If you’re a fan of the fantasy drama genre, Once Upon a Time has likely captivated your imagination with its enchanting storytelling and intriguing characters. Whether you’re looking for more magical adventures or complex narratives, here are 13 TV shows that might just fill that fairy tale void.
1. Grimm
Grimm is a dark fantasy series that follows Nick Burkhardt, a homicide detective who discovers he’s a Grimm, a guardian who must keep the balance between humanity and mythological creatures. The show stars David Giuntoli and Bitsie Tulloch.
2. Merlin
Merlin reimagines the Arthurian legends, focusing on the young wizard Merlin as he navigates his destiny to protect Prince Arthur. Colin Morgan stars as Merlin, with Bradley James playing Arthur.
3. The Magicians
The Magicians is a modern fantasy series that follows Quentin Coldwater as he enrolls at Brakebills University to learn magic, only to discover that the fantasy world he read about as a child is real. The series stars Jason Ralph and Stella Maeve.
4. Supernatural
Supernatural follows brothers Sam and Dean Winchester as they hunt demons, ghosts, and other supernatural beings. Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles lead the cast in this long-running series.
5. Charmed
Charmed centers on the Halliwell sisters, who discover they are powerful witches destined to protect the world from evil. The original series stars Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Alyssa Milano.
6. Once Upon a Time in Wonderland
Once Upon a Time in Wonderland is a spin-off of Once Upon a Time, focusing on Alice’s adventures in Wonderland as she searches for her lost love. The show stars Sophie Lowe and Michael Socha.
7. Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow blends modern-day crime-solving with supernatural elements as Ichabod Crane awakens in the present to combat the Horseman of the Apocalypse. Tom Mison and Nicole Beharie star in this thrilling series.
8. Penny Dreadful
Penny Dreadful brings together classic horror characters like Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray in a dark, gothic narrative set in Victorian London. The show stars Eva Green, Josh Hartnett, and Timothy Dalton.
9. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows Buffy Summers, a high school student chosen to battle against vampires and other dark forces. Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as Buffy, with a supporting cast including Alyson Hannigan and Nicholas Brendon.
10. The Witcher
The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a turbulent world where people can be more wicked than beasts. The series stars Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, and Freya Allan.
11. Shadowhunters
Shadowhunters is based on The Mortal Instruments book series and follows Clary Fray, who discovers she is part of a race of human-angel hybrids tasked with hunting demons. The show stars Katherine McNamara and Dominic Sherwood.
12. The Shannara Chronicles
The Shannara Chronicles is set in a post-apocalyptic world where magic has returned, focusing on the Shannara family as they fight to protect their land from demonic forces. The series stars Austin Butler, Poppy Drayton, and Ivana Baquero.
13. American Gods
American Gods follows Shadow Moon, who becomes embroiled in a war between old gods and new gods after meeting the mysterious Mr. Wednesday. The show stars Ricky Whittle, Ian McShane, and Emily Browning.
These shows offer a mix of enchanting tales, magical adventures, and complex characters that will keep any Once Upon a Time fan entertained. Enjoy diving into these fantastical worlds!