8 Best High-Fantasy TV Shows

Xena: Warrior Princess was a spin-off to Hercules the Journey Continues, and was, in fact, the series that ended up soaring past the original show after its second season.

Starting as a character intended to have a three-episode arc and then die, the producers saw that Xena could have the potential for a spin-off series and thus decided to keep her alive. After the viewing figures and positive reception for the character came in, it was guaranteed that she would be getting her own show.

Running for six seasons, Xena took everything that Hercules did and added some additional spark, dealing with way more interesting storylines and monsters. The quality of the show was just as goofy, but it felt a little more legitimate than its predecessor.

It was also helpful to see a female character take the spotlight as a hard-fighting action hero, as well as this providing the show its own identity separate to Hercules.