Discovering Hidden Gems After a Decade Away From Fantasy TV

I just recently decided to dive back into fantasy TV shows after about ten years of mostly sticking to comedies and crime dramas. I’m a bit overwhelmed because the genre has exploded with so many options, and I want something that balances great world-building with character depth - not just endless battles or CGI spectacle. I’ve already watched the first season of "The Witcher" and liked it, but I haven’t touched "Game of Thrones" because I’m worried about the hype and mixed reviews. I’m watching on a modest laptop screen and usually have only about an hour or so per day to binge, so pacing matters to me. Also, I’m not a fan of shows that rely heavily on shock value or graphic content just to keep viewers hooked. I want to get lost in the story and characters instead. Has anyone found fantasy series from the last decade that feel fresh but aren’t overwhelming? Maybe something more character-driven like "Penny Dreadful" or "Carnival Row"? And how do you navigate picking a fantasy series when there’s so much out there? Any recommendations for manageable episode lengths or seasons would be awesome!