TV Fantasy Genre Faces Decline: Can Wheel of Time Find Success on Its Own Terms?

When Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time hit the small screen back in 2021, it was just one of many top-tier TV shows filling up streaming services. Everyone was trying to outdo each other with the next big fantasy hit, hoping to bring in more subscribers. But fast forward to 2025, and the gold rush seems to have simmered down. Platforms are shifting their focus away from just gaining subscribers, and some shows are getting axed before they’re even made.

So, what does this mean for epic fantasy TV shows, especially a series like The Wheel of Time, now on its third season? Originally greenlit in the hopes of being the next Game of Thrones, showrunner Rafe Judkins was upfront with Amazon from the start that The Wheel of Time is a different kind of fantasy altogether.

While Robert Jordan’s novels share similarities with George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, they have their own unique characteristics. The Wheel of Time series, both in the books and on screen, handles mature themes differently. Unlike the explicit nature of Game of Thrones, The Wheel of Time takes a more subtle approach to these elements. Showrunners have had to navigate the vast world and numerous plotlines with care, making the adaptation a challenging endeavor.

Similarly, other fantasy shows, such as The Rings of Power, face similar challenges in bringing complex source material to life on screen. With so much to cover and establish, creating a coherent and captivating fantasy epic is no small task.

In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy streaming entertainment, each show carries its own set of hurdles. While The Wheel of Time may not be the next Game of Thrones, it offers a unique and compelling take on the fantasy genre that sets it apart. As the streaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these epic series adapt and thrive in the changing landscape of TV.