Percy Jackson & the Olympians season 1 delivered a compelling fantasy story that’s faithful to Rick Riordan’s books, and with no official announcement regarding season 2, fans might be looking to fill the demigod-shaped hole in their hearts with shows like the Disney+ series. It’s difficult to pinpoint series exactly like Percy Jackson, as Riordan’s story walks a fine line between high-stakes fantasy and lighthearted comedy. It’s also aimed at children and young adults, though it’s relatable and timeless enough to appeal to mature audiences as well — particularly those who grew up with the books.
The heavy use of Greek mythology throughout Percy Jackson & the Olympians is also somewhat unique, even if other fantasy stories pull inspiration from ancient myths. There’s nothing quite like the Disney+ series out there, but there are shows with similar themes and tones. Those would be ideal for anyone wondering what to watch following the Percy Jackson season 1 finale. And there’s enough of them to hold viewers over until Percy Jackson season 2 is greenlit.
10 Shadowhunters (2016-2019)
Shadowhunters follows a slightly older group of characters than Percy Jackson & the Olympians, but the fantasy series infuses magic into the real world in much the same way as the Disney+ show. Like Percy, Clary Fray has no idea that magic exists when the Freeform show opens. However, Shadowhunters quickly thrusts her into a world of monsters and demons, pushing her to join the titular group that hunts and kills them.
Based on Cassandra Clare’s best-selling books, Shadowhunters is a great time for anyone looking for urban fantasy that’s full of humor and heart. As an adaptation, it’s not nearly as faithful as Percy Jackson. Still, it’s well worth a watch, and the characters are just as lovable.
9 Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
Percy Jackson masterfully balances humor, high stakes, and timeless commentary. That’s something the Disney+ series has in common with Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, which boasts a strikingly similar tone. Aang’s journey is just as important as Percy’s, and it takes him and his friends on detours and quests similar to those the demigods face throughout season 1. The supporting characters in both series are fantastic, there’s plenty of action, and Zuko’s family issues rival those of the Olympian gods. While their real-world inspirations are different, Percy Jackson and The Last Airbender are very alike.
8 Cursed (2020)
Cursed is based on Arthurian legend rather than Greek mythology, but its use of ancient myths to weave its story will likely appeal to the same viewers who enjoy Percy Jackson & the Olympians. Based on the book by Thomas Gerald Wheeler, Cursed finds Katherine Langford’s Nimue embarking on a quest to save her people. There are plenty of great fantasy elements and characters that crop up on her journey, and the fact that Nimue is looking for an ancient object mirrors Percy’s search for the Master Bolt in season 1. While its setting is quite different from that of Percy Jackson, Cursed boasts many similar elements.
7 Lockwood & Co. (2023)
Another young adult series that meshes the extraordinary with the real world is Lockwood & Co., which finds its young leads taking on ghosts in London. As only certain children can see Lockwood & Co.‘s ghosts, its setup is reminiscent of Percy Jackson & the Olympians, which introduces a world where only demigods can see monsters and other fantastical beings. Lockwood & Co.‘s lore leans more supernatural, but many other pieces of the Netflix show mirror Percy Jackson. Unfortunately, Lockwood & Co. was canceled after just one season — but it’s still worth giving a shot.
6 The Owl House (2020)
Anyone looking for more magical fish-out-of-water stories on Disney+ can give The Owl House a try. Following a teenage girl as she’s transported into a magical realm, The Owl House has a significantly different plot than Percy Jackson & the Olympians. However, its lead has a lot in common with Percy, as she finds her place within a world full of magic despite being an outcast in the real world. Anyone who enjoys a good underdog story geared toward children and young adults would benefit from giving The Owl House a watch. Sadly, The Owl House was canceled after season 3, but that’s still plenty to enjoy.
5 Wednesday (2022-Present)
Wednesday is another show with a plot that’s a far cry from Percy Jackson & the Olympians, but it has a similar concept of magical children living together in a facility geared specifically toward them. Wednesday‘s Nevermore Academy is darker than Camp Half-Blood. However, it falls into the same magic school trope, and it’s still a ton of fun.
Wednesday’s just as likable as Percy, even if she’s a bit more eccentric, and she solves a mystery throughout season 1 that could be compared to the mystery of who stole Zeus’ Master Bolt. The two shows aren’t comparable at first glimpse. However, Wednesday still makes a solid Percy Jackson replacement.
4 His Dark Materials (2019-2022)
Like Percy Jackson & the Olympians, HBO’s His Dark Materials is also adapted from a children’s book series that had a failed movie adaptation before finding new life as a TV show. The similarities don’t end there, as Lyra’s entire story centers around a mysterious prophecy, though it comes together in more expected ways than Percy’s prediction from the Oracle. Lyra also struggles with the concept of family, as she has unconventional relationships with both her parents. Fortunately, she finds a found family like Percy, making her narrative a must-watch for anyone who enjoys the Disney+ series.
3 A Series Of Unfortunate Events (2017-2019)
Netflix’s A Series of Unfortunate Events is also a book adaptation that was made as a movie before debuting on TV. Netflix’s take on Lemony Snicket’s best-selling series is undoubtedly more faithful to the source material. And while A Series of Unfortunate Events isn’t nearly as magical as Percy Jackson, it’s just as humorous and aimed at a similar audience. The Baudelaire orphans also discover their sense of purpose and self while undergoing numerous trials, which might appeal to anyone who enjoys Percy Jackson‘s coming-of-age elements.
2 Fate: The Winx Saga (2021)
Another coming-of-age story with a magical school setting, Fate: The Winx Saga feels like a must-watch for fans of Percy Jackson & the Olympians. The show follows fairies, covering their training and teenage woes in much the same way Percy Jackson follows its demigods. Viewers who enjoy the growing up aspect of Percy Jackson will fall right into the magic of Fate: The Winx Saga, even if that magic is pretty different than what’s seen in the Disney+ series.
1 The Umbrella Academy (2019-2024)
Those looking for a more mature show to watch on the heels of Percy Jackson & the Olympians can give The Umbrella Academy a try, as its familial themes mirror those covered in the Disney+ show. The dynamics between the Hargreeves siblings raise similar questions about love and loyalty, as Reginald Hargreeves raises his children to be hard and cold, much like the Olympians. They learn to be better towards one another and master their powers, similar to the characters from Percy Jackson & the Olympians.
