The world of magic has always been an alluring settuing for charcaters,

The world of magic has always been an alluring universe for avid readers, film fanatics, and television fandoms. The imagination of a place where humans and other species can conjure up unique objects, manipulate the elements, and travel across dimensions. Plenty of series simply focus on the world of witches while others expand beyond the magic and incorporate entities like vampires and ghosts, as well as discussions on mortality, eternity, and the vastness of the universe.

Satisfying fan demands, series such as Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and True Blood experienced record-breaking success, cementing characters like Sookie Stackhouse and actresses like Sarah Michelle Gellar into the fantasy media canon.

Shows centered around magic provide not only the ability to envision a world where the impossible becomes possible but also they allow viewers to view their world from a different, more conscious perspective. Of course, various shows accomplished this feat to varying degrees, but these exemplary series managed to leave a lasting, positive impact on their audiences.

16 Charmed

Charmed
The WB
CBS Television Distribution

Possibly the most iconic series about witches to come out of the early 2000s, Charmed focused on Prue (Shannen Doherty), Piper (Holly Marie Combs), and Piper (Alyssa Milano), the three magically-gifted Halliwell sisters. Charmed excels in combining outrageous supernatural experiences with the everyday occurrences of its mundane counterpart.

Of course, the sisters experience jarring intrusions and have met death in the face multiple times. However, adequate worldbuilding treats these otherwise ludicrous incidents as just another hurdle for them to come. In spite of its incomprehensibility, these situations provided viewers with the idea that life suddenly does not improve when the supernatural is interwoven into any person's life. The women have careers, love interests, and fleshed-out beliefs, all while wandering the world looking for answers.

With the addition of Paige (Rose McGowan), the existing themes of sisterhood were strengthened, depicting the complications and the benefits of an unexpectedly, extended family.

Alongside the sentimental storylines, fans got to watch some of the most impressive spells performed in the series. Abilities like astral projection, molecular manipulation, shape-shifting, and premonitions were incorporated into exciting and stress-inducing showdowns, but the series is most known for the unforgettable "Power of Three" mantra, where the sisters unite, combine their powers and vanquish villains of varying strength and intellect.

15 Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Sabrina The Teenage Witch
ABC

When magic enters entertainment, drama is typically the genre used by studios to explore how the mystical arts impact experiences like adolescence, love, and academics. When Sabrina the Teenage Witch debuted in 1996, it was a refreshing exploration of teenage girlhood. Leaning closer to whimsical, magical tales like The Wizard of Oz, the ABC series follows the titular teenage witch (Melissa Joan Hart) navigating her new life as a witch following her sixteenth birthday.

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With the assistance of her equally amusing witch aunts Hilda and Zelda (Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick) and the hilarious, adorable, yet mischievous Salem, the Spellman household provides viewers with plenty of laughs and somber moments akin to the format of shows like Full House. Despite the dark stigma surrounding magic, Sabrina, The Teenage Witch brought brightness to the otherwise ominous world of magic.

14 The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

What-Happens-to-Harvey-on-CAOS-Series-Finale
Berlanti Productions 
Archie Comics
Warner Bros. Television

Over two decades later, the creators of Riverdale announced that plans for a Sabrina, The Teenage Witch remake were in preparation. Netflix announced The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina not too long after, with Kiernan Shipka, Tati Gabrielle, Ross Lynch, and Michelle Gomez being tapped for some of the roles available.

The series debuted to fans in the fall of 2018. While some critics and consumers were apprehensive due to the ongoing reboot fatigue, the series cultivated a loyal fanbase of its own, with many of its stars using the opportunity as a platform for the next stages in their careers.

In the gloomy town of Greendale, Sabrina strives to enjoy a normal life with her friends and abide by the expectations of her aunts, servants of the devil himself. Her time is split between learning the dark arts and discovering the delights of high school romance, friendships, and extracurricular experiences. While the premise of the series does not stray far from the source material's appeal as a coming-of-age story, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is much darker in comparison, with the series providing fascinating yet frightening depictions of death, sexuality, and morality.

13 The Vampire Diaries

Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder In The Vampire DIaries. Nina as "Elena" leans against a bench next to Ian as "Damon" both leaning and listening to an unseen orator.
Outerbanks Entertainment 
Alloy Entertainment
CBS Television Studios 
Warner Bros. Television

Based on the EL James series of the same name The Vampire Diaries follows the unpredictable life of Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a sixteen-year-old Mystic Falls teenager whose life is upended after she discovers vampires, witches, and werewolves. While the show is introduced as a vampire-focused series, the role of magic is truly significant to the progression of the show's plots, the character development, and one's understanding of the lore.

