One of my all-time favorite shows, especially when I was growing up, was Xena: Warrior Princess. What makes it so good? And is there anything out there like it?
Xena: Warrior Princess is an iconic television series that aired from 1995 to 2001. The show follows the adventures of Xena, a former ruthless warrior who seeks redemption by fighting for good in a fantasy world inspired by ancient Greece.
Xena is portrayed by Lucy Lawless, who became a cultural icon for her portrayal of the fierce and powerful character. Xena is known for her exceptional fighting skills, her intelligence, and her unwavering dedication to her friends and allies. Sure, Xena suffers from a lot of unnecessary fan service and “chainmail bikini” stereotyping, but I can look past that. The plots are cool enough that I really think the show took off in spite of the sex appeal rather than because of the sex appeal.
Throughout the series, Xena battles various villains, including warlords, gods, and mythical creatures. Interestingly, most of the plots and battles are actually based on real historical events or actual Greek mythology / folklore. She is often accompanied by her sidekick, Gabrielle, a former village girl who becomes a skilled fighter in her own right.
One of the unique aspects of Xena: Warrior Princess is its depiction of strong, complex female characters. Xena and Gabrielle's friendship is central to the show and is portrayed as a powerful bond that can withstand any challenge.
Xena: Warrior Princess has become a cultural touchstone for many fans, and its influence can be seen in subsequent television shows and films. Its message of redemption, empowerment, and loyalty resonates with audiences to this day.
The show is a groundbreaking television series that broke barriers with its depiction of strong female characters and compelling storytelling. It remains a beloved show that continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
If you liked Xena, what else is there to watch?
You might enjoy these other TV shows that are similar in genre or style:
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys: This show was a spin-off of Xena and shares the same fantasy-adventure genre. It follows the adventures of Hercules, who is played by Kevin Sorbo, and features similar themes of mythology, action, and humor.
Game of Thrones: This HBO series is a darker and more violent take on the fantasy genre. It features complex characters and political intrigue in a fictional world filled with dragons, magic, and epic battles.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: This show also features a strong female lead and mixes action, horror, and humor in a supernatural setting. It has a similar focus on the relationships between characters and features a blend of episodic and serialized storytelling.
Legend of the Seeker: This show is based on the Sword of Truth series of books by Terry Goodkind and features a similar mix of action and fantasy adventure. It follows a young woodsman named Richard Cypher as he teams up with a powerful sorceress to battle evil in a magical world.
Merlin: This BBC series is a retelling of the Arthurian legend and features a young Merlin as he navigates a world of magic, politics, and danger. It has a similar mix of action, adventure, and humor as Xena and features a strong ensemble cast.
Overall, if you enjoyed the action-packed adventure and strong character dynamics of Xena: Warrior Princess, these other TV shows are definitely worth checking out.
Want more strong female leads?
The punishment for vampirism is to be burned at the stake.
Necromancers, should they be captured, are hung.
I am both.
My master bestowed upon my shoulders a monumental task, one that has become my life's ambition. Should I fail, at least I will burn with a smile on my face, knowing that I did not live by my father's rules, the life he would have forced upon me as his heir. I have brought a legion of slaughter to the foot of the altar where I will soon carve my destiny, and I know that more bloodshed will follow.
I welcome every drop.
