THE BEST TV SHOW YOU NEVER HEARD OF

The Shannara Chronicles is a visually stunning and narratively rich American fantasy drama that has captivated the hearts of many since its debut. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, this series breathes new life into Terry Brooks’ beloved Sword of Shannara trilogy, skillfully adapting its enchanting lore and epic quests for the television screen.

Set in the mythic Four Lands, the show follows three heroes—Wil, Amberle, and Eretria—on a perilous journey to protect an ancient, magical tree known as the Ellcrys. This tree holds the barrier that keeps banished demons locked away in a place called the Forbidding. As the Ellcrys begins to wither, the demons start to return, threatening to unleash chaos upon the world. Guided by the last druid, Allanon, the trio must navigate treacherous landscapes and face formidable adversaries to save their world from impending doom.

The Shannara Chronicles’ first season premiered on MTV on January 5, 2016, with a compelling 10-episode arc that delves into the storyline of The Elfstones of Shannara, the second book in Brooks’ trilogy. The series was renewed for a second season, which aired on Spike (now Paramount Network) from October 11 to November 22, 2017. Although the show was canceled after its second season, leaving fans yearning for more, the journey it offered was nothing short of a magical experience.

Filmed in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, The Shannara Chronicles boasts spectacular cinematography that transports viewers into its fantastical world. The production, led by industry veterans like Dan Farah, Jon Favreau, and Jonathan Liebesman, alongside Brooks himself, ensured that the show remained true to the spirit of the original books while introducing fresh and engaging elements. Brooks has expressed his satisfaction with the adaptation, which, much like HBO’s Game of Thrones, weaves together various storylines from the source material into a cohesive and thrilling narrative.

The series stands out not only for its impressive visual effects and action sequences but also for its character development and emotional depth. The chemistry between the lead characters, their growth, and the challenges they face create an immersive and relatable experience for the audience.

In the gap between the end of Game of Thrones and the arrival of House of the Dragon, I found myself yearning for another fantasy series that could captivate me as much as HBO’s epic saga. Then, Netflix randomly suggested The Shannara Chronicles, and I decided to give it a shot. What a pleasant surprise that turned out to be!

I dove into the series with no prior knowledge of Terry Brooks’ extensive book series, which played a pivotal role in igniting the fantasy craze back in the late seventies. Little did I know that Shannara was a high fantasy adventure in the same vein as The Lord of the Rings. From the very first episode, I was hooked, embarking on a thrilling journey through the richly crafted world of the Four Lands.

Compared to the grand scope and budget of Game of Thrones, The Shannara Chronicles feels like a nostalgic throwback to classic TV shows from the late 90s and early 2000s, such as Xena: Warrior Princess, Hercules, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Smallville. It blends fantasy with teen drama, making it perfect for a lazy weekend or day off. The likable cast, straightforward plots, and engaging melodrama make it easy to binge-watch.

Season 2 significantly ups the violence, and the diverse, attractive cast adds to the show’s appeal. You can tell that the showrunners and performers are genuinely trying to entertain you. By the end of Season 2, I was completely invested in the characters and had bought all the books, eager to dive deeper into the world Terry Brooks created. While the series may follow familiar fantasy tropes, it does so in a comforting and enjoyable way, much like good comfort food. Sometimes, it’s nice to watch something that wears its clichés proudly and is easy to enjoy.

The show is filled with fantasy Easter eggs for genre geeks to appreciate, including a Frank Frazetta-inspired set piece midway through the first season that I absolutely loved. Austin Butler shines as Wil, and the love triangle between the three main characters is fun to follow. However, my favorite characters were Eretria, played by Pan’s Labyrinth’s Ivana Baquero, and Manu Bennett as Allanon. I also enjoyed Marcus Vanco’s portrayal of Bandon, one of the main villains, who channels major Kylo Ren vibes before Kylo Ren even existed. James Remar and John Rhys-Davies also deliver great performances in supporting roles. Also the theme tune will live rent free within my mind forever .

Overall, The Shannara Chronicles is fun, sexy, action-packed, and badass, delivering two fantastic seasons that were cut too short due to the shadow cast by the behemoth that was Game of Thrones. I loved it and highly recommend it. Brooks and Shannara deserve more love and recognition.