entertainment / Wednesday, 12-Feb-2025

10 Fantasy TV Shows With Premieres So Good That They Hooked Us From The Beginning

This article contains mentions of incest.

Several fantasy TV shows have excellent premiere episodes that make it impossible to turn away. Fantasy TV has many rich narratives across various subgenres, tropes, and circumstances. Some fantasy TV shows are incredible with just one season, and other fantasy TV shows have flawed narratives but are still amazing watches. Unfortunately, fantasy TV's diversity also means a narrative can quickly turn sour. Some fantasy shows fall off after one season, and other fantasy TV shows have terrible endings despite their incredible runs.

Given the wide range of fantasy, it is only natural that some shows take longer to accumulate an audience or become hooked to the story. However, some fantasy TV shows are just excellent right off the bat. Their premieres are so good that it is impossible to stop watching. There are various reasons why a fantasy TV show's first episode is compelling, including strong dialogue, riveting storylines, excellent world-building, and fascinating characters. Regardless of the reason, these shows provide exceptional examples of high-quality premieres that every fantasy TV show should follow.

10 Avatar: The Last Airbender

The Boy In The Iceberg: February 21, 2005

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Your Rating

Avatar: The Last Airbender
9/10
90
9.1/10
Release Date
2005 - 2008
Network
Nickelodeon
Showrunner
Michael Dante DiMartino
Directors
Giancarlo Volpe, Ethan Spaulding, Lauren MacMullan, Dave Filoni, Joaquim Dos Santos, Anthony Lioi
Writers
Tim Hedrick, Elizabeth Welch Ehasz, Joshua Hamilton, James Eagan, Joann Estoesta, Nick Malis, May Chan, Katie Mattila

Cast

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Avatar: The Last Airbender, released in 2005, follows a young boy in a war-torn world of elemental magic as he reawakens to embark on a challenging mystical quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar and restore peace to the world.

Seasons
3

Avatar: The Last Airbender aired for three seasons. The show was so popular that it kickstarted a franchise that includes Avatar: The Last Airbender comics, a spinoff, video games, novels, and more. However, Avatar: The Last Airbender began with its first episode, "The Boy in the Iceberg." The premiere features Sokka and Katara accidentally freeing Aang from an iceberg, only to discover that Aang is an airbender and the Avatar that has been missing for a century.

"The Boy in the Iceberg" does not unlock the entire premise of Avatar: The Last Airbender, but it reveals just enough to keep coming back for more.

From the beginning, Avatar: The Last Airbender is mesmerizing. The characters are fun and easily lovable, while the dynamics the episode establishes are already captivating. "The Boy in the Iceberg" does not unlock the entire premise of Avatar: The Last Airbender, but it reveals just enough to keep coming back for more. The episode provides an air of mystery surrounding the fantastical elements that ignite excitement for future episodes.

9 The Vampire Diaries

Pilot: September 10, 2009

The Vampire Diaries New Poster

Your Rating

The Vampire Diaries
168
8.5/10
Release Date
2009 - 2017-00-00
Network
The CW
Showrunner
Julie Plec
Directors
John Dahl
Writers
Julie Plec, Kevin Williamson, L.J. Smith

Cast

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Based on the novels by L.J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is a story about the developing love triangle between Elena Gilbert and two vampiric brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, the show follows the trio from high school through college as they battle for one another's affection.

Seasons
8
Story By
L.J. Smith

The Vampire Diaries is a cultural phenomenon and one of the best supernatural teen drama TV shows. There was just something about Stefan, Elena, and Damon's iconic love triangle worth watching week after week in the early 2010s. The drama that Elena Gilbert and her friends endured during their high school and college years in a fantastical setting makes it impossible to turn away from. Although there is not much action in the first episode of The Vampire Diaries, it still achieves a significantly high quality that hooks its audiences moving forward.

In The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith, Elena Gilbert has blond hair and blue eyes, a younger sister instead of a younger brother and her best friends are Bonnie and Meredith Sulez. Bonnie Bennett is named Bonnie McCullough, Katherine Pierce is Katherine von Swartzschild, and Matt Donovan is Matt Honeycutt.

Damon and Stefan's meeting after over a decade toward the end of the episode is unforgettable, especially Damon's iconic "Hello, brother" greeting. Stefan's introductory voiceover is also intriguing, as well as the shocking physical similarities between Elena Gilbert and the mysterious Katherine. Elena might not be the most compelling protagonist yet, but the episode marks a clear before and after in her life, prompting renewed interest to see what will happen to Elena next.

