The Epic Fantasy Series That's Got Netflix Subscribers Binging

These days, it's hard to know what to choose for your next binge watch, because Netflix has so much content to offer. Subscribers can spend hours just browsing the nearly endless list of original movies and TV shows alongside other properties that the streaming service has in its library, and interestingly enough, fantasy seems to be one of the most popular genres on the platform. It was recently revealed that the first season of Henry Cavill's "The Witcher" is the second most-watched show on the service, with 76 million households (via What's On Netflix) following Geralt's monster-hunting escapades across the Continent. Other major fantasy hits on Netflix have included "Fate: The Winx Saga" at 57 million viewers, and the recent Russian-influenced series "Shadow & Bone" at 55 million. 

Subscribers clearly can't get enough of fantasy shows on Netflix. It's unsurprising, then, that Netflix was quick to renew all of the above for additional seasons, with Season 2 of "The Witcher" slated to arrive on December 17, 2021. However, a recently released animated fantasy series has Netflix subscribers in a frenzy, even more so than usual, because of how it has revived a classic cartoon show for the present day — diving headfirst into beloved mythology, and not being afraid of the camp, while also making a point to darken the subject matter. 

This newest Netflix hit is "Masters of the Universe: Revelation," spearheaded by Kevin Smith (of "Clerks" and "Superman Lives" fame). And since Part 1 only has 5 episodes in total, it's very easy to binge-watch. Here's why you should.

Yes, the original "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe" show, from the eighties, looks and sounds dated by modern standards, but the updated series continues the story with enough sincerity that it honors what's come before it, while also paving fresh ground. 

"Masters of the Universe: Revelation," rather than rebooting the old cartoon, is a direct sequel. The story picks up right after where the original ended, and follows the guardians of Castle Grayskull going on a new quest throughout Eternia to find the missing Sword of Power. The show has gotten some big attention for taking surprising risks, and making Skeletor more menacing than ever before. 

Old-school He-Man fans flocked to Netflix to watch the new series, and many loved it. Twitter user @ArsenicNoir wrote "The new Masters of the Universe Revelation is incredible. This re-kindled my childhood and Kevin Smith did an amazing job. I laughed, cried and felt like a kid again all while sitting on the edge of my seat for the next episode." Other fans loved the new cast in "Revelation," with fellow Twitterer @ScottGarza1 calling it "freaking awesome!! I've never seen anything MOTU and this show just blew my mind! @HamillHimself as Skeletor is one of the greatest casting decisions ever!"

Not only does the story add new dimensions to every single character, it reminds fans what they loved about the universe in the first place. Admittedly, there has been a vocal minority online that are upset over how Prince Adam/He-Man (Chris Wood) isn't the sole hero of the adventure, and that Teela (Sarah Michelle Gellar) gets more of the spotlight, but truthfully, Teela taking center stage pushes things in a far more interesting, unexpected direction. Also, it's worth watching the show just to see where Skeletor (Mark Hamill) winds up at the end of Episode 5.

"Masters of the Universe: Revelation" can be streamed on Netflix.