Timothy Omundson's King Richard looking annoyed in GalavantImage via ABC
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Jennie Richardson
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Jennie Richardson is a TV Features and Lists Writer for Collider, and a graduate student pursuing an MFA in Fiction Writing. In other words, she really loves stories.
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From Pushing Daisies, to Selfie, to Don't Trust the B — in Apartment 23, and Kevin From Work, ABC had about a decade of quite a few underrated hidden gems of TV shows in the mid-2000s to mid-2010s that were sadly prematurely cancelled and never got the audiences they deserved. These shows are unique, creative, and bold series that became cult classics among their devoted fans both when they were airing and years later, but that many people still have never heard of to this day. Even though these shows are so underrated, they make for excellent first-time watches and rewatches, even though they were cancelled too soon.
One such example of a delightfully underrated ABC show is the network's 2015 musical comedy series, Galavant, from This Is Us and Paradise creator Dan Fogelman. Galavant is set in a fairytale-esque historical fantasy setting, perfect for fans of The Princess Bride, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Ella Enchanted. Galavant was sadly cancelled after just two seasons, but the series still makes for an excellent binge-watch nearly a decade later, and every single episode of the show is an absolute delight.
What Is the Fantasy Comedy 'Galavant' About?
Galavant follows a successful and acclaimed knight named Galavant (Joshua Sasse), who is in a happy relationship with his true love, Madalena (Mallory Jansen), until the evil King Richard (Timothy Omundson) abducts her and insists that she become his wife. Galavant interrupts the wedding in time to save Madalena before she and Richard are married, but in a hilarious twist, Madalena chooses to marry Richard for the power and riches. About a year later, Galavant is still heartbroken and has given up on everything to spend his days lying in bed alone and sad. He is accompanied only by his squire, Sid (Luke Youngblood), who has nothing to do now that Galavant has given up on being a knight.
Galavant's life changes when, one day, Princess Isabella (Karen David) of the kingdom Valencia comes to ask him for help to save her kingdom from King Richard. She tells Galavant that her family was killed and her kingdom has been overtaken, and that the king who took over her kingdom killed her family when they wouldn't give him Valencia's prized jewel for his wife. Galavant initially refuses to help her, until Isabella reveals that the king who's taken over her country is none other than King Richard. The big twist is that Richard didn't kill Isabella's parents; he blackmailed her and said that he would kill her parents unless she went to Galavant and asked for his help saving her kingdom from King Richard. To further ensure that Galavant said yes, Richard also told Isabella to say that Madalena regretted leaving Galavant.
King Richard's plan works like a charm, as the first season sees Galavant going on a quest alongside Sid and Isabella in order to go save Madelena, who actually has no interest in being saved or giving up her cushy life in the palace. Isabella gets close to both Galavant and Sid on their quest while luring Galavant into Richard's trap, and neither of them ever thinks to be suspicious of her. Without giving too much away, Galavant's second season is even better than the first, as it mixes up all of the existing character dynamics and introduces some really fun fantasy elements to the show.
'Galavant' Is an Absolute Delight From Start to Finish
King Richard and Galavant stand together, dressed in armor, with smolder looks on their faces, in GalavantImage via ABC
Galavant is the perfect comfort watch for those looking for a mental vacation and some great laughs. The cult classic fantasy series balances epic quests, the fancy yet awkward and uncomfortable life in the kingdom, and the silly antics and adventures of the many delightful side characters. A trap may be waiting for Galavant at the end of his quest, but along the way, he and his companions wind up on some silly side quests. They compete in a bizarre jousting competition, learn some hilarious information when visiting Sid's hometown, and cross paths with a group of pirates.
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Epic adventures waiting to be found.
Posts 16 By Dawson Nyffenegger Mar 1, 2025Amongst Galavant's silliness, though, are some really emotional storylines and compelling character arcs. Galavant learns that there is still a world out there that's worth participating in after his heartbreak, and he is humbled quite a bit along the way as well. Richard gets some rude awakenings that make him reconsider everything he'd previously thought to be true. Isabella changes her opinion of Galavant, and she starts to feel guilty about her part in Richard's scheme. Each character experiences significant development over Galavant's two seasons, and even though the show was prematurely cancelled, they all get a satisfying (although sadly rushed) ending to their arc.
Season 2 of Galavant may shake everything up by mixing up the character dynamics and pairings, but it still continues with the quests and silly misadventures. Galavant is ultimately a silly and over-the-top show that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that embraces the humor of its musical numbers. Galavant is the perfect binge-watch for those looking for something silly and comforting, and there's not a single bad episode.
Galavant
Like TV-PG Adventure Comedy Fantasy Musical Release Date 2015 - 2016-00-00Cast
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Joshua Sasse
Galavant
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Timothy Omundson
King Richard
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