Fantasy always seems to get the short end of the stick when it comes to cancellations. Without a huge budget a la Game of Thrones behind them, fantasy series seem more likely than not to be canceled before they really hit their stride. It doesn’t help that the genre as a whole already requires a certain suspension of disbelief, so when the budget isn’t enough to make the CGI look terribly realistic, there’s an inherent sense of cheesiness. And this cult-classic fantasy series may have fallen prey to certain aspects of that, but it was still wildly underrated, and now that it’s streaming for free on Prime (with ads), Kanopy, and Hoopla, there’s no excuse not to watch it—especially if you want to catch the revival, which returns for its second season in August.
The Librarians came after TNT’s The Librarian trilogy, introducing new members of the ancient group charged with protecting magical and mystical artifacts. It’s Flynn Carsen (Noah Wyle) who leads this society, which has hidden itself below the Metropolitan Public Library. In an effort to make his job easier, the Library brings in four new members and a new overseer to ensure that everything runs smoothly. While it aired, the series impressed both critics and audiences, earning 89% and 84% ratings, respectively, for its air of edgy whimsy.
Lauded for its air of silliness and fun, The Librarians is one of those rare series that never felt the need to be grimdark or gritty—a fate that too often befalls fantasy series in an attempt to legitimize them. “The Librarians is just so fun. It’s a weird little show that takes the Warehouse 13 concept and does it better (probably because it came first) with tighter writing, excellent casting, and a broader sense of adventure,” says critic MaryAnn Sleasman. And it’s certainly bolstered by the cast’s incredible chemistry, lending confidence and credibility to their on-screen relationships.
There was also an element of relatability to the series, despite the fantasy premise. Critic Kristi Turnquist says, “In an age when pop culture is hooked on superheroes, it’s especially comforting to see the Librarians team saving the day not with their bulging muscles or futuristic gizmos, but with their fact-filled, enlightened brains.” And there’s something so refreshing about that, especially when you consider that, even in the age of Marvel and DC, the show has been revived yet again, able to continue with the original legacy the films started.
Will you be catching The Librarians now that it’s streaming for free? Do you have a favorite moment from the series or the revival? Let us know in the comments. And don’t forget to check out the ComicBook forum to see what other fans are saying.