8 Game Of Thrones

Winter Is Coming: April 17, 2011

Game of Thrones Poster

Your Rating

Game Of Thrones
10/10
578
9.0/10
Release Date
2011 - 2019-00-00
Showrunner
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Directors
David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
Writers
D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, David Benioff
Franchise(s)
Game of Thrones

Cast

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  • Headshot Of Kit Harington In The Louis Vuitton Menswear Fall
    Jon Snow
  • Headshot Of Isaac Hempstead Wright
    Isaac Hempstead Wright
    Brandon Bran Stark

Based on George R. R. Martin's ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.

Creator(s)
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Main Genre
Drama
Seasons
8
Story By
George R.R. Martin

"Winter is Coming" is not just House Stark's famous words; this phrase is the title of the first episode of HBO's Game of Thrones. Despite Game of Thrones' controversial season 8, the show ignited a legacy based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice & Fire books. The show's first episode, "Winter is Coming," is the beginning of an epic fantasy story that lasts several years. There are several aspects introduced in Game of Thrones season 1, episode 1, "Winter is Coming," that make the show's premiere one of the best in fantasy television.

The mystery surrounding Jon Arryn's death is alluring, especially since the narrative suggests the Lannisters might somehow be involved. Daenerys Targaryen's introduction is one of the most iconic character introductions in fantasy television. However, what really rounds off this episode's excellence is the daring cliffhanger. "Winter is Coming" ends with Bran catching the Lannister siblings committing incest, resulting in Jaime pushing Bran out the window. These shocking themes introduced immediately establish Game of Thrones as a show unlike any other, leaving audiences desperate for more.

7 Once Upon A Time

Pilot: October 23, 2011

Once Upon a Time Poster

Your Rating

Once Upon A Time
7/10
37
8.8/10
Release Date
2011 - 2018-00-00
Network
ABC
Showrunner
Adam Horowitz
Directors
Christopher Gorham
Writers
Adam Horowitz

Cast

See All
  • Headshot Of Ginnifer Goodwin
    Ginnifer Goodwin
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    josh dallas

Once Upon a Time is an adventure fantasy-drama series created for ABC that features fairy tale characters and their Disney incarnations in a modern setting. When Emma Swan and her son Henry accidentally drive into the town of Storybrooke, they soon discover the inhabitants are those from fairy tales, and they have no knowledge of the modern world inhabited by Emma and Henry. Robbed of their pasts and given new identities by the Evil Queen known as Regina, the hope of the town's residents lie solely in the hands of Emma, who has stronger connections to the town than she knows.

Seasons
7
Story By
adam horowitz

One of Once Upon a Time's biggest strengths has always been its first episode. Once Upon a Time's premiere makes it easy to determine whether this show is worth watching. The episode begins with a classic montage similar to a Disney film, but the show quickly establishes that it is unlike Disney. Once Upon a Time illustrates what happens after true love's kiss, especially with the villain alive and thriving. The show's premiere gets right into its premise, featuring the grown child of Snow White and Prince Charming contrasting against flashbacks to how she ended up in the real world.

Once Upon a Time

Season

Air Dates

Primary Antagonist(s)

Primary Fairy Tale(s)

1

October 23, 2011 – May 13, 2012

The Evil Queen / Regina Mills

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs

2

September 30, 2012 – May 12, 2013

Cora, Greg, Tamara

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan

3A

September 29, 2013 – December 15, 2013

Peter Pan / Malcolm

Peter Pan

3B

March 9, 2014 – May 11, 2014

The Wicked Witch of the West / Zelena

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

4A

September 28, 2014 – December 14, 2014

The Snow Queen / Ingrid

Frozen

4B

March 1, 2015 – May 10, 2015

Maleficent, Ursula, Cruella de Vil, The Author

Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, The Hundred and One Dalmatians

5A

September 27, 2015 – December 6, 2015

King Arthur, Nimue, The Dark One's Power

Arthurian Legend

5B

March 6, 2016 – May 15, 2016

Hades

Greek Mythology

6A

September 25, 2016 – December 4, 2016

The Evil Queen

Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs, Aladdin, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

6B

March 5, 2017 – May 14, 2017

The Black Fairy / Fiona

Beauty & the Beast Variants

7

October 6, 2017 – May 18, 2018

Mother Gothel, Wish Rumplestiltskin

Cinderella, Rapunzel, Alice in Wonderland, The Princess & the Frog

Once Upon a Time has many rich fairy tale backstories distributed across several seasons. However, its initial storyline between Snow White, Prince Charming, their daughter, and the Evil Queen is the strongest and most compelling. Furthermore, Snow White and Prince Charming's daughter, Emma Swan, has a son that she gave up for adoption—and the Evil Queen happens to be his adoptive mother, further establishing a fascinating premise and spin on a classic fairy tale.

