Whether you’re a wizarding world devotee or a chronicler of Narnia, if you’re in the mood to mix a bit of televisual magic into your high fantasy diet, you’ve landed in the right place.
Here’s a list of ten British fantasy series that are as alluring as a freshly brewed cuppa.
Doctor Who
This one’s older than your granny’s favourite rocking chair. With a time-travelling alien who changes faces more often than your favourite Instagram influencer, it’s a must-watch. And with so many Doctors to choose from, you’re bound to find one that tickles your fancy.
Merlin
This retelling of Arthurian legend gives us a young Merlin, a younger Arthur, and more royal drama than you’d find at a Windsor family reunion. It’s a bit like Harry Potter, but everyone’s got a posh accent, and there’s significantly less homework.
Being Human
A vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost sharing a flat—it’s like a supernatural version of Big Brother, but with more existential crises.
The Fades
This BAFTA-winning series introduces us to Paul, a bloke who sees spirits of the dead, known as Fades. It’s a bit like the Sixth Sense but with more British weather.
His Dark Materials
Based on Philip Pullman’s acclaimed trilogy, this series is perfect for anyone who’s ever looked at their pet and thought, “I wish you could talk and also shape-shift.” It’s got parallel universes, armoured bears, and an alarming lack of dark materials, honestly.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Magicians in 19th-century England? Sign me up. It’s a bit like Pride and Prejudice meets The Prestige. There’s more magic in this series than in a bag of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans.
Good Omens
An angel and a demon team up to prevent the apocalypse. It’s like a buddy cop film but with more celestial beings and fewer doughnuts. David Tennant and Michael Sheen’s performances are more delightful than finding an extra biscuit at the bottom of the tin.
In The Flesh
This one’s a bit of a tear-jerker. It tells the story of treated zombies, known as PDS sufferers, reintegrating into society. It’s like Downton Abbey but with more brain cravings.
Misfits
A group of young offenders develops superpowers after a freak storm. It’s a little bit like The Avengers, but with more community service and less spandex.
The Worst Witch
This is perfect for when you want something light and fun. It’s a bit like Harry Potter, but Hermione is the main character, and Ron’s a talking cat.
So, there you have it— ten British fantasy TV shows that will transport you to magical lands, alternate realities, and the occasional shared flat in Bristol.
So, next time you’re in need of a break from the pages, why not switch on the telly for a spell?
Just remember to return to your books afterwards; they get frightfully lonely without you.
