Never Stop Watching
The Bastard Son is the latest fantasy romp, sporting well written characters and an intriguing premise.
If you’ve finished watching this one and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle 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 The Bastard Son.
The Magicians
Similarities – Magic & Teen Angst
The Magicians is essentially Twilight meets Harry Potter. For some, this clash of tones will be an instant turn-off but for others, this will certainly whet the appetite.
In its simplest form, the story revolves around a group of students who discover they’re graced with magical abilities after being recruited to a secretive academy. At the heart of all this lies our main character, Quentin Coldwater, who enrolls at Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy.
Serving as an interesting juxtaposition is Quentin’s childhood friend Julia, who finds her hopes and dreams shattered when she’s denied entry to this very same university. Instead, she searches for magic elsewhere.
While a little campy and cheesy at times, The Magicians does well to flesh out its five seasons. If you’re sold after the first couple of episodes, you’re in for a real treat with this one.
The Irregulars
Similarities – Alt-History & Teen Group
Netflix’s latest teen drama blends some familiar characters with the unfamiliar. While this one is more of a polarizing choice, it does have a lot of similarities to The Nevers.
This time though, we’re plunged into an alt-Victorian world on the brink of being consumed by darkness. Whispers grow of a big threat and for one of the girls, Jessie, she’s experiencing frightening visions.
This falls to sister Bea to rally the group together, thrusting them headfirst into the throngs of the supernatural thanks to Dr Watson recruiting her to his cause.
With no Sherlock in sight, a very moody Watson offers Bea money in exchange for solving several gnarly and twisted cases. It’s not perfect but it is another alt-history romp.
You can read our thoughts on The Irregulars in our full season review here!
Misfits
Similarities – Banter & Characters
When it comes to a tight-knit group of teenagers forming an unlikely group, British series Misfits fits the bill perfectly. It’s a smartly written series that balances a combination of laugh out loud moments with much more profound bouts of drama.
The story here revolves around a group of young offenders out doing community service. When they’re struck by lightning during a storm, each of these misfits start to develop superpowers.
What follows is a nicely paced and well written adventure that’s perhaps darker than many many be expecting. However, it’s undeniably well written.
The Nevers
Similarities – Mystery
The Nevers is Joss Whedon’s latest supernatural series, taking place deep in the heart of Victorian England – but with a twist.
Here, the story centers on a central group of women who find themselves sporting unusual abilities. Of course, xenophobia begins to rise up from the patriarchs in charge of the city, leading to a seismic shift in power that threatens to explode at any moment.
With the series split into two parts, The Nevers’ first six episodes set the scene nicely for what’s to follow, with some good characterization and intriguing ideas peppered in along the way.
You can read our thoughts on The Nevers in our episode recaps here!
Legion
Similarities – Visuals & Mind-Bending Story
Legion is a challenging sci-fi series that exists somewhere within the weird space of the X-Men universe. It’s also one of the more unusual and visually stunning shows you’re likely to see in quite some time.
The show revolves around a super mutant named David Haller. This troubled young man spends his time institutionalized after being diagnosed as schizophrenic.
What follows is an unforgettable journey that makes Legion one of the better shows to grace the small screen. It also ends with a decent conclusion too, making it a must-watch for fans of The Sandman.
You can read our thoughts on Legion in our full season reviews here!
Blue Exorcist
Similarities – Supernatural
Blue Exorcist is a serious supernatural anime with an endearing plot. Sadao and Blue Exorcist’s protagonist Rin have similar personalities and demonic backgrounds. Funnily enough, Rin’s mission in Blue Exorcist is the murder of his father Satan. Irony aside, Blue Exorcist is jam-packed with incredible supernatural elements and characters that will keep you invested.
The characters in this anime are well-rounded and offer likable personalities. The anime does a decent job exploring the side characters’ history with demons and building upon their relationship with Rin. The abilities Rin and his companion yield are creative and visually immersive. You’ll find yourself cheering our heroes on during their bouts with crude and menacing adversaries.
Despite having a more serious plotline, Blue Exorcist features a morsel of comedy in the form of witty jokes and visual gags. The comedy isn’t on par with what you’d find in The Bastard Son, but it’s decent enough to allow viewers to take a breather after its darker and more intense moments.
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 & Romance
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!
Carnival Row
Similarities – A Hierarchical World
Amazon Prime’s big-budget fantasy depicts 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. Together, the pair set out to uncover what’s really going on.
The series is brimming with imagination, full of detailed sets and some really impressive world building. The mystery elements are incorporated nicely into the story too, making for a really solid watch.
You can read our thoughts on Carnival Row in our full season review here!
NOS4A2
Similarities – Supernatural Elements & Horror
Based on the popular book of the same name, NOS4A2 is an engrossing, enjoyable horror series. With an inspired Zachary Quinto at the helm, the characters do well to instill their mark on this series, even if the second season is a step down in quality.
The story itself follows Vic McQueen, a teenager who learns early on that she possesses a special gift; she’s able to transport herself wherever she desires via a mysterious bridge called The Shorter Way.
Guided by the scrabble tiles of Maggie, Vic finds herself coming up against the monstrous Charlie Manx, a demonic man hell bent on “saving” children by taking them to the fabled Christmas Land where he can feed on their energy.
It’s not the best horror out there but it is a consistency enjoyable one, making for a solid binge-watch.
You can read our thoughts on NOS4A2 in our full season reviews here!
So there we have it, our 10 TV show alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching The Bastard Son on Netflix.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!