Of all the recent fantasy TV shows that have made their mark on the TV landscape, I still can’t believe more people haven’t fallen in love withThe Magicians. Full of rich characters and set against the background of an adult magic school,The Magiciansstrikes a great balance between traditional high fantasy elements and contemporary humorand plot developments.The Magiciansis afantasy TV show that changed the genre, as it doesn’t shy away from engaging with pop culture references alongside its deep emotional themes. While fantasy isn’t for everyone, all viewers can enjoyThe Magicians.
These days, it can be painful to get invested in a fantasy series that ends before it can truly begin. Thefantasy show cancellations that make no sensestay with viewers for a long time, so I don’t know why more audiences haven’t discovered the satisfying story ofThe Magicians. While there are still devastating moments throughout the story,The Magiciansinfuses hope and excitement into its most difficult moments. The main characters and their relationships keep the audience invested throughout all five seasons ofThe Magiciansand will make you wish you could join them on their adventures.
The Magicians Is Still An Underrated Fantasy Show 10 Years After It Premiered
Though Its Fanbase Has Grown, More People Need To Know About The Magicians
Based on Lev Grossman’s book trilogy of the same name,The Magiciansis a masterclass in world-building and character developmentthroughout its seasons. Airing on Syfy from 2015 to 2020, it’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since the series first hit screens and that it remains underrated. However, since it came out at the same time that fantasy heavyweights likeGame of Throneswere airing, it’s not shocking that fewer viewers sought outThe Magicians. Fortunately, this didn’t prevent the show from being renewed many times, even going past its source material in the last two seasons.
Though it stands the test of time,The Magicians' humor and sensibilities are of its time,relating to the “Tumblr Generation” as its target audience. However, this doesn’t come off as dated as much as it does nostalgic. Since the series walks the line between reality and fantasy, with the magical world existing alongside the mundane, it’s interesting to view the show as a kind of time capsule of the 2010s. The series pokes fun at its lead characters, consistently making self-referential jokes about Millennials and the dichotomy between generations, but it’s all in good fun.
This sense of humor buoysThe Magiciansthrough its darkest times, as each of the characters is put through the wringer over the years. Primarily focusing on Quentin (Jason Ralph) after he discovers his latent magical abilities and joins the ranks of the magical university, Brakebills,The Magiciansexpands with the colorful and iconic nature of its ensemble of characters. Though much of the series sees the group getting into trouble and battling great and dark forces that attempt to control all magic, there’s plenty of character-driven drama that will fulfill the viewers' interest in romance, friendship, and self-discovery.
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The Magicians' 5-Season Run Is A Lot More Impressive Now After So Many Fantasy Cancellations
Few Contemporary Shows Get The Chance To End On Their Own Terms
Though there are plenty of amazing fantasy TV shows that have gone on for many seasons, likeSupernaturalorGame of Thrones, a five-season run is still impressive. Too often, fantasy audiences have watched series with a lot of potential and plenty of story left to tell, canceled quickly, sometimes even after season 1. The fact thatThe Magiciansstayed on the air for five seasons despite being underratedspeaks volumes about the quality of the series. Knowing thatThe Magiciansdoesn’t end abruptly is a large part of why viewers are still enjoying the show today.
It’s disappointing to fall in love with a fantasy world only to see it cut short and never see your favorite characters onscreen again.
As afantasy TV show with a proper ending,The Magiciansis an exception to the rule, with so many great works of speculative fiction being canceled every year. It’s disappointing to fall in love with a fantasy world only to see it cut short and never see your favorite characters onscreen again. WhileThe Magicianswas officially canceled, it had all of season 5 to resolve its open-ended plotlines and put its characters on paths to self-actualization and a positive future. There’s still room forThe Magiciansto come back, but the show didn’t sacrifice a great ending for this.
