of Dafne Keen as Lyra, James McAvoy as Lord Asriel Belacqua, and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby.

Viewers who aren’t familiar with Pullman’s trilogy often feel isolated because they don’t have the additional context that readers do.

Dafne Keen’s best moments in His Dark Materials are particularly celebrated, and she encapsulates Lyra’s personality amazingly. As an adaptation, His Dark Materials recreates its source material well. There are a few pacing issues, however, and viewers who aren’t familiar with Pullman’s trilogy often feel isolated because they don’t have the additional context that readers do. However, with a little time and patience, anyone can get invested in His Dark Materials.

4 The Vampire Diaries

8 Seasons, 2009-2017

The Vampire Diaries is one of the most popular TV shows ever, and many don’t realize that it’s actually based on the book series of the same name by L. J. Smith. Set in the backdrop of the fictional town of Mystic Falls, The Vampire Diaries primarily follows teenager Elena Gilbert, who ends up in a love triangle with vampire brothers Damon and Stefan. The romance storyline is a crucial part of The Vampire Diaries, but there are also plenty of great supernatural focuses, too.

The Vampire Diaries is an ideal recommendation for those who are looking for something that takes elements from titles like Twilight and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While the earlier seasons aren’t as strong as later installments, this can be attributed to the show simply finding its feet in its earlier days. There are some controversial romances in The Vampire Diaries, and certain moments don’t age the best, but overall, the show is still engaging, and viewers return to it time and time again.

3 The Witcher

3 Seasons, 2019-Present

The Witcher franchise is huge right now, and whether you’re a lover of Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series, the games, or both, the TV show should be added to your watch list. The stories of Geralt of Rivia, Cirilla of Cintra, and Yennefer of Vengerberg are fantastically endearing, and Netflix’s take on The Witcher books is solid. Despite the recent casting changes, The Witcher’s audience base is still committed. The show is renowned for its action-packed sequences, stellar cinematography, and tense yet immersive atmosphere, which are all important qualities in The Witcher’s best episodes.

The Witcher season 1’s fight scenes and visual effects could be stronger, but this is something the show improves upon in season 2.

Like anything, there are a couple of teething problems. For example, The Witcher season 1’s fight scenes and visual effects could be stronger, but this is something the show improves upon in season 2. There are some odd story choices, too, especially when it comes to the relationships between the main trio, but these issues are ultimately tiny criticisms. The highly anticipated release of The Witcher season 4 will be here soon enough, and with Liam Hemsworth taking over as Geralt, the future looks bright for the adaptation.

2 Game Of Thrones

8 Seasons, 2011-2019

Taking the backlash of Game of Thrones season 8 out of the equation, the adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s iconic A Song of Ice and Fire book series is an incredible watch. Game of Thrones centers on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos and delves into the politics, morals, and survival of those who live there, including the dynasties of the Targaryen and Lannister families. The show is a standout in the TV world for its epic visuals, shocking character twists, and intense rivalries.

Even those who haven’t seen Game of Thrones’ ending, or the show overall, know that the series is groundbreaking. While the show’s resolution doesn’t get the greatest response, it doesn’t make the rest of it worse, either. From Daenerys’ shocking journey to Jaime and Cersei’s affair, there’s something in Game of Thrones for everyone to enjoy (although perhaps not the Red Wedding). Game of Thrones will forever be legendary, but there is one other fantasy TV show based on books that is better.

1 Outlander

7 Seasons, 2014-

Outlander, which is based on the book series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon, is still going strong. Premiering back in 2014, there are an amazing seven seasons of Outlander and an prequel spinoff to enjoy. World War II nurse Claire Randall’s romance with 18th-century warrior Jamie Fraser is gripping by itself, let alone when you take the time travel aspects into . But, because Outlander doesn’t initially appear to be a fantasy in the same way as Game of Thrones, for example, many don’t realize what a fantastic watch it is.

Claire and Jamie’s character arcs are complex and fascinating, but the ing characters are just as strong, too. Their ever-growing ionate affair is great for romance fans, and the underlying tension between the British and rebel Scots will tick boxes for those who enjoy a good war history drama. The Outlander season 8 will be the last installment, but Outlander: Blood of My Blood is also set to release later this year. As fantasy TV shows go, Outlander is the very best, and the show has yet to have a low point that causes a significant decline in quality.