Bonnie Bennett (Kat Graham) is introduced to audiences as Elena's best friend, compassionate and dependable at the start. As the series progresses, viewers learn that Bonnie is a descendant of the Bennett witches, thus tying her to one of the most powerful, magical families on the planet. The success of Elena, Stefan (Paul Wesley), Damon (Ian Somerhalder), and their core friend group largely relies on Bonnie performing miracles, in the literal sense.

Tapping into the energy of the living, the essence of the death, and the energy in between, Bonnie performed energy-consuming spells that put her very life in danger. Furthermore, characters like Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan) and Kai Parker (Chris Wood) are some of the most formidable foes the group faces, largely because of their magical prowess.

12 American Horror Story: Coven

american-horror-story-angela-bassett-ramona
FX

While unusual encounters are littered across the iconic anthology series, American Horror Story: Coven deserves commemoration for its execution.

For the season dedicated to exploring witchcraft in the United States, Murphy recruited Angels Bassett, Emma Roberts, and Gabourey Sidibe, alongside returning cast members like Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe, and Taissa Farmiga.

The series hones in on several groups of women ranging in age, race, and experience. Rather than being characterized as astoundingly evil or easily manipulated, the witches, and more importantly, their magic, gives them another pathway for coping with their trauma.

The season complements the rest of the series, dealing with sexual abuse, slavery, racism, and fatphobia but provides a disturbingly enjoyable viewing experience.

11 Mayfair Witches

Alexandra Daddario, a white brunette women, in Mayfair Witches, looking distressed while wearing a suit with a typically buttoned shirt. 
AMC

After AMC’s reinterpretation of Interview With A Vampire received praise for its excellent acting, engaging plot, and creating a comprehensive and compelling fictional world, fans were excited to learn that another Anne Rice franchise would be adapted for television.

Mayfair Witches, from the novel trilogy of the same name, chronicles the fascinating life of Dr. Rowan Fielding (Alexandra Daddario), a neurosurgeon who discovers that her lineage traces back to a line of powerful witches that finds themselves at the receiving end of viciousness from a vengeful spirit.

Immersed in the world of witchcraft and nobility, Rowan relies on the help of Ciprien Grieve (Tongayi Chirisa), an agent assigned to help Rowan assimilate, preparing her for the eventual ascension to ruler of the Mayfair dynasty.

10 Wandavision

A scene from Wandavision (2021)
Disney+

Due to its popularity during the pandemic, Wandavision may very well be the television counterpart to Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia, both captivating works of art that grabbed the attention of the masses and provided them with satisfactory experiences.

Wanadavision sees Elizabeth Olsen reprise her role as The Scarlet Witch, joined by Teyonah Paris as Monica Rambeau and Paul Bettany as Vision. After the events of Avengers: Endgame Wanda and Vision seemingly enjoy a simple suburban life in the fictional town of Westview, New Jersey. However, fans quickly learned that there was more than meets the eye to Wanda's new chapter, especially after the traumatic events that occurred in the prior films.

9 Cursed

Cursed
Netflix

Billed as a "reimagination" of Arthurian legends, Cursed is a Neftlix fantasy drama that follows Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why, Knives Out) as Nimue, the prophetic Lady of the Lake.

Acting as a prequel, the series follows Nimue on a coming-of-age story that sees her ostracized from her home village, turning to a young sellsword named Arthur in their shared journey in search of Merlin.

Despite the show being canceled after one season, Cursed provides a simple look inside a memorable character whose voice was originally discarded. During its run and after its conclusion, the series inspired discussions about the initial excitement for the series and the potential points of growth, taking the alluring premise of the series and expanding on its strengths to present a case of what could have been. Nevertheless, the performance of the actors is the true highlight of the series.

8 The Witches of East End

Four, presumably white, women holding hands and staring into the distance. Standing in front of dark, green flora and what appears to be a stone monument.
3 Arts Entertainment, 2013

Lifetime's The Witches of East End saw the Melissa de la Cruz novels of the same name adapted into a multi-season drama that focuses on Joanna Beauchamp (Julia Ormond), her mischievous sister Wendy (Mädchen Amick), and her two daughters Freya (Jenna Dewan) and Ingrid Beauchamp (Rachel Boston), a household of witches that attempt to balance their magic with the mundane life in a normal town.

Despite mixed reviews, publications such as The New York Times praised the series for its playful, easy-going plot structure compared to gritter counterparts airing alongside the series on rival channels such as FOX and the CW.

7 The Wheel Of Time

The Wheel of Time Cast
Prime Video

Based on the Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson novels of the same name, Showrunner Rafe Judkins provided patrons of Amazon Prime Video with The Wheel Of Time, a high fantasy series that follows the "Aes Sedai", a mythical and magical organization.

