These 8 fantasy shows from the 2010s stayed perfect from start to finish
A decade of fantasy television
Fantasy television in the 2010s ranged from animated stories to live-action epics such as Once Upon a Time and Game of Thrones. The article argues that some popular series lost momentum at the end, while others delivered satisfying finishes.
Among the shows it praises are Galavant, Over the Garden Wall and The Good Place. Their appeal comes from a mix of inventive settings, engaging characters and stories that hold together through their finales.
Galavant blends music and comedy
ABC’s Galavant is a medieval musical comedy filled with modern jokes and songs. Its music was created with contributions from composer Christopher Lennertz and Oscar-winning songwriter Alan Menken.
The series also relies on self-aware characters and humor that plays with familiar fairy-tale conventions. Its creators resolved major plotlines in the second season in case the show was not renewed; it did not receive a third season, leaving its two-season story complete.
Brothers in a strange forest
Over the Garden Wall follows half-brothers Wirt and Gregory as they travel through a mysterious forest near their home. Wirt worries about his responsibility for Gregory, while the younger boy meets strange events with a child’s untroubled outlook.
The miniseries pairs an intriguing story with a believable sibling relationship and a distinctive visual style. Its mix of coziness and creepiness has made it an annual fall viewing tradition for many fans.
The Good Place finds its audience
The Good Place begins after Eleanor Shellstrop dies and enters an afterlife that proves full of surprises. The NBC comedy combines thought-provoking moments with humor, and its characters and story contain major twists.
The series ran for four seasons and has moved from Netflix to Prime Video. Its shorter length makes it suitable for a weekend binge, while the move gives Prime members a chance to discover it.
Key points
- Galavant used musical comedy and fairy-tale humor across two seasons.
- Over the Garden Wall follows two brothers through a mysterious forest.
- The Good Place ran for four seasons and is now on Prime Video.