Fantasy TV shows to watch while waiting for Supernatural to return

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 23: (L-R) Actors Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder attend the “The Vampire Diaries” panel during Comic-Con International 2016 at San Diego Convention Center on July 23, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images) /

Supernatural is on a break. While you may watch re-run after re-run, don’t forget to try out these five fantasy TV shows.

Helltus is, well, hell! It’s made even worse with a heatwave right now. But we must get through it and sometimes Supernatural re-runs just don’t quite cut it. Well, they do, but we do need to expand our interests and try out a few other shows out there. But what should you watch while waiting for the Winchesters to get back in the Impala and go on their hunt?

Sticking with the fantasy genre is a good place to start. There are so many shows, whether you love The CW’s past and present series or you want something on another, but similar, network. Here are five shows that will certainly take your fancy.

5. The Vampire Diaries

There’s no place to start other than The Vampire Diaries. It’s the one you know you’ve joked about in the past–or seen people joke about–on how the Winchesters would have easily taken the vampires down.

One thing The Vampire Diaries has similar to Supernatural is two hot brothers. Stefan and Damon Salvatore are the two men Elena Gilbert falls for and she needs to choose which one she will be with. At first it’s Stefan, but will she stick with him?

There are eight seasons to get through, although I found the first three and the last season the best ones. This series also stars Candice King, who guest-starred in “After School Special,” just in case you want an SPN connection. The show was also on The CW, which means it follows a similar format to your favorite show.

Once you’ve finished with this, you could consider The Originals (I prefer it over TVD). Legacies has been picked up as a spin-off of The Originals and will air on Thursdays after the Winchesters in the fall.

Photo credit: Getty Images /

4. Charmed

It’s time to go back to a time before the CW. Charmed is one of those shows that will never get old. Telling the story of three sisters who happen to be witches, Prue, Piper, and Phoebe Halliwell kick butt and save innocents. It originally starred Shannon Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, and Alyssa Milano. From Season 4, Rose McGowan replaced Doherty, coming in as Paige Matthews, the long-lost half-sister (ring any bells with half siblings?)

3. Grimm

How about a series that’s all about fairytales? David Giuntoli starred as Detective Nick Burkhardt, who learns in the pilot that he’s not just an everyday human. He’s decended from a long line of Grimms, who were warriors protecting the world from magical creatures called Wesens–part human and part animal.

He gets help from an unlikely ally, in the form of a reformed “big bad wolf.” There are certainly dark aspects to the series, which is why a lot of Supernatural fans are drawn to it. You’ll have the enjoyment of the mystery and magic, while also seeing lore and legends come to life in a unique way.

I highly recommend watching a couple of episodes to get started. The pilot was a little slow for my liking, but I enjoyed it from about the third episode on. There are six episodes and this series is another that’s come to an end.

Photo credit: The Magicians/Syfy by Eric Milner Acquired via NBC Media Village /

2. The Magicians

If you want something that is still on the air, then I highly recommend The Magicians. Just this season included Felicia Day in the series, as Poppy who is definitely nothing like Charlie! There are other guest stars from your favorite fantasy series, including Rick Worthy (Alpha Vamp) who plays the dean and pops up regularly throughout the series.

Another connection is in the writing team and showrunners. Sera Gamble is one of the co-showrunners and there are a couple of writers who were on your favorite series. You’ll certainly get a sense of the Winchesters now and then in this series.

This is a book adaptation done in a very different way to normal. Rather than work on one book at a time, each season takes elements for the three books its based on. Author Lev Grossman is also involved in the adaptation to bring the story to life.

The series certainly has a few more adult elements than Supernatural. Your heros aren’t the most conventional, which makes it fun for all. My favorites are Margo, Eliot, and Julia.

1. Shadowhunters

Another series based on books is Shadowhunters. This is one of those shows that I believe the SPN Family should get behind to help save. Based on the Mortal Instrument books, it’s one of the best shows to portray LGBTQ couples in a beautiful, positive, and inspirational way.

Plus, it’s very much like SPN in the way it involves magic, demons, and darkness. There are twists and turns every step of the way, with character names you’ll certainly recognize. Just recently, fans have pointed out that there is Lilith and Asmodeus–ring any bells?

The fandom is also very much like the SPN Family. There are people of all background, vocal about their show. They share beautiful pieces of artwork, create amazing fan videos, and are active on fan fiction sites. There is something for all in the show and in the fandom.

Next: 5 shows to get through Hellatus

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5 Fantasy TV shows to watch while waiting for Supernatural to return

By Alexandria Ingham | Jun 30, 2018