The Underrated Sci-Fi Adventure Series That Deserves A Second Chance
If you love fantasy, adventure, mystery, and shows that blend all three genres up into one heck of a compelling story, and you haven’t seen The Librarians yet, now’s your chance. TNT’s four seasons of The Librarians stand as a hidden gem that captivated audiences with its enchanting storytelling, charismatic cast, and magical adventures. And it’s currently available to watch on Amazon Freevee.
This American fantasy-adventure series, developed by John Rogers and broadcast on TNT, made its debut on December 7, 2014, as a direct spin-off of the Librarian film series, sharing continuity with the films. Despite its cancellation in March 2018, The Librarians is a charming fantasy adventure that deserves a second chance.
The Librarians is streaming for free on Amazon Freevee
The Librarians opens with an introduction to an ancient organization dedicated to safeguarding the world from a secret, magical reality hidden from view. Similar in concept to the beloved Warehouse 13 series, which mixes sci-fi, drama, and comedy, this show explores a world where magic, myths, and legends coexist just beneath the surface of our everyday lives.
The series follows four newly recruited individuals handpicked by an entity called The Library. In The Librarians, Colonel Eve Baird, portrayed by Rebecca Romijn, serves as the new Guardian; Ezekiel Jones, a master thief with unparalleled hacking skills, is portrayed by John Harlan Kim; Lindy Booth brings to life Cassandra Cillian, a brilliant scientist with a touch of magic; and Christian Kane takes on the role of Jacob Stone, a polymath with expertise spanning numerous fields.
The Librarians follows four newly recruited individuals handpicked by an entity called The Library
In a twist from the films, the show reveals that the world is facing such dire threats that none can save it except the savvy team of Librarians. Quickly, Colonel Baird becomes the Guardian over the other four and uses guidance from Jenkins (John Larroquette). The latter is an immortal manager of the Library’s Annex, helping lead the team on a series of adventures that involve solving mysteries, rewriting history, recovering powerful magical artifacts, battling supernatural threats, and discovering profound truths about themselves and each other.
Each season of The Librarians brings fresh challenges and adversaries. In the second season, the Librarians confront Prospero from Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes’ notorious nemesis. Prospero seeks to reshape the world using magic, while Moriarty’s loyalties are more ambiguous, aligning with the Librarians when it suits his interests.
The third season introduces a new adversary, Apep, the Egyptian God of Chaos, resurrected and on a mission to release pure evil into the world. Meanwhile, the Librarians are monitored closely by General Cynthia Rockwell from a secretive government agency called DOSA (Department of Statistical Anomalies).
The fourth season departs from season-long story arcs, instead focusing on stand-alone episodes while addressing three ongoing issues. Flynn and Eve must undertake a ceremony to bind themselves to the Library, Nicole Noone’s unexpected return raises questions, and conflict arises among the Librarians about the idea of multiple Librarians coexisting.
The Librarians generated favorable reviews, scoring 63 out of 100 on Metacritic and 79 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Librarians generated favorable reviews during its run from 2014 to 2018, scoring 63 out of 100 on Metacritic. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 79 percent critics rating, with an average rating of 6.9 out of 10. Critics praised the show’s family-friendly fun and its unique blend of silliness and adventure despite the fact that the show focused on familiar stories and characters.
In a world filled with remakes and reboots, The Librarians stands out as a series that could benefit from a second chance. With its rich mythology, talented cast, and untapped potential for exploring new adventures and magical realms, reviving this series could capture the hearts of both loyal fans and a new generation of viewers.
In fact, The CW has already greenlit a new adventure for our favorite librarian heroes, and The Librarians: The Next Chapter is set to air in 2024.
Overall, The Librarians is a delightful and enchanting series that deserves recognition for its captivating storytelling, memorable characters, and magical adventures. As fans eagerly await updates on the upcoming spin-off, it’s clear that this hidden gem of a show has left an unforgettable mark on the world of fantasy television.
With its unique blend of adventure, mystery, and magic, The Librarians offers viewers a chance to unlock the hidden knowledge and mysteries of the magical world.