The series stars Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred, a member of Aes Sedai, who seeks someone with the potential of being the "Dragon" reincarnated. The Dragon Reborn, or the reincarnated prophetic figure, is believed to have the powers possible to save the world or plunge it into doom along with "The Dark One".

While the show incorporates easily recognizable tropes into its storylines, the outstanding performances, strong plots, and intriguing lore allows The Wheel of Time to stand out among the wide selections of series audiences can indulge in.

6 Bewitched

Bewitched Samantha and Darrin Stephens
Screen Gems

Considered one of the most influential American sitcoms to hit cable television, Bewitched focuses on a witch named Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) noted for her beauty and her might. The series introduces audiences to her as one-half of a married couple with Darrin Stephens, a mortal. Samantha often has to ward off meddling witches and warlocks from her husband, the victim of spells that continuously jeopardize his job position and mental health.

The show has been considered a marvel for its discussion on then-taboo topics like interracial marriages while also actively combating the mandated misogyny of its respective era by using Betty Friedan's philosophy and subverting existing stereotypes about the ideal American housewife.

5 The Magicians

The Magicians - S3 E9
NBCUniversal Television Distribution

The Magicians, adapted from the Lev Grossman novels, aired on the Syfy Channel from December 16, 2015, to April 1, 2020. Due to the pleasant combination of comedy, drama, and fantasy, it should come as a shock to no one that The Magicians is considered one of the channel's most beloved series. The series follows Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph), a graduate student dealing with depression, and his adventures after enrolling in Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy.

The series appeals to audiences' yearning for an escape from lives compounded with stress, boredom, sadness, and pervasive danger. The Magicians combines the typical dream of running away to a magical paradise, childhood tales of the chosen one, and general interests in various myths and folklore with very important conversations about real-life relationships and health, producing one of the most compelling fantasy series on television.

4 His Dark Materials

His Dark Materials
HBO
BBC

His Dark Materials, based on the Phillip Pullman novels of the same name, aired on HBO MAX from November 2019 to February 2023. Set in a universe where multiple dimensions exist simultaneously on the same planet. While our real world exists as it is, there is another world where humans coexist with magical pets named “daemons” that act as guides as much as they are adorable companions.

The series focuses on Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen), a young girl who lives in Jordan College, Oxford as an orphan. Curious about her parents, the outside world, and the full capabilities of magic when manipulated, she embarks on an adventure with the peculiarly polite Miss. Coulter.

However, Lyra learns of the selfishness and evil ambition that permeates throughout the world, as well as a destiny that places her at the center of a monumental shift from the status quo.

3 Motherland: Fort Salem

Motherland Fort Salem Tally, Raelle, and Abigail
Freeform

Eliot Laurence's Freeform alternate-history fantasy Motherland: Fort Salem envisions a contemporary United States where the persecution of witches is resolved through a series of peace talks known as the "Salem Accord." As a result, the world is women-dominated and our protagonists serve in the US Army.

In under three seasons, the show was praised for its refreshing characterization of its leads: Raelle Collar (Taylor Hickson), Abigail Bellweather (Amalia Holm), and Tally Craven (Jessica Sutton). Reviews highlighted the depth of an already ambitious premise as well as the incorporations of traits like singing alongside themes of exploitation, resulting in a concise, engaging success.

2 Wicked City

The cast of Wicked City, all black women, stand in a circle in a dim lit room
ALLBLK, 2023

Boasting an all-black cast, Wicked City focuses on a group of witches navigating their everyday lives in the bustling city while also warding off dangerous foes with their impressive spells. The ALLBLK series stars Vanessa Bell Calloway, Taylor Polidore, and Shaquita Smith as well-versed witches who stumble upon an experienced yet oblivious mentor.

Based in Atlanta, the series emphasizes the community between the women, exploring every facet of their lives. From running occult shops to sex work, the magic is inescapable. In times of disaster and delight, the group of women always find a way to resolve minuscule issues compared to the great evil awaiting at their doorsteps. ​​​​​​​

1 Midnight, Texas

NBC Announces Summer 2017 TV Schedule

The NBC drama Midnight, Texas introduces audiences to the enigmatic Manfred Bernardo​​​​​​​ (François Arnaud), a psychic on the run from ghosts of the past. He finds refuge in the titular town, a haven for supernatural entities like vampires, demons, weretigers, and witches. After his arrival, the town is at risk due to external enemies and internal conspirators.

Despite the short run, the series has been praised for its peculiarly engaging plot in the face of its reliance on traditionally Southern Gothic horror tropes. Due to its offbeat worldbuilding, the show has amassed a cult fanbase that excitedly discusses the series' storylines and its potential despite announcements of a cancelation.