The Magicians: Netflix Binges

Ever since discovering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I have dreamed of finding something similar and new. Like many fans, I have read the books and watched the movies countless times. Still, I needed more; but everything else I found had either low-quality or poor content. Just as I was about to give up hope, God answered my prayers: The Magicians.

Initially, it was a book trilogy, published in 2009 by Lev Grossman. Six years later, it was release as a series on SyFy, containing only five seasons. Sadly, only four of those seasons are available on Netflix.

If you are interested in occult magic and spiritualism outside of fiction, you will love this show even more. Although dramatized, there is real magic emphasized within its plot, and it coincides seamlessly with the information in occult nonfiction.

As a hardcore Harry Potter fan, nothing, and I mean nothing, will ever compare to J.K. Rowling’s creation; but this new show is good.

For many of us, Rowling’s ingenious series has created a timeless fantasy, and deep down we all still await our letter from Hogwarts. Just attending the school alongside our beloved characters brought us indescribable joy.

You get to relive this fantasy with Quentin, a nerdy college kid, as he navigates his way through a new world. Things immediately begin to speed up after he enters Brakebills, an elite magical college, hidden within the realms of Upstate New York.

Q’s best friend, Julia, has special abilities too. They are both summoned to take an entrance exam, but to her surprise, she is not accepted. Before the dean can erase her memory, she cuts her arm so she won’t forget. From there on, confused and alone, Julia scours the city for other magicians. Back at Brakebills, Quentin makes new friends and discovers magic beyond his wildest imagination.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Doesn’t this plot centered around a magical school, and an anxious star pupil with only one friend, sound a little too familiar?

Just trust me and play the next episode.

Some of the best parts about grown-up magic: the sex and booze. We are no longer forced to settle for PG stories, censored for the sake of a younger audience.

What’s even more enticing, is the twists and turns of murder and mystery. While the gore is not too excessive, it is definitely not for the squeamish. If you have any sensitive triggers, I recommend skipping episode 8 of Season 1. The Magicians definitely earns an R-rating for its content of nudity, drugs, cursing, and inclusion of dark magic.

I recommend finding a binge-buddy if you are easily creeped out or even just for someone to talk to. There are endless cliffhangers and mysteries, and it helps to cope with the suspense when you have someone to discuss it with.

With every episode, I become more grateful that I shared it with my husband. He is not obsessed with magical worlds in the same way that I am but he loves this show, and we watch it every night.

So, if you have any friends or partners you want to start a new show with, give this one a try. Even if they don’t geek-out over magic, they are bound to love the intriguing plot line. Did I mention it is also hilarious?

If you choose to solve mysteries alongside Quentin, and roam New York alongside Julia, prepare for a roller coaster of emotions.

I have only watched the first Season, so this is just a recommendation. A detailed review will be posted in a few months after I finish the remaining seasons! I hope I have helped anyone looking for a high-quality show about magic and more.