Magic has always inspired the small screen. But in the age of Netflix, Prime Video, technological advances, and streaming in general, some series stand out by taking a meticulous and respectful approach to magical practices. Beyond their primary function as entertainment, they can also provide some instruction or help viewers better understand certain concepts. In this article, I present 10 series that, through their rigor and respect for traditions, are worth watching.
Note that this is not a ranking but a list.
1. Salem (2014 - 2017)
| Cast | Janet Montgomery (Mary Sibley), Shane West (John Alden), Seth Gabel (Cotton Mather), Ashley Madekwe (Tituba), Tamzin Merchant (Anne Hale), and Elise Eberle (Mercy Lewis) |
| Creators | Brannon Braga, Adam Simon |
| Seasons | 3 |
| Episodes | 36 |
| Status | completed |
The series Salem is set in 17th-century America, at the heart of the Salem witch trials. Although the series takes some creative liberties, it presents certain rituals related to witchcraft and the paganism of the period in detail. The creators worked with historians and specialists to reproduce spells and incantations that could have been used at the time, while exploring the fears and superstitions that led to these infamous trials.
2. Carnivàle (2003 - 2005)
| Cast | Nick Stahl (Ben Hawkins), Clancy Brown (Brother Justin Crowe), Michael J. Anderson (Samson), and Adrienne Barbeau (Ruthie) |
| Creators | Daniel Knauf |
| Seasons | 2 |
| Episodes | 24 |
| Status | completed |
Carnivàle is a series that combines mysticism and magic in the setting of the American Great Depression and has created a strong community of fans. It explores occult themes such as the struggle between good and evil, tarot, and nature magic. Magical rituals and practices are often presented with particular attention to detail, all within a very distinctive atmosphere. Although the series does not focus on magic, it remains faithful to the esoteric traditions it explores.
3. Penny Dreadful (2014 - 2016)
| Cast | Eva Green (Vanessa Ives), Josh Hartnett (Ethan Chandler), Timothy Dalton (Sir Malcolm Murray), Billie Piper (Lily), and Rory Kinnear (Creature) |
| Creators | John Logan |
| Seasons | 3 |
| Episodes | 27 |
| Status | completed |
Penny Dreadful is a series that blends elements of Gothic literature and occultism (the "penny dreadfuls" are short English tales involving creatures, vampires, or witches). Magical rituals, particularly those related to the Kabbalah, necromancy, and witchcraft, are often presented in meticulous detail. The creators of the series collaborated with experts in esotericism to ensure that the rituals and practices were as faithful as possible to authentic esoteric traditions. You will notably discover a powerful séance scene thanks to Eva Green's talent.
4. Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)
| Cast | Kyle MacLachlan (Dale Cooper), Michael Ontkean (Harry S. Truman), Mädchen Amick (Shelly Johnson), Sheryl Lee (Laura Palmer), and Sherilyn Fenn (Audrey Horne) |
| Creators | David Lynch, Mark Frost |
| Seasons | 3 |
| Episodes | 48 |
| Status | completed |
Twin Peaks, created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, is a cult series that blends mystery, the supernatural, and occult elements. Although magic is not at the heart of the plot, the series incorporates shamanic rituals, visions, and esoteric concepts that are deeply rooted in mystical traditions. The series' enigmatic atmosphere is enhanced by the use of occult symbols and magical practices connected to Indigenous spirituality and American myths. This subtle yet respectful approach to mystical arts gives "Twin Peaks" a unique esoteric depth.
5. A Discovery of Witches (2018 - 2022)
| Cast | Teresa Palmer (Diana Bishop), Matthew Goode (Matthew Clairmont), Alex Kingston (Sarah Bishop), Valarie Pettiford (Emily Mather), and Lindsay Duncan (Ysabeau de Clermont) |
| Creators | Kate Brooke |
| Seasons | 3 |
| Episodes | 25 |
| Status | completed |
Adapted from Deborah Harkness's All Souls trilogy, this series immerses viewers in a world where witches, vampires, and demons coexist. The plot revolves around a witch, Diana Bishop, who discovers an enchanted manuscript. The series stands out for its detailed depiction of magic, with rituals, invocations, and ancient traditions carefully portrayed. The author, herself a historian, ensured that the magical elements were grounded in extensive research.
6. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018 - 2020)
| Cast | Kiernan Shipka (Sabrina Spellman), Ross Lynch (Harvey Kinkle), Lucy Davis (Hilda Spellman), Miranda Otto (Zelda Spellman), and Chance Perdomo (Ambrose Spellman) |
| Creators | Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa |
| Seasons | 4 |
| Episodes | 36 |
| Status | completed |
Although this series is a dark, modern reinvention of the classic character Sabrina, it draws on genuine occult traditions. The series explores Wicca, Satanism, and other forms of ceremonial magic with a certain degree of rigor, while incorporating elements of pop culture. The rituals and invocations in the series are often inspired by genuine occult practices, adding an authentic dimension to the narrative.
In fact, you will see a very faithful depiction of Baphomet there. So faithful that the American Satanist community accused the series of actual plagiarism.
7. American Horror Story: Coven (2013)
| Cast | Jessica Lange (Fiona Goode), Sarah Paulson (Cordelia Foxx), Kathy Bates (Madame Delphine LaLaurie), Angela Bassett (Marie Laveau), and Evan Peters (Kyle Spencer) |
| Creators | Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 13 |
| Status | completed |
The third season of American Horror Story, titled Coven, focuses on a school for young witches in New Orleans. The series explores various aspects of black magic, voodoo, and occult traditions, notably featuring Marie Laveau. Although some elements are stylized in Ryan Murphy's distinctive style, AHS Coven strives to portray certain rituals accurately, particularly those related to voodoo magic and the organization of a coven.
8. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (2015)
| Cast | Bertie Carvel (Jonathan Strange), Eddie Marsan (Mr Norrell), Charlotte Riley (Arabella Strange), Marc Warren (The Gentleman), and Alice Englert (Lady Pole) |
| Creators | Peter Harness |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 7 |
| Status | completed |
This British miniseries, adapted from Susanna Clarke's novel of the same name, is a polished and scholarly portrayal of magic in 19th-century England. It combines real historical elements with fictional magical traditions, but ones rooted in a reality reminiscent of alchemy and ceremonial magic practices. The rituals featured in the series are often based on historical and literary research, creating an impression of credibility and depth.
9. Outlander (2014 - 2024)
| Cast | Caitríona Balfe (Claire Fraser), Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser), Tobias Menzies (Frank Randall / Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall), Sophie Skelton (Brianna Fraser), and Richard Rankin (Roger Wakefield) |
| Creators | Ronald D. Moore |
| Seasons | 7 |
| Episodes | 83 |
| Status | ongoing |
Outlander, based on Diana Gabaldon's novels, explores elements of time travel as well as Celtic magic and rituals. The series focuses particularly on Scottish traditions, including stone circles, medicinal herbs, and pagan rituals. Outlander incorporates these practices with respect for Scottish history and culture, presenting an authentic vision of magic as it might have been perceived in the past. The creators consulted experts in history and folklore to ensure that the depictions of rituals and beliefs were as accurate as possible.
10. The Magicians (2015 - 2020)
| Cast | Jason Ralph (Quentin Coldwater), Stella Maeve (Julia Wicker), Olivia Taylor Dudley (Alice Quinn), Hale Appleman (Eliot Waugh), and Arjun Gupta (Penny Adiyodi) |
| Creators | Sera Gamble, John McNamara |
| Seasons | 5 |
| Episodes | 65 |
| Status | cancelled |
The Magicians is a series that, although fantastical, draws on genuine occult and mystical traditions to develop its universe. The series is inspired by Kabbalah, Hermeticism, and other forms of mysticism and ceremonial magic. The creators consulted esoteric works and experts to develop rituals that, although fictional, have a solid foundation in real magical traditions.
11. The bonus series: American Gods
| Cast | Ricky Whittle (Shadow Moon), Ian McShane (the Traveler), Emily Browning (Laura Moon), and Crispin Glover (Mr. World) |
| Creators | Bryan Fuller, Michael Green |
| Seasons | 3 |
| Episodes | 26 |
| Status | cancelled |
Although it does not focus on magic or rituals, the series American Gods is worth watching. Adapted from Neil Gaiman's novel, the series explores a world where ancient gods and pagan deities struggle for survival against new deities embodying modern obsessions such as technology, the media, and capitalism. Through characters such as Odin (the Traveler), the Queen of Sheba or Ostara, the series highlights new beliefs in the form of modern egregores such as Mr. World, Media, and Technical Boy. That said, stick to the first two seasons, as the third marked the series' downfall.
Par Olivier of Aeternum
Passionate about esoteric traditions and the history of the occult from the earliest civilizations to the 18th century, I share some articles on these topics. I am also co-creator of the online esoteric shop Aeternum.
