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How has the portrayal of magic in fantasy TV shows evolved over time?

Nancie Marklin

When we talk about magic in fantasy TV shows, we can't help but think about how it has evolved over time. It used to be all about witches and wizards and their broomsticks, but now we have dragons, unicorns, and shape-shifting creatures that can do all sorts of incredible things.

Let's take a trip down memory lane and see how the portrayal of magic in fantasy TV shows has evolved over time, shall we? The 1960s and 1970s were all about cheesy special effects and low-budget productions. Shows like "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie" focused on a light-hearted portrayal of magic, where witches only had to twitch their noses or blink their eyes to make things happen.

However, as time went by, the portrayal of magic in fantasy TV shows became more sophisticated and nuanced. In the late 80s and early 90s, we saw shows like "Twin Peaks" and "The X-Files" that explored the darker aspects of magic and the supernatural. These shows were more interested in the psychological effects of magic and how it affected the characters than in flashy visual effects.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and we have shows like "Game of Thrones" and "The Witcher" that take the portrayal of magic in fantasy TV shows to a whole new level. Thanks to advanced CGI technology, we can now see dragons, white walkers, and other fantastical creatures that look like they could actually exist. The magic itself is more complex, with intricate spells and complex rituals that have real consequences for the characters.

But perhaps the most significant change in the portrayal of magic in fantasy TV shows has been the shift away from the traditional male wizard or witch archetype. In recent years, we've seen an explosion of female-led fantasy shows like "Charmed," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," and "Motherland: Fort Salem," where women are the ones with the magical powers. This has been a welcome change in a genre that has been dominated by male heroes for far too long.

In conclusion, the portrayal of magic in fantasy TV shows has come a long way since the days of "Bewitched." From cheesy special effects to sophisticated CGI, from light-hearted comedy to dark psychological dramas, the evolution of magic in fantasy TV shows has been a fascinating journey to watch. And with new shows constantly popping up on our screens, we can't wait to see where it takes us next!