TV

10 Best Urban Fantasy TV Shows If You Still Miss Lucifer 

10 Best Urban Fantasy TV Shows If You Still Miss Lucifer 
Image credit: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Starz

All of your favorite supernatural characters in the setting of concrete jungles and Victorian cities.

Urban fantasy is a specific, eclectic subgenre, incredibly appealing, but criminally underrepresented on the small screen.

We've rounded up ten projects you can watch if you miss TV shows about supernatural creatures living right among us.

1. The Rook, 2019

Myfanwy Thomas wakes up on the Millennium Bridge in London. She doesn't remember who she is or what her name is, but she knows for certain that something terrible has happened.

As the story goes forward, it becomes clear that Myfanwy is a special agent of a secret British organization that uses people with superpowers for government purposes.

Although The Rook only lasted one season, it was a unique show that successfully combined magic and espionage.

2. A Discovery of Witches, 2018-2022

Initially, the rights to adapt the book series All Souls by Deborah Harkness were acquired by Warner Bros., whose producers planned to launch a new fantasy franchise, which would become a new guilty pleasure for fans of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries.

But in 2018, British TV network Sky One managed to buy the rights and turn the books into a show starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode. The plot revolves around a historian and a witch. While researching in the Oxford library, she accidentally stumbles upon a magical book that contains ancient secrets about magical creatures.

3. The Magicians, 2015-2020

This show has been called the adult version of Harry Potter – the author of the original book trilogy, Lev Grossman, is a big fan of J. K. Rowling's work. But already in the first season, The Magicians proves that it is more than just the heir to popular fantasy franchises.

The main characters are students of the Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy, who spend their free time experimenting with alcohol, drugs, and sex. The show's creators depict a world where unicorns and dragons exist alongside drunken gods and ancient bloodthirsty monsters.

4. Carnival Row, 2019-2023

Carnival Row is notable primarily for its visuals – the combination of elements from steampunk, neo-noir and good old urban fantasy creates a rather dark but extremely attractive atmosphere. The show also stands out for its cast – Orlando Bloom as a police officer and Cara Delevingne as a powerful fairy.

The show tells the story of a neo-Victorian city that has become a haven for all kinds of mythical creatures. The influx of migrants upsets the fragile social balance and leads to clashes. Local police inspector Philo, unlike his colleagues, sympathizes with the newcomers and willingly takes on the investigation of a series of mysterious murders.

5. Grimm, 2011-2017

Portland police homicide detective Nick Burkhardt discovers that he comes from an ancient family of Grimm – mythological creature hunters that include both peace-loving and bloodthirsty killers.

Grimm is the most concentrated urban fantasy in a procedural format. Each episode is based on some kind of fairy tale, and no matter what culture, the writers had a wide choice: Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, and many other iconic stories. The show was released during the decline of broadcast fantasy series, becoming one of the last representatives of the Supernatural era.

6. American Gods, 2017-2021

Neil Gaiman is the founder and true father of the urban fantasy genre, and American Gods is an adaptation of his bestselling 2001 novel.

On the eve of his release from prison, a con man nicknamed Shadow Moon learns that his wife has died. On the plane he meets a fellow traveler who calls himself Mr. Wednesday, who talks about some gods and their opposition.

Shadow soon learns that his traveling companion is one of the old gods, whose influence the new American gods are trying to weaken. Wednesday invites Shadow to join his side, promising the resurrection of his beloved.

7. Preacher, 2016-2019

There were several attempts to turn Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon's popular mystical-satirical adult comic book into a movie or TV series, but each time something stopped the creators. In 2016, however, Preacher made its way to the small screen under the direction of Seth Rogen.

Preacher is about ex-con Jesse Custer who becomes a priest. One day, Custer is possessed by a supernatural creature that combines the powers of an angel and a demon. Now the preacher travels across America in search of God.

8. Penny Dreadful, 2014-2016

Famed traveler Malcolm Murray believes his daughter Mina has been kidnapped by vampires. To save her, the explorer assembles an eccentric team, including the mysterious clairvoyant Vanessa Ives, the skilled marksman Ethan Chandler, and the brilliant doctor Victor Frankenstein.

A dark adaptation of famous works takes the viewer to an eerie Victorian England, where the oppressive atmosphere alone can immerse you in a dark fantasy horror. Vampires, witches, werewolves, Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and even Dorian Gray himself – all supernatural characters come together in one dark universe.

9. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, 2015

The show is set in an alternate 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars – a time when the British government is most in need of magical intervention. Once upon a time, magic existed, but it was lost long ago. Two wizards – the cunning Gilbert Norrell and the daring Jonathan Strange – are on a quest to revive lost English magic.

A small (only 7-hour episodes) adaptation of Susanna Clarke's novel will appeal to everyone who loves English humor, witty dialogues, and charismatic actors.

10. Dead Like Me, 2003-2004

Eighteen-year-old Georgia Lass does not know what she wants out of life. Relations with her family are not good, and when Georgia leaves the house after another argument, a toilet seat from the space station falls on her head.

The deceased Georgia finds out that she must now become a Grim Reaper. Under the command of boss Rube (played by Criminal Minds star Mandy Patinkin), she and other chosen ones will collect the souls of the dead.