If You’re Not Watching “The Magicians” You Should Be

We’re entering Season 4 of Syfy’s “The Magicians” and if you haven’t been watching then I’ve got good news for you: seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Netflix! The show is based on novels by Lev Grossman but there’s no need to run out and buy the books. The show is faithful to the spirit of the books but the plot diverges greatly so readers be warned. I had read the books previously but hadn’t particularly fallen in love with them so the change in plot didn’t trouble me at all.

The show has been characterized as “Harry Potter for grown ups” and that seems fair enough if somewhat oversimplified. The settings are magical but the characters and dialogue feel real and that’s the real sorcery: the writers have conjured a world with fantastical trappings but human at its core laced with a wicked sense of humor. There are moments that I found transcendent, demonstrating all of the beauty, art and craft that television is capable of.

Just as impressive, each character has his/her own voice. So often, every character in a work of fiction whether it’s a book, play or TV show every character seems the same: the same mannerisms, the same vocabulary and the same sense of humor. The writers of The Magicians ably avoid that pitfall and every one of the ensemble gets his/her own moment. Whoever becomes your favorite, you’ll find things to cheer about.

Season 4 starts January 23rd, get out that remote control and tune in!