10 TV Shows Like ‘His Dark Materials’ | TheReviewGeek Recommends

His Streaming Materials

His Dark Materials is a high fantasy epic, adapted by Philip Pullman’s excellent books, and currently airing on HBO and BBC. If you’re in the mood for parallel worlds, fantasy or a bit of both, we’ve got you covered with our TV recommendations.

We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle of having to try and find something similar with our top 10 picks for alternate viewing.

To keep things simple for skim-readers we’ve added what similarities these have.

Of course for all the shows we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that series and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.

So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming His Dark Materials.


Carnival Row

Similarities – Fantasy & Mystery

Amazon Prime’s big-budget fantasy is a tale of forbidden love and supernatural thrills set against a backdrop of racism and simmering tensions.

At the heart of this one is Rycroft Philostrate who begins looking into a series of grisly murders. Along the way, he becomes entangled in the politics and issues of a working fairy called Vignette Stonemoss. Along the way the pair uncover all manner of nastiness.

The series is brimming with imagination and the mystery elements are well-incorporated into the story too, making for a solid watch.

You can read our thoughts on Carnival Row in our full season review here!


shadow and bone

Shadow and Bone

Similarities – Blended Magic & Science

Based on the popular Grishaverse novels by Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone season 1 adapts the first novel while taking elements of its ‘Six of Crows’ follow-up. The result is a wonderful medley of influences that lean into YA territory. However, there’s enough for fantasy fans to enjoy too – especially as this has been renewed.

The story plays host to two divided continents, separated by a large shadowy wall. Across both sides of the Fold are characters who seek to try and swing the upcoming battle in their favour. This world also plays host to Grisha, who are magic-wielders.

Among those is Alina, who happens to be the fabled Sun Summoner; a Grisha so powerful they could change the fate of the world.


A Discovery Of Witches

Similarities – Drama & Fantasy

A Discovery Of Witches is a well written drama with some truly beautiful imagery across its run-time. That’s to say nothing of the characters who are interesting and endearing.

The basic premise revolves around a world where witches, vampires and demons live discreetly among humans. Our central protagonist is Diana Bishop, who happens to be the last living witch. What ensues from here is a heady blend of romance, fantasy and drama across 2 seasons – the second of which cutting us back in time for a who’s who of historical figures.

While the first season is far stronger, there’s a lot to like here and fans of romance and fantasy offerings should be in their element.

You can read our thoughts on A Discovery Of Witches in our full season reviews here!


The Dragon Prince

Similarities – Deep World-Building

Animated Netflix fantasy The Dragon Prince is a formulaic but hugely fun series. What it lacks in originality it more than makes up for with bucket-loads of charm and an incredibly well-told and absorbing plot-line.

This world paints a fantastical picture of dragons, magic and sword fighting, all encapsulated in a bitter war between Elves and Humans.  The story picks up with the Kingdoms teetering on the edge of all-out war.

At the center of this are three key characters who form the backbone of this story. Callum and his pet Glowtoad are joined by his brother and heir to the throne, Prince Ezran. Outcast elf Rayla rounds out the trio, a character who was actually sent to kill them both originally. Together they set out to complete a dangerous mission.

With multiple seasons to get through, The Dragon Prince is and excellent fantasy series and well worth a watch.

You can read our thoughts on The Dragon Prince in our full season reviews here!

 


The Librarians

Similarities – Fantasy & Mystery

Full of cheesy dialogue, cheap set design and a fantastical plot line, you’d be forgiven for writing off The Librarians as a throwaway fantasy show. Instead, The Librarians embraces its incredulous premise and manages to strike a great balance between its silly and serious elements.

The story begins with an introduction to a strange man known as The Librarian. After stopping certain doom from consuming the planet, we’re introduced to Colonel Eve Baird who finds herself whisked along for the ride, invited to an illustrious place called The Library that defies the laws of physics.

When the library goes missing from reality, it’s up to the central group of characters collectively known as The Librarians to find the library whilst preventing magic from spilling into our world.

It’s a great premise and one that works beautifully thanks to its well-written group of characters at the heart of this one.