6 Outlander

Sassenach: August 9, 2014

Outlander Season 7 Poster

Your Rating

Outlander
7/10
319
9.4/10
Release Date
August 9, 2014
Network
Starz
Showrunner
Matthew B. Roberts
Directors
Metin Hüseyin, Jamie Payne
Writers
Ronald D. Moore, Matthew B. Roberts

Cast

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Outlander follows Claire Randall, a married nurse from 1945, who is transported back to 1743 Scotland. Amidst political intrigue and danger, she navigates life in the past and becomes torn between loyalty to her husband and the love for a dashing young warrior.

Main Genre
Sci-Fi
Seasons
7
Story By
Ronald D. Moore

Outlander is based on the book series by Diana Gabaldon, and while the show has strayed from the books in later seasons, the first season—including the first episode—is pretty accurate. There are many positive aspects of Outlander season 1, episode 1, "Sassenach," from Claire Randall's extensive character interiority to the compelling dialogue to the shocking time travel plot twist. Although it takes some time before Claire is sent back to 1743, the episode is compelling from start to finish. Claire's hauntingly beautiful narration about choices and destiny is pulling before the fantastical elements are even introduced.

Once Claire travels back in time, the narrative really picks up, especially as she refuses to believe that time travel exists. However, as the remainder of "Sassenach" unfolds, Claire's predicament lands her among rebellious Highlanders, forcing her to reconcile with her new reality. Outlander's first episode ends with Claire realizing her life truly has just begun, prompting viewers to keep watching and effectively hooking them.

5 She-Ra & The Princesses of Power

The Sword: November 13, 2018

She Ra and the princesses of power tv poster

Your Rating

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
10.0/10
Release Date
2018 - 2020-00-00
Showrunner
ND Stevenson
Directors
ND Stevenson
Writers
ND Stevenson

Cast

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  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Aimee Carrero
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    AJ Michalka

She-Ra and the Princess of Power is an animated fantasy series created for Netflix, which follows the adventures of princess Adora, who battles an evil army trying to consume the world. Adora is a young teen who has the power to transform into a legendary warrior known as She-ra and stands against the evil Hordak, who seeks to control the entirety of Etheria. The show also shares the spotlight with Catra, a girl who establishes herself as a high-ranking official in Hordak's army and tries to contrast their war against the rebellion's efforts.

Seasons
5
Story By
ND Stevenson

She-Ra & the Princesses of Power makes a bold move in its pilot episode, "The Sword," that pays off immensely. The show's premiere relies heavily on a plot twist that sets up Adora as the central protagonist and her former best friend turned enemy, Catra, as the primary antagonist. Adora learns that everything the Horde taught her is a lie, prompting her to reevaluate her beliefs and values. It can be risky to begin a show with a significant plot twist, but She-Ra & the Princesses of Power executes it perfectly.

By the end of "The Sword," Adora realizes the right thing to do is join the rebellion in Bright Moon, while Catra reaffirms her belief in the Horde. Much of She-Ra & the Princesses of Power revolves around Adora and Catra's dynamic, and "The Sword" provides the perfect backstory and turning point for these two childhood friends.

4 The Witcher

The End's Beginning: December 20, 2019

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Your Rating

The Witcher
6/10
188
8.5/10
Release Date
December 20, 2019
Network
Netflix
Showrunner
Lauren Schmidt Hissrich
Directors
Stephen Surjik, Charlotte Brändström, Edward Bazalgette, Loni Peristere, Louise Hooper, Bola Ogun, Alex Garcia Lopez, Gandja Monteiro, Sarah O'Gorman
Writers
Haily Hall, Clare Higgins, Javier Grillo-Marxuach, Jenny Klein, Tania Lotia

Cast

See All
  • Headshot Of Henry Cavill In The World premiere of 'Argylle'
    Geralt of Rivia
  • Headshot Of Anya Chalotra iN tHE UK premiere of The Witcher season 3
    Anya Chalotra
    Yennefer of Vengerberg

The Witcher, released in 2019, follows Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter navigating a turbulent world where humanity’s darker nature often eclipses the monstrous.

Seasons
3

From the get-go, The Witcher is a thrilling show. Geralt of Rivia is a mysterious and enthralling antihero, and the political storyline surrounding Cintra completes the narrative portion of the episode. The Witcher season 1, episode 1, "The End's Beginning," has a significant strength with its world-building. In just a few minutes, Geralt's powers as a witcher are easily comprehensible, and his moral code complicates his character.

