8 Most Divisive Fantasy Shows of All Time, Ranked

Fantasy television shows have been entertaining audiences for decades, developing dedicated international fanbases. Their combination of relatable characters, magical world-building, and intricate storylines has given us some of the most acclaimed shows ever made, including several major award-winners and massive multimedia franchises. And yet, those same shows often end up polarizing audiences.

Most of the time, the divisions can be traced back to deviations from the source material, but there are also a lot of great fantasy shows that have had their reputations stained by errors in plotting or production, or because they became the subject of behind-the-scenes controversies. They may still enjoy the support of their most dedicated fans, but these flaws and scandals ultimately alienate many others, no matter how good the shows actually are. Read on to discover our ranked selection of the most divisive fantasy shows of all time, including both beloved classics and more modern fare.

8

‘His Dark Materials’ (2019 – 2022)

Lyra holding the compass in His Dark Materials.Credit: Image via HBO

Based on Philip Pullman’s novel series, His Dark Materials is a fantasy drama show set across multiple worlds. Dafne Keene stars as Lyra, an orphan from a world where souls manifest outside the body as animal companions, and the series follows her quest to find her missing friend, uncovering a sinister conspiracy in the process. The series also stars Ruth Wilson, James McAvoy, Anne-Marie Duff, Clarke Peters, James Cosmo, and more in supporting roles.

After a disastrous film adaptation in the 2000s, this latest adaptation of Pullman’s novels was seen by fans and critics as a welcome return to the core of the books, earning acclaim for its production, music, performances, and faithfulness to the source material. But while the show is widely hailed as a masterful adaptation, both the series and its source material have been controversial for their anti-religious and anti-authoritarian messages, which some groups find offensive. Those criticisms notwithstanding, His Dark Materials is still regarded by the majority of viewers and critics as one of the best fantasy TV shows of recent years, if not all time.

7

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021 – 2025)

Egwene (Madeleine Madden) Rand (Josha Stradowski), Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), Lan (Daniel Henney), and Aviendha (Ayoola Smart) in The Wheel of Time Season 3 poster

Credit: Image via Prime Video

Developed by Rafe Judkins, The Wheel of Time is a fantasy drama show based on Robert Jordan’s book series. The show stars Rosamund Pike as Moiraine, a member of a mystic order who goes on a quest alongside five people, believing that one of them may be the prophesied reincarnation of a powerful being who could save the world or destroy it. Besides Pike, the series also stars Daniel Henney, Zoë Robins, Josha Stradowski, and more as part of its ensemble cast.

A gorgeously crafted adaptation of one of the most acclaimed fantasy series of all time, The Wheel of Time was quite well-received throughout its three-season run. But though it was praised for its production values, performances, and world-building, it also faced criticism for its inconsistent pacing, diluted themes, and changes to the source material (a recurring problem on this list). While those flaws did polarize the fanbase, the series showed significant improvement as it developed season to season, but it was unfortunately canceled after Season 3, prematurely ending its epic story.

6

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021 – 2023)

Credit: Image via Netflix

Developed by Eric Heisserer, Shadow and Bone is a fantasy series adapted from Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse young adult fantasy novels. The show follows orphan cartographer Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) as she discovers her magical abilities and becomes the target of multiple factions who seek to use her powers to further their own agendas. The series also stars Ben Barnes and Archie Renaux, with Freddy Carter, Amita Suman, Kit Young, and more in supporting roles.

Combining elements of Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology to craft a fascinating new story, the Shadow and Bone series earned positive reviews from critics and fans, especially for its intricate world-building and the performances of its cast. However, its deviations from the source material drew some criticism and effectively divided the fan base, a situation that was worsened by the show’s simplistic portrayal of racism and other controversies surrounding its handling of race relations. Despite those problems, the show did develop a sizable fanbase of its own, but it was still canceled after just two seasons.

5

‘The Witcher’ (2019 – Present)

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in The WitcherCredit: Image via Netflix

Created by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, The Witcher is a fantasy drama series based on Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series. Set in a medieval fantasy land known as the Continent, the show follows the stories of quarter-elf sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), Crown Princess Cirilla of Cintra (Freya Allan), and the titular Witcher, Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill), as they navigate the many dangers of their world. Cavill left the show after Season 3, citing creative differences, leading to Liam Hemsworth being cast as Geralt starting with the fourth season.

The Witcher had pretty mixed reviews for its first season, but the show’s reception has steadily improved since then, and it currently enjoys a large international fan following. That said, the show has also faced criticisms for changes made to the source material, inconsistent quality, and the controversial recasting of its title role. Nevertheless, it’s still one of Netflix’s most popular series, and the show has been expanded into a successful franchise with the release of two animated feature films and a prequel miniseries.

