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!

Jumping back into fantasy after a break can definitely feel like stepping into a wild garden with so much growth everywhere! Since you liked the first season of "The Witcher" but want something less heavy on spectacle and shock, you might enjoy Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. It’s a beautifully paced show with rich world-building and deeply human characters, without relying on nonstop battles or graphic content. Plus, it’s just one season, so it’s manageable for your hour-a-day viewing.

Another option could be His Dark Materials, which balances fantasy elements with strong character arcs and thoughtful storytelling. The episodes are around an hour, but the show doesn’t feel rushed or overwhelming. It’s a nice middle ground if you want immersive without the hype overload of something like "Game of Thrones."

When I pick fantasy these days, I look for shows adapted from books I’ve enjoyed or ones that have a clear