In Cintra, the narrative does not reveal much about Ciri because it focuses on Cintra's downfall and Ciri's escape to survival. However, the brief introduction of her magical powers is highly captivating, especially given the strength she possesses. "The End's Beginning" also suggests that Geralt and Ciri's fates are entwined, prompting a level of curiosity to see how their lives will merge and affect each other and their destinies.

3 House Of The Dragon

The Heirs Of The Dragon: August 21, 2022

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Your Rating

House of the Dragon
8/10
236
8.5/10
Release Date
August 21, 2022
Network
HBO
Directors
Clare Kilner, Geeta Patel
Writers
Gabe Fonseca
Franchise(s)
Game of Thrones

Cast

See All
  • Headshot Of Matt Smith In The UK premiere of Sky series 'House of the Dragon'
    Prince Daemon Targaryen
  • Headshot Of Fabien Frankel In The World premiere of ‘House Of The Dragon’
    Fabien Frankel
    Ser Criston Cole

House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys's controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.

Main Genre
Adventure
Seasons
2

House of the Dragon's first episode firmly establishes its place as a Game of Thrones spinoff loosely based on Fire & Bloodwhile still maintaining a level of creativity and originality. House of the Dragon takes place almost two centuries before Daenerys Targaryen, at the height of the Targaryen dynasty and the power they have with their dragons.House of the Dragon does an excellent job of establishing this setting while introducing the issue of succession—the primary factor behind the Dance of Dragons, the Targaryen Civil War.

House of the Dragon also clearly establishes key narrative changes from Fire & Blood, primarily surrounding Alicent and Rhaenyra's rivalry and how it was born. Although this change was controversial, it gave a new perspective regarding the Targaryen Civil War and how their friendship-turned-rivalry affected the stakes. Overall, "The Heirs of the Dragon" is a promising first episode that perfectly sets up one of the most significant wars in Targaryen history.

2 The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power

A Shadow Of The Past: September 1, 2022

Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power Season 2 Poster Showing Charlie Vickers as Sauron

Your Rating

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
7/10
744
8.3/10
Release Date
September 1, 2022
Network
Amazon Prime Video
Showrunner
John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Louise Hooper, Charlotte Brändström, Wayne Yip
Directors
J.A. Bayona, Sanaa Hamri
Writers
Patrick McKay, John D. Payne, J.R.R. Tolkien, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Stephany Folsom, Nicholas Adams

Cast

See All

Main Genre
Fantasy
Seasons
2
Story By
Patrick McKay, John D. Payne

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is largely based on J.R.R. Tolkien's extensive world-building while providing a creative spin on Middle-earth lore. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power introduces original characters while including some of the most iconic characters from the movie franchise, such as Galadriel. The Rings of Power season 1, episode 1, "A Shadow of the Past," has many strengths, including exciting backstories and riveting new characters, but its biggest strength lies in its foreshadowing.

Throughout "A Shadow of the Past," Galadriel is convinced Sauron is not defeated, whereas her fellow elves believe the worst is over. Knowing about the darkness that has yet to come in future Lord of the Rings installments, the false hope that "A Shadow of the Past" spreads piques interest in how Middle-earth will fall to Sauron, especially because Galadriel is the only person who firmly believes Sauron is still a threat.

1 My Lady Jane

Who'll Be The Next In Line?: June 27, 2024

my_lady_jane_tv_show_poster

Your Rating

My Lady Jane
70
9.3/10
Release Date
2024 - 2024-00-00
Showrunner
Gemma Burgess, Meredith Glynn
Directors
Jamie Babbit, Stefan Schwartz
Writers
Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand

My Lady Jane is a Prime Video original series created by Gemma Burgess. The story is a "what if" style story of English royal history where King Henry VIII's son Edward, Lady Jane Grey, and her husband Guildford all survive their real-life deaths. In the retelling of history, Jane Grey takes center stage, becoming queen and immediately finding herself facing nefarious villains.

Creator(s)
Gemma Burgess
Main Genre
Comedy
Seasons
1

My Lady Jane only has one season, but it is still worth watching—a fact easily determined in the show's first episode. "Who'll Be The Next In Line?" illustrates a potential British succession crisis because of King Edward's failing health. My Lady Jane's startling historical changes might seem controversial, but they help establish the fantastical setting and the primary conflict between Ethians and Verities. Jane's chemistry with Guilford is also remarkable.

The plot twist of the handsome devil Jane meets in a bar being her future husband only makes the show more exciting and romantic. Furthermore, My Lady Jane's premiere also includes a witty narratorthat sets the tone for the show. There is a lot that occurs in the remaining episodes, but "Who'll Be The Next In Line?" provides an excellent fantasy beginning with high stakes, thrilling romance, and hilarious characters.

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