And that's how it works with books, movies, theater, music, fashion and series. But what can you actually say about the various genres of series? Actually, exactly the same. One feasts on horror while the other has nightmares for weeks. And what about fantasy? Is that science fiction or is it a genre entirely in itself?
I think that fantasy contains a separate genre, although the two are very close to each other, because is time travel (Timeless) now fantasy or science fiction? Nothing is as fun as fantasy, because you can literally go in any direction with it. Because in your fantasy everything is possible, the grass can be blue and the sky could be green with a purple sun. Close your eyes and you can see it, even draw it or paint it, make a song about it or make a series. Fantasy seems limitless, but is it?
In fantasy series, it goes from witches (Charmed), to elves (Carnival Row), to werewolves (Teen Wolf), vampires (Moonlight) and time travel (Travelers (2016)). In the history of fantasy, I think my first memory is Catweazle, the older readers will probably still remember the strange creature from the 11th century. Catweazle was an eleventh-century wizard who traveled through time to the 20th century in a British children's series.
Fantasy can be quite diverse. If you think of Game of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, such as ending up in a completely different world, or even in many other worlds, as in His Dark Materials. The creators/inventors can literally let their fantasy run wild, although it used to be somewhat limited. Not everything was technically feasible yet. But now they can make dragons fly (House of the Dragon), trains hurtle across the world (Snowpiercer), and vampires walk in daylight (The Originals).
How wonderful it is to see that since Catweazle, Bewitched and Fantasy Island (1977) they can bring even more fantasy to life. And that the genre has gotten better and better over the years. Nothing is really too crazy. No more outdated sets or a bad musical score. Because the music and decoration are no longer handcrafted. Everything has a meaning. From colored shoes, to hairstyles to background music. Everything has to be right these days. If that doesn't happen, a fantasy series is actually doomed before it even started.
Just like with science fiction, a lot is possible in fantasy, but fantasy writers also have to adhere to a few rules. Fortunately, those rules have no restrictions on the genre, because the sky is the limit and even that is no longer a limit. So if you like fantasy, the choice is very large these days, say huge. Think of children with antlers (Sweet Tooth), creatures that seem to have walked straight out of a fairy tale (Grimm), fairies who go to a special school (Fate: The Winx Saga) or people who seem to disappear without a trace (The Leftovers). Nothing is too crazy anymore or we are still surprised about it. And then I'm not even talking about the animation or anime series, because there seems to be no limit to the fantasy of the creators.
With kind fantasy regards,
Mandy
PS - And then I haven't even mentioned series such as Lost, Doctor Who (or is that science fiction?), Merlin, See, Supernatural (or is that supernatural), The Strain, 12 Monkeys, Alice in Borderland (2020), Manifest, Squid Game, Wednesday, Lucifer, The Witcher, and Stranger Things. Maybe next time.
