2026 will offer some exciting fantasy TV shows that we can’t wait to see. As we reflect on the year, it’s impossible to deny that this year has been great for fantasy fans.
It brought back stories like Castlevania: Nocturne, Percy Jackson & The Olympians, and Wednesday. Meanwhile, we also got new TV shows such as Possibly the Greatest Alchemist of All Time and Promise of Wizard.
Luckily, next year will be just as great for fantasy fans. Whether it’s animation or live-action, 2026 will bring us some phenomenal fantasy shows that let us escape into new and familiar worlds of magic and mayhem.
11
Sentenced To Be A Hero (January 3)
The anime Sentenced To Be A Hero is a dark fantasy show that exists in a world where the worst punishment a criminal can receive is being sentenced to be a hero. Heroes are forced to fight the demon king’s army, getting resurrected if they die. The story follows a squadron led by convicted goddess killer Xylo Forbatz, who tries to find a way out of their damnation.
Fans of the 2020 light novel Sentenced To Be A Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unite 9004 have been begging for an anime adaptation since the story first came out, and it’s finally coming to the small screen in January.
The premise alone is enough to make the show exciting, but it also has the animation quality of a Blockbuster film. What’s more, the show will be packed with intense action sequences, magic, and violence.
10
Fate/strange Fake (January 3)
The Fate franchise is a bit like the Marvel Cinematic Universe of fantasy anime. It’s unbelievably expansive and has numerous spin-offs. It’s a giant web. Fate/strange Fake exists within the Fate franchise, but it can be consumed as a standalone. The Holy Grail is an all-powerful wish-granting object, and it has been the subject of many wars. Mages summon heroes from all across time to represent them in the battle.
Set centuries after the third Holy Grail War, signs of a new Holy Grail pop up in the United States, except it wasn’t correctly replicated, making it a fake. Servants of each class are still gathering, minus the Saber class, determined to secure the power for themselves.
Unlike most promising upcoming shows, Fate/strange Fake has proof of concept, as episodes 0 and 1 have already been released as promotional events. The two episodes are fantastic, and the series should be a fun time if they maintain the quality.
9
Frieran: Beyond Journey’s End S2 (January 16)
Set in a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired world, Frieran: Beyond Journey’s End is the story that happens after the story. Four questers return from defeating the demon king. The other questers find community, while Frieran, an immortal elf mage, becomes a nomad. After tragedy strikes, Frieran attempts to learn the meaning of friendship, connection, love, and loss while taking on two students.
Frieran: Beyond Journey’s End is, without a doubt, one of the best anime in recent years. It’s as much a slice-of-life drama as it is a high fantasy show. Frieran is a unique protagonist in that she is wise and factually intelligent but socially and emotionally stunted. What’s more, the anime explores themes that will resonate with viewers no matter how many times they watch it.
Luckily, the story isn’t over. Frieran: Beyond Journey’s End will return with season 2, which debuts on January 6.
8
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms (January 18)
The Game of Thrones franchise only continues to grow with its onscreen spinoffs. The newest one will be released in mid-January. Based on the Dunk and Egg novellas, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms explores the world of Game of Thrones from the perspective of the lower-class members of society.
Showrunner Ira Parker promised George R.R. Martin that he wouldn’t shift the focus towards the royals and upper class (Winter Is Coming). The “low life” aspect of Dunk and Egg is what makes the story special.
Parker has also already worked on the franchise, working as a writer on House of the Dragon. This is very obvious when looking at the trailer for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms because it has the same visual style and bleak tone. Ultimately, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms should be a fresh addition to the Game of Thrones world.
7
Outlander S8 (March 6)
The historical fantasy romance series Outlander, based on the books by Diana Gabaldon, is returning for a final season. The Outlander season 8 cast includes Claire, Jamie, Brianna, Roger, Rachel, and Ian, among others. This will be an emotional ending for both the viewers and the actors.
Fans have expressed concerns that Outlander season 8 will introduce too many new characters. Plus, the show needs to wrap up storylines from three different books. However, the Outlander team told fantastic stories with beautiful backdrops for seven seasons, so there’s no reason to believe that this one will be any different.
6
One Piece S2 (March 10)
Anime live-actions get a bad rap because of failures like Cowboy Bebop. However,One Piece season 1 is the best live-action anime adaptation, and the second season is already looking like it will be just as good.
The second season will include plenty of world-building. The series creator Eiichiro Oda also confirmed that we’ll be visiting Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island (viaComicbook).
That’s a huge amount of story to cover, but it doesn’t feel like it’s too much. It’s good that they’re leaving Alabasta until One Piece season 3 because of how much that impacts Luffy. On top of this, they’ll introduce fan-favorite characters like Vivi, Chopper, and Smoker. Even Oda thinks One Piece season 2 will be better than season 1, which is a massive vote of confidence.
5
House of the Dragon S3 (Summer, TBA)
The Game of Thrones prequel will come back in the middle of 2026, increasing the intensity of the Targaryen Civil War. House of the Dragon season 2 sets up multiple possible battles, raising the stakes for season 3. Dragons are always going to be exciting, and we’ll hopefully get even more dragon battles.
There are a ton of opposing personalities when it comes to the dragon riders, which is bound to create conflicts. There’s also a good chance that plot armor will dissolve, resulting in significant battlefield deaths.
House of the Dragons season 3 also has the potential to fix character issues that were criticized in season 2. This would be especially great for Blood and Cheese. If all goes well, it will be a much more enjoyable watch.
4
The Vampire Lestat (Summer, TBA)
AMC’s Interview with the Vampire is a raunchy, queer, entertaining show. The showrunners did an incredible job adapting Anne Rice’s story for the small screen. Interview with the Vampire season 2 ends with the shocking twist that Armand messed with Louis’ memories to make Lestat the villain. Instead, Lestat and Louis were in an unhealthy relationship where they both hurt each other.
This bomb drop makes Interview with the Vampire season 3, which has been retitled The Vampire Lestat, even more exciting. Lestat will reclaim his own narrative in the upcoming season, and it will be just as messy and fun. Lestat is becoming a rock star and going on tour, which will be the focus of the third season.
Hopefully, this will eventually lead him back to Louis. They might be doomed lovers, but I sure will continue to cheer them on.
3
Avatar: The Last Airbender S2 (TBA)
The live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender will never be the cartoon, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be appreciated for what it is – a reimagining of the story. Unlike M. Night Shyamalan’s terrible movie, the TV show has a better grasp on what makes ATLA great, and it only has the potential to improve its flaws with season 2.
With so many ATLA projects coming out in 2026, the live-action show will need to bring its A-game to stand out.
The Netflix series could add a bit more comic relief and improve character development for Katara, Azula, and Aang. Ultimately, Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 could be a make-or-break moment for the show. Hopefully, it’s the former.
2
Eleceed (TBA)
Since it debuted in 2018, the manhwa Eleceed has become a worldwide phenomenon, becoming Webtoon’s number 1 battle-action series. Luckily, we are getting to see the webtoon on our small screens next year. The story follows a teen named Jiwoo, who has super speed and electrical abilities, as he develops them with the help of Kayden, an Awakened agent trapped in a cat’s body.
Eleceed’s action sequences are beautifully drawn with top-notch choreography. If the anime succeeds at bringing even half of the sequences to the screen, it’s going to be incredible to watch. Another reason to have confidence and excitement is the involvement of DandeLion Animation Studio, the Oscar-nomination company working on Eleceed.
