Magic and wizards have been a source of inspiration for television creators practically since the beginning of the medium. Throughout history, we’ve seen series about witches that are scary, dramatic, comedic, and pretty much any genre we could want. Although not all have been successful, we present here the best that have gone through the small screen.
bewitched (Creator Sol Saks, 1964)
bewitched, a whole classic. The story follows Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery), a young witch who marries a mortal from whom she must hide her powers as she deals with her mother’s disapproval. Despite its success at the time, few could have predicted that nearly 60 years later, the show would still air reruns around the world. However, its combination of comedy, innocence, charming effects and a cast with great chemistry in all its configurations (Dick York, the original Darrin, was replaced by Dick Sargent for the last three seasons due to health problems), have made it in a timeless classic. In 2005, a film version was produced starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell… which we might as well pretend didn’t happen.
sorceresses (Creator Constance M. Burge, 1998)
One of the must-see series, especially for fans of witches. It consists of eight seasons and with the performances of Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs and, from the fourth season, Rose McGowan. The plot revolves around some sisters who, upon discovering the Book of Shadows, realize that they are the most powerful witches in the world and whose purpose is to protect the innocent from evil forces. The success of the original series caused that in 2018 a reboot.
Marline (Creators Johnny Capps, Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Julian Murphy, 2008)
Although the series does not focus on a witch, we decided to include it because of its high magical content and the characters with powers that dominate the plots chapter after chapter. The show is loosely based on the Arthurian legend and follows the adventures of a young Merlin (Colin Morgan), a sorcerer who sets out on a journey to confront the king after he outlaws magic in the kingdom. The series aired from 2008 to 2012, and despite never becoming a massive hit, it does have a very loyal fanbase.
American Horror Story: Coven (Creators Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy, 2013)
The third installment in the series american horror story it is totally focused on witches. Although it is considered one of the darkest seasons, it actually has some touches of humor. The plot revolves around the power of magic, confrontations between witches and some moments from the Salem trials. This season received Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations. Actresses Sarah Paulson, Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, Frances Conroy and Kathy Bathes also received nominations, which they won in their respective categories.
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Salem (Creators Brannon Braga, Adam Simon, 2014)
The series is inspired by the Salem trials, dating back to the 17th century, where several women were accused of being witches. It has a focus on terror and the true story behind the events that occurred in Salem. It has a total of three seasons, of which the third, released in 2017, marked the end of the series.
The Magicians (Creators Sera Gamble, John McNamara, 2015)
The series currently takes place in New York, at Brakebills University, where an exam is held so that each student, depending on their abilities, is assigned a house and a magical specialty. The problem occurs when a girl is not accepted and seeks to venture into the world of magic on her own account. This series is very in the style of Harry Potterand yes, in fact the author of the novel on which the series was inspired, Lev Grossman, was based on the books by JK Rowling.
Without any relation to the nineties series, Sabrina’s hidden worldtook its inspiration from the original comic series and – just like riverdale, with whom he shares the television universe – gave it a dark and “adult” touch. Sabrina (Kiernan Shipka) is a half-witch, half-human teenager who has to decide between belonging to the world of magic or the world of mortals. The director Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa was in charge of making a rather dark series, touching on topics such as female empowerment, the problems and limitations faced by adolescents, and the dilemma of following a path or drawing one of your own.
Marianne (Creator Samuel Bodin, 2019)
This French series -very well received by critics and the audience- only has one season, full of blood, terror and gore. It is about a famous writer who, upon returning to her hometown, is tormented by a witch and other sinister creatures that she created with her writings. The famous writer Stephen King was fascinated by the series and describes it as “a series with touches of comedy that gives a vibe to the Stranger Thing And vibes from Stephen King himself.”
black moon (Creator Francesca Comencini, 2020)
This is an Italian production with only one season, but with a quite entertaining plot. The story takes place in Italy in the 17th century, where a group of women are suspected of being witches. Ade, played by Antonia Fotaras, must decide whether to be part of the group of witches or fight for her love towards Pietro, played by Giorgio Belli, who is the son of the chief witch hunter. The series, despite being short, has a lot of drama and fans are already asking for a second season.
WandaVision (Creator Jac Schaeffer, 2021)
WandaVision, the most recent of the series about witches is in charge of Marvel Studios. It is about the Scarlet Witch, played by Elizabeth Olsen, who creates an alternate reality after the tragedy of Avengers: Infinity War. Each episode shows a different era and has come to confuse fans a lot due to the different events in each chapter. You can read our reviews here.
Andrea Ramirez Lover of Disney, comedy series, action, fiction and music. If I had to describe myself with a movie character, I would say that I am a Porg.