10 Fantasy TV Shows Canceled Way Too Soon
It seems fantasy shows are some of the most likely to get the axe early. Here are 10 tragic examples.
1. Roar, a network fantasy series starring Heath Ledger, aired only eight episodes in 1997. The show follows Conor, a prince in fifth century Ireland, as he unites the Celtic clans against the Roman Empire with the help of supernatural elements like an immortal centurion and Celtic mythology. Despite its campy charm, Roar was canceled due to poor audience reception.
2. Carnivàle, an HBO original series set in the 1930s Dust Bowl, ran for two seasons from 2003. The show follows Ben Hawkins, who joins a traveling carnival with supernatural powers, and a sinister priest. Carnivàle's unique blend of magical realism and surrealism set it apart from other fantasy shows of its time, but it was ultimately cut short after only two seasons.
3. Leonardo da Vinci came to life in Starz's Da Vinci's Demons (2013-2015), starring Tom Riley as the Renaissance genius. The show portrayed Da Vinci as an eccentric, tortured genius involved in the battle for control of Florence and his work with a shadowy cult. Despite its ambitious premise, the series struggled to maintain a strong following and ran its course after three seasons.
4. ABC's fantasy musical Galavant (2014-2016), starring Austin Butler as the titular knight, was another victim of the streaming wars. Set in the medieval times, Galavant's quest to save his lady love is filled with comedic takes on genre tropes and impressive guest star appearances. Despite its success among dedicated fans, the show was canceled after two seasons due to low audience engagement.
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