The witch character has been associated with almost every genre, from horror to drama. Witches were known to be evil beings with scary powers and abilities, but as time has gone on, more depth and nuance have been added to these characters. As a result, several iconic witch shows have been born.
Over time, witchy TV has become synonymous with teen dramas and supernatural or fantastical social commentary. From Buffy The Vampire Slayer to Siempre Bruja, there are many incredible and captivating witchy TV shows that fans have to watch.
10 Charmed
An Iconic '90s Witch Series
1998's Charmed is one of the most popular titles in the witch genre, often being credited as the ultimate witch show. The main characters in Charmed are three sisters, who are “The Charmed Ones.” They are good witches and their destiny is to save humans from evil supernatural and paranormal forces.
The chosen sisters Prue, Piper, Phoebe, and later on, Paige spend eight seasons fighting the forces of evil as they deal with family, friends, and romantic drama. Charmed is ideal for fans who enjoy supernatural shows, the drama of regular life, and the fashion and feel of the '90s.
9 Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Relatable For Viewers Of All Ages And Still Popular
Buffy The Vampire Slayer, the '90s series based on the film of the same name, became one of the most popular teen shows of the decade. It sparked the "sexy vampire" trope that inspired and popularized countless supernatural films and series. Buffy The Vampire Slayer mainly follows Buffy, the chosen slayer who protects humans from evil forces along with her friends.
Buffy isn’t too strict on the vampire elements, meaning other threats loom in the form of creatures, ghosts, demons, and witches. One of the main characters, Willow, actually develops her powers after delving into witchcraft in later seasons. Because Buffy series is relatable for viewers of all ages and is still popular, it's a must-watch.
8 The Vampire Diaries
Has Captivating Characters, An Interesting Plot, And Supernatural Elements
The Vampire Diaries tells the story of a teenage girl named Elena who lives in Mystic Falls, which is rife with supernatural occurrences. There, Elena meets and falls in love with vampire brothers, Damon and Stefan. While Vampire Diaries depicts a love triangle between a human and two vampires, it goes a lot deeper with its plot.
Many of the historical events of the town’s past tie in with all kinds of supernatural creatures, especially witches. The most notable witch is Bonnie, whose ability to cast spells and time in The Other Side often helps the main characters defeat evil. For its great plot and captivating characters, Vampire Diaries should be watched by all witch fans.
7 Legacies
A Spin-Off Of The Vampire Diaries And The Originals
Legacies is a spin-off of the popular teen dramas The Vampire Diaries and The Originals. Legacies focuses on Hope, whose bloodline descends from a line of vampires, werewolves, and witches. The series follows Hope as she joins a school for gifted individuals. Other magical and supernatural beings attend the school while trying to learn about their powers.
Legacies is a continuation of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, which is great for long-time fans of both shows. The series also gives viewers a new narrative and characters while keeping some of the characters and plot points of its predecessors.
6 Sabrina The Teenage Witch
A Popular Witchy Sitcom
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The 1996 show Sabrina The Teenage Witch took a much more lighthearted take on the witch genre. The show follows a sitcom structure with a laugh track and is filmed with a multi-camera approach.
Sabrina The Teenage Witch tells the tale of Sabrina, a teenage girl who discovers she comes from a long line of witches on her 16th birthday. Sabrina learns to control her powers and oftentimes gets into wacky situations due to her novice spells and beginner status as a witch. Sabrina combines supernatural elements and a sitcom setting with a lighthearted approach to the genre.
5 Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina
A Spooky Comic Book Adaptation
The Netflix adaptation of the Archie Comics series, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is much darker in tone and plot compared to the sitcom version. The story follows a teenage Sabrina as she reaches her sixteenth birthday and must decide between her dark magical roots and her human life.
While Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina was canceled in 2020, it remains a popular series for Netflix, bringing lots of views from fans of the sitcom, the comics, and new fans. Chilling Adventures is great for viewers who enjoy darker tones, a well-rounded plot, and the creepiness of witches.
4 American Horror Story: Coven
A Dark, Campy, And Often Disturbing Show
The third season of the American Horror Story anthology series, known as American Horror Story: Coven, focuses on a group of young witches who descend from those killed during the Salem Witch Trials. The young witches join a school and learn to master their abilities as they compete to become the Supreme Witch.
Coven received numerous awards and accolades and later became a hit with long-time fans. The season even boasts some of the best witches on TV. It's dark, campy, and often disturbing, but it’s definitely worth a watch.
3 The Magicians
Boasts Impressive Special Effects And An Entertaining Plot
The Magicians centers on Quentin, who deals with the relentless feeling of not fitting in. However, he soon discovers he’s earned a place in Brakebills University, a school where people with magical abilities go to perfect their skills. As Quentin and his friends learn about their powers, they discover that a threat looms over humanity.
While The Magicians revolves around a group of teenage witches and warlocks adjusting to college life, the themes in the series are very mature. The impressive special effects and the entertaining plot make The Magicians a great watch for those who enjoy darker depictions of witches.
2 Siempre Bruja
Depicts Witches Of A Different Culture
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The Colombian show Siempre Bruja (translates to Always A Witch) follows a young woman, Carmen, who lives as a witch and slave during the 17th century in Cartagena. Carmen is sentenced to death for practicing witchcraft but makes a deal with a powerful wizard to be sent to the present day while she awaits her fate.
Carmen must learn to adapt to living in the present and refrain from being discovered, but as she spends more time there, she finds it difficult to keep away from her roots. Siempre Bruja is a great watch for those who enjoy the “fish out of water” trope and mysterious and fantastical elements.
1 Salem
Discusses The Salem Witch Trials Of The 17th Century
Most people are familiar with the Salem witch trials, one of the most important historical events that inspired many films and television shows. Salem follows Mary Sibley, one of the accused witches during the trials, who plans on summoning the devil as she perpetuates the hysteria surrounding witchcraft during the 17th century.
Although Salem is very loosely based on the Salem witch trials, it's still great for those who enjoy historical pieces and supernatural TV. The series may not be entirely accurate to the accounts of the trials, but it does keep within the mystical conventions of the witch genre.