You can read our thoughts on The Librarians in our full season reviews here!


Stranger Things

Similarities – Parallel Worlds & Fantasy

The little gem on Netflix, Stranger Things is undoubtedly one of the biggest Originals on the platform. It’s also probably the only one safe from being cancelled any time soon.

The story revolves around a group of teens who become thrust into a supernaturally charged, heady world of nightmares when a young boy called Will disappears.

With little clues beyond a strange girl called Eleven who shows up with telekinetic powers, it’s up to a ragtag group of misfits to thwart the evil before it’s too late.

With some intriguing ideas about parallel worlds and some great throwbacks to the 80’s, Stranger Things is a solid choice and with plenty of story to get through, there’s enough here to whet the appetite ready for season 4.

You can read our thoughts on Stranger Things in our full season reviews here!


The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

Similarities – Blended Magic & Science

Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance is a one-season wonder and a real fantasy gem. Although you don’t need to have watched the original film to understand what’s going on here, it’s definitely rewarding to do so.

The story begins with castle guard Rian stumbling upon a dark secret held by the Skeksis and finds himself on the run. Meanwhile, intelligent Princess Brea is given a prophetic message, leading her to uncover secrets in her home, Ha’Rar. The third character, Deet, teams up with the hilarious Podling Hup on their own misadventure.

With all three Gelfing embarking on their quests, the Skeksis launch a crusade to harness the crystal’s power, eventually seeing them turn their bird-like eyes toward the Gelfling to sustain their life-force.

Spread across 10 episodes and utilizing an abundance of practical effects, puppets and wondrous storytelling, Age Of Resistance is the perfect accompanying piece to the original film. Dark Crystal is a must-watch.

You can read our thoughts on The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance in our full season reviews here!

 


Locke and key

Locke & Key, based on the visual novels of the same name, blends lite-horror elements with a healthy dose of mystery. Resting all of this on the shoulders of our three child protagonists, you’d be forgiven for thinking this show is for kids. It most certainly is not.

The story itself revolves around three siblings, Bode, Kensey and Tyler, who move back into their childhood home Key House. Pushing aside the haunting memories of their Father’s murder (which took place inside these four walls), numerous magical keys lie hidden around the house that could hold the clue to the mysteries lurking within.

Despite feeling a little overlong at times, the series does well to keep itself engaging throughout its 10 episode season. With a second season still not green-lit yet, it remains to be seen whether this will return for a follow-up or not.

You can read our thoughts on Locke & Key in our full season review here!


The Barrier

Similarities – Kidnapping Storyline

On the surface, this Spanish dystopian series doesn’t have an awful lot in common with His Dark Materials. Where it does strike some similarities though – at least with season 1 – is with its child-napping storyline and experimental procedures by a questionable higher authority guarding them.

The story takes place in a near-future Spain with humanity gripped by the tyrannical oppressors running the country. With class divides throughout, Hugo and his family do their best to survive this bleak new world. Only, when their daughter Marta is kidnapped, they scramble to try and find what happened to her.

Although more political charged than one may expect, if you enjoyed the race to find the missing kids in His Dark Materials, The Barrier may be worth checking out.

You can read our thoughts on The Barrier in our episode reviews here!


The Witcher

Similarities – Fantasy & Action

The Witcher is not without its flaws but it’s hard to discredit what a satisfying and well written slice of high-fantasy this is. There’s certainly enough magic, monsters and sword-fighting to keep things rooted in danger and tension throughout – while doing the video game it’s based on justice too.

For those unaware, the story here revolves around a monster hunter named Geralt. Vilified by human-kind, these white-haired, emotionless Witchers spend their time hunting creatures and getting paid to do so.

He’s joined by Ciri, a princess in a neighbouring city, and a mage-in-training named Yennefer. Across this first season, the show balances investigative work with monster slaying really well, which should satisfy those looking to scratch that high fantasy itch.

You can read our thoughts on The Witcher in our full season review here!


So there we have it, our 10 TV show picks to pick up when you’re finished with His Dark Materials.

What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!


Click Here To Check Out More TV Show Recommendations!

Leave a comment