Netflix's 2-Part Fantasy Show That's 'The Magicians Meets Shadowhunters' Deserves Its 100% RT Score

Even when they garner widespread critical acclaim, some of the best fantasy TV shows are criminally overlooked by the masses. In the past decade, the fantasy genre has grown exponentially, with dramas like The Magicians and romantasy shows like Shadowhunters cultivating sizable fandoms. Whereas The Magicians followed a young man stumbling into a magical university and investigating the sinister truth behind his favorite children’s books, Shadowhunters was a more direct spin on a chosen one narrative, following a young woman discovering magic’s existence— and, more importantly, her family’s secret ties to the supernatural world.

Whereas The Magicians, Shadowhunters, and countless contemporaries were released on network television, fantasy has prospered in the age of streaming. Every major platform has invested in the genre, with there specifically being plenty of incredible fantasy series on Netflix. Of course, as is the frustrating case with many straight-to-streaming projects, not every promising premise gets the full run it deserves. Such is the case with The Order, one of Netflix’s best fantasy shows that was sadly canceled before its prime. Nevertheless, the 2019 drama has similarities to some of the biggest TV fantasies, and it’s absolutely still worth a watch.

The Order Is The Perfect Storm Of Fantasy And Horror

Netflix’s Hidden Gem Is A Genre-Bending Treat

Just like The Magicians‘ Quentin Coldwater and Shadowhunters‘ Clary Fray, The Order follows a young adult whose life is turned upside down by a magical revelation. After being admitted to the prestigious Belgrave University, protagonist Jack Morton (Jake Manley) finds himself drawn to a mythical organization known as the Hermetic Order of the Blue Rose. The secret society rules over the entire campus from the shadows, but Jack’s true destiny slowly emerges as he learns more and more about magic— and, in turn, the magical creatures that roam the earth.

While witches and werewolves are common tropes for any magic school set-up, however, The Order is a surprisingly dark fantasy series. There’s a clear distinction drawn between light and dark magic, and the most familiar monsters are portrayed as vicious antagonists. Furthermore, as the story progresses, more and more students are targeted by a rogue mage who murders their peers in increasingly grisly ways. Consequently, The Order‘s main mystery feels more like a terrifying serial killer plot than a typical coming-of-age fantasy with fairy realms and prophecized saviors.

Yet, the dark, downright sinister tone actually works in The Order‘s favor. Cutting through the fantasy formula with horror elements both helps the series stand out in the over-saturated genre and makes it more appealing to broader demographics. For example, if you normally skip fantasy shows but appreciate a good horror film, The Order will offer thrills and chills galore while introducing you to a comprehensive magic system. Even critics agreed that the genre-bending was something special, but The Order was sadly canceled after two seasons.

The Order’s Cancellation Points To A Bigger Problem In Fantasy TV Shows

Critical Acclaim Isn’t Always Enough To Secure Longevity

At a glance, The Order ending early may not seem significant, as there are numerous canceled Netflix shows that have infuriated audiences. From campaigns calling for a belated renewal to public outrage on social media, there have been far too many instances of a seemingly fan-favorite show being axed for one reason or another. Nonetheless, The Order stands out because of how warmly it was received by both viewers and critics. Given the series has a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes— a benchmark most of Netflix’s biggest hits never achieve— one might assume The Order had everything going for it.

8 Most Satisfying Fantasy Show Endings Of All Time

Fantasy TV show endings are notoriously difficult to get right, satisfying their audiences. However, these fantasy shows got their endings right.

Unfortunately, the television industry at large still has higher standards when it comes to fantasy. If a new series doesn’t exceed expectations and become an overnight sensation, chances are it will never be given the opportunity to develop and come to a satisfying conclusion. As a result, many iconic fantasy shows end on frustrating cliffhangers due to premature cancellation. Thankfully, The Order is still gripping television, and its bittersweet, two-season run makes the perfect weekend binge.