4

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022 – Present)

Developed by J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is an epic fantasy drama series inspired by the work of J. R. R. Tolkien. Set thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, the series chronicles the major events of Middle-earth’s Second Age, following a massive cast of characters as they deal with the rise of Sauron, the fall of Númenor, the last alliance of Elves and Men, and the forging of the Rings of Power. The show stars Morfydd Clark, Sara Zwangobani, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Nazanin Boniadi, and more as part of its ensemble cast.

The most expensive television series ever made, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power had a lot riding on it ahead of its premiere, at which point it was quite well-received by critics and fans. But while the show has been praised for its visuals, design, and world-building, the series has also faced criticism for the writing, pacing, and the changes it brings to the characterizations of popular characters like Galadriel. Unfortunately, the show also got a lot of racist backlash over its casting choices that affected its ratings in the first season, though those thankfully faded by the time the second one came out.

3

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011 – 2019)

Jamie and Bron in ‘Game of Thrones’Credit: Image via HBO

Created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama series adapted from George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels. Set on the continents of Westeros and Essos, the show follows an epic, multi-faceted story, primarily revolving around a bloody civil war for the Iron Throne of Westeros, the return of the last heir of a deposed dynasty, and a supernatural threat that seeks to destroy them all. The show boasts a large ensemble cast that includes Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and many more.

Easily one of the most successful shows HBO has ever produced, Game of Thrones was a highly acclaimed show that garnered record viewership during its original run. However, its popularity and standing took a big hit in its final season, which jumped ahead of Martin’s still-unfinished novel series and was widely criticized as unsatisfying and riddled with technical errors. Despite its polarizing ending, the series remains a (mostly) thrilling journey through a world of magic and war that earned numerous accolades, including five Golden Globe nominations and a record 59 Emmy Awards.

2

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997 – 2003)

Alyson Hannigan’s Willow standing with Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy in Buffy the Vampire SlayerCredit: Image via The WB

Created by Joss Whedon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a supernatural drama series based on the 1992 film. The show stars Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy Summers, a young woman chosen by fate to battle the forces of darkness as the latest in a long line of Vampire Slayers. The series also features Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter, Anthony Stewart Head, David Boreanaz, and more in key roles.

Arguably one of the most iconic TV shows of all time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer earned critical and audience acclaim during its original broadcast and was nominated for multiple awards. However, the show has also proven divisive because of its problematic Season 6 portrayal of attempted sexual assault, stereotypical characterizations, offensive dialogue, and lack of diversity. It’s also been the subject of controversy due to accusations of workplace harassment against creator Joss Whedon, with multiple actors describing the show as a toxic work environment.

1

‘Supernatural’ (2005 – 2020)

Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles as Sam and Dean Winchester in a promotional image for ‘Supernatural’Credit: Image via The CW

Created by Eric Kripke, Supernatural is a fantasy adventure drama series starring Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles as the monster-hunting Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean. The show follows the Winchesters as they travel around the country, facing off against dark supernatural forces and saving lives. The show also features Misha Collins, Mark A. Sheppard, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Alona Tal, Jim Beaver, and more in supporting roles.

Supernatural premiered in 2005 to a mixed critical reception, but it developed a massive fan following over the years, eventually running for a whopping 15 seasons, making it the longest-running American live-action fantasy show. Throughout that time, the series has garnered divided opinions, earning praise for its characters, humor, and narrative, but also facing criticisms for its inconsistent quality, queer-baiting, and for how it uses elements of real-life religions in a way that some viewers found offensive. The show is a mixed bag, but despite its flaws (and terrible ending), it still enjoys a cult following and has inspired multiple spin-offs.

Release Date

2005 – 2020

Network

The WB, The CW

Showrunner

Eric Kripke

Directors

Philip Sgriccia, John F. Showalter, Kim Manners, Thomas J. Wright, Charles Beeson, Guy Norman Bee, Richard Speight Jr., Mike Rohl, John Badham, Steve Boyum, Amyn Kaderali, Jensen Ackles, Tim Andrew, Eduardo Sánchez, Jeannot Szwarc, P.J. Pesce, Nina Lopez-Corrado, James L. Conway, amanda tapping, J. Miller Tobin, Stefan Pleszczynski, John MacCarthy, Jerry Wanek, Ben Edlund

Writers

Meredith Glynn, Davy Perez, Raelle Tucker, Cathryn Humphris, Brett Matthews, Nancy Won, John Bring, Ben Acker, Daniel Knauf, David Ehrman, James Krieg, Trey Callaway