5 Fantasy TV Shows from the 2000s That Will Bring You Back to Your Childhood

Although there are many more fantasy shows available these days thanks to the advent of streaming services, the best of the genre were made in the past. The 2000s seem to have been particularly fruitful in terms of great fantasy shows that many people enjoyed as children. These five may well be some of those beloved series.

Charmed (1998-2006, 8 seasons, 7.2 on IMDb)

Available on: Netflix, Paramount+, Max, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime

Although this cult classic began its run in the late 1990s, it aired mostly in the 2000s, following the Halliewell sisters, a trio of the most powerful witches destined to protect the world from evil supernatural creatures. Set in San Francisco, the show follows the characters as they explore their newfound powers while trying to maintain a normal life.

H2O: Just Add Water (2006-2010, 3 seasons, 7.3 on IMDb)

Available on: Netflix, Max, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime

This Australian fantasy teen drama revolves around three friends, Ricky, Emma and Cleo, who happen to be on the mysterious island of Mako. While traversing the island, they fall into a pool in a cave just as a fool moon passes over them. Soon the girls find out that they possess various powers and turn into mermaids after contact with water. Now they must adjust their lives to new circumstances while keeping their secret.

Foreign Exchange (2004, 1 season, 7.4 on IMDb)

Available on: Amazon Prime

The Australian-Irish series only lasts one season, but the story it tells is extremely captivating. The show centers on Hannah O'Flaherty, an Irish girl attending an all-girls boarding school, and Brett Miller, an Australian surfer boy, who discover that Brett's new home and Hannah's school are connected by a mysterious portal in the basement. As the two characters travel back and forth between Ireland and Australia, they become close friends, united by the secret of the portal.

Legend of the Seeker (2008-2010, 2 seasons, 7.6 on IMDb)

Available on: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime

Based on Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth series, this fantasy drama revolves around Richard Cypher, the new fabled hero named Seeker of Truth, Kahlan Amnell, a revered sorceress named Confessor, Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander, a powerful wizard, and Cara, a magically enhanced warrior named Mord-Sith. Together they roam their realm to protect it from evil.

Merlin (2008-2012, 5 seasons, 7.9 on IMDb)

Available on: Apple TV+, Amazon Prime

The BBC fantasy drama adapts the Arthurian legends to tell the story of Merlin, a young man who works as an apprentice to the royal physician and possesses magical powers. Merlin can't openly practice his craft, however, because King Uther banned magic many years ago and has waged a merciless war against all things magical ever since. But Merlin's destiny is simply too great to forget his powers, so he tries to find a balance between secrecy and using his magic for good.