10 Hugely Underrated Fantasy TV Shows From The Last Decade

5. Merlin (2008-2012)

Merlin was nominally a children's series, but it attracted quite a following in its early days as a light and humorous take on the Arthurian legend with a young Merlin and Prince Arthur as manservant and master. In later seasons, the tone grew darker and its characters deepened, and we were treated to some excellent acting from Colin Morgan in the title role.

The show drew criticism from its older fans for its refusal to advance the plot in the last years and its one-dimensional treatment of villains like Morgana and Mordred, but its main draw was the central relationship between Merlin and Arthur. Their friendship is founded on a mutual respect which is rarely voiced by Arthur but present nonetheless, and while many of their scenes are comedic, the writing and acting deliver when the stakes are higher.

It also has John Hurt as an ancient dragon, which works surprisingly well. Although Merlin rarely managed to be greater than the sum of its parts, which was a disappointment for fans who saw its potential, its best moments are more than worth the worst it dishes out.