
25 Best TV Shows About Greek Mythology
From the thunderbolts of Zeus to the cunning of Odysseus, Greek mythology has captivated audiences for millennia. Its timeless tales of gods, heroes, and monsters have found a natural home on the small screen, where epic sagas can unfold across seasons. With recent hits like Percy Jackson and the Olympians reigniting interest in these ancient stories, there’s never been a better time to dive into the best TV shows inspired by Greek mythology. Whether you crave faithful adaptations, modern reimaginings, or animated adventures, this list has something for every mythology enthusiast. Here are 25 of the finest TV shows that bring the world of Greek myths to life.
1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2023–Present)
Disney+’s critically acclaimed series finally gives Rick Riordan’s beloved novels the adaptation fans have long deserved. The show follows 12-year-old Percy Jackson, a modern-day demigod who discovers his true parentage and embarks on a cross-country quest to prevent a war among the gods. With a young, talented cast and faithful storytelling that captures the humor and heart of the books, this series has quickly become the gold standard for mythology-based entertainment. Its success proves that Greek myths remain as engaging as ever, especially when told through a contemporary lens.
2. Blood of Zeus (2020–Present)
This adult animated series from Netflix is a visually stunning and brutally epic take on Greek mythology. It follows Heron, a commoner living in ancient Greece who discovers he is the illegitimate son of Zeus. As the demonic forces of the Giants threaten to destroy Olympus, Heron must embrace his divine heritage and fight alongside the gods. With a striking art style reminiscent of classic anime and a mature, action-packed narrative, Blood of Zeus offers a fresh and gritty perspective on familiar myths.
3. Kaos (2024)
Netflix’s darkly comedic drama reimagines the Greek gods as flawed, neurotic beings living in the modern world. Jeff Goldblum delivers a delightfully eccentric performance as Zeus, a paranoid king of the gods who fears his downfall after discovering a prophecy. Meanwhile, three mortals—Eurydice, Caeneus, and Ariadne—find their fates intertwined with the divine. Kaos is a bold, stylish, and thought-provoking series that plays with mythology in inventive ways, exploring themes of power, fate, and rebellion.
4. Xena: Warrior Princess (1995–2001)
A cultural phenomenon that defined an era, Xena: Warrior Princess follows the titular heroine, a reformed warlord seeking redemption through heroic deeds. Set in a fantastical version of ancient Greece, the show weaves Greek myths into its action-packed, campy, and surprisingly heartfelt stories. Xena, played with iconic charisma by Lucy Lawless, battles gods, monsters, and her own dark past. The series remains beloved for its strong female lead, memorable characters, and its groundbreaking representation of LGBTQ+ relationships.
5. Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995–1999)
Before Xena got her own spin-off, she appeared in this lighthearted adventure series starring Kevin Sorbo as the demigod Hercules. The show follows Hercules and his loyal friend Iolaus as they travel the ancient world, fighting monsters, helping the innocent, and occasionally butting heads with the gods. With its charmingly low-budget effects and earnest tone, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys is a nostalgic gem that made Greek mythology accessible and fun for a generation of viewers.
6. Class of the Titans (2005–2008)
This animated series offers a unique twist: seven teenagers discover they are descendants of Greek heroes and must band together to prevent the Titan Cronus from escaping Tartarus. With a diverse cast of characters—including Jay (descendant of Jason), Theresa (descendant of Theseus), and Atlanta (descendant of Artemis)—the show cleverly adapts mythological figures for a modern, youthful audience. Class of the Titans is a hidden gem that blends high school drama with epic mythological stakes.
7. Olympus (2015)
Syfy’s Olympus is a dark, adult-oriented take on Greek mythology, focusing on the journey of a young man named Hero who seeks to uncover the truth about his past. Along the way, he encounters gods, mythical creatures, and political intrigue in a world where the line between mortals and immortals is blurred. While the series is more inspired by myth than strictly faithful, it offers a gripping, atmospheric story with strong performances and a unique visual style.
8. Atlantis (2013–2015)
From the BBC, Atlantis reimagines the legend of the lost city as a vibrant, mystical world populated by figures from Greek mythology. The series follows Jason, a young man from the present day who is transported to the ancient city, where he befriends Pythagoras and Hercules. Together, they face monsters, gods, and political upheaval. With its lush production design and swashbuckling adventure tone, Atlantis is an enjoyable romp for fans of myth and fantasy.
9. Troy: Fall of a City (2018)
This British-American miniseries offers a gritty, humanistic retelling of the Trojan War, drawing primarily on Homer’s Iliad and other ancient sources. The show explores the fateful love affair between Paris and Helen, the wrath of Achilles, and the tragic fall of Troy. With a focus on character drama and historical realism (while still including the gods as active forces), Troy: Fall of a City is a compelling watch for those who prefer their myths grounded in emotion and consequence.
10. Great Greek Myths (2016–Present)
For viewers who want a more educational approach, this French documentary series (also available in English) offers beautifully animated retellings of classic Greek myths. Each episode focuses on a different story, from the labors of Heracles to the tragedy of Orpheus. Narrated with elegance and accompanied by stunning visuals, Great Greek Myths is the perfect primer for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the source material that inspires so many fictional adaptations.
11. The Odyssey (1997)
This Emmy-winning miniseries is perhaps the most faithful adaptation of Homer’s epic poem ever produced. Armand Assante stars as Odysseus, the cunning Greek hero who must endure a decade of trials—from the Cyclops to Circe to the Sirens—as he struggles to return home to Ithaca. With a grand scale, impressive practical effects, and a powerful performance by Assante, The Odyssey captures the adventure and emotional depth of the original myth.
12. Jason and the Argonauts (2000)
This Hallmark miniseries retells the classic quest for the Golden Fleece with a mix of adventure and romance. Jason London plays Jason, who assembles a crew of heroes—including Hercules, Orpheus, and Atalanta—to sail the Argo on a perilous journey. While it takes some liberties with the myth, the series is a fun, family-friendly adventure that brings the ancient tale to life with charm.
13. Helen of Troy (2003)
This miniseries focuses on the woman whose beauty launched a thousand ships. Sienna Guillory stars as Helen, whose abduction by Paris sparks the Trojan War. The show explores Helen’s perspective, depicting her as a complex figure torn between duty and desire. With a sweeping romantic tone and a strong central performance, Helen of Troy offers a fresh angle on one of mythology’s most enduring stories.
14. Ulysses 31 (1981–1982)
A cult classic animated series, Ulysses 31 transposes the story of Odysseus into the 31st century. The hero Ulysses commands a spaceship called the Odyssey, and after destroying a giant robot Cyclops, he incurs the wrath of the gods, who place a curse on his crew. Now, Ulysses must find the Kingdom of Hades to restore his men. With its blend of sci-fi and Greek mythology, Ulysses 31 is a nostalgic favorite that proves the timelessness of these myths.
15. The Storyteller: Greek Myths (1991)
From the creative mind of Jim Henson, The Storyteller series dedicated a season to Greek myths. Michael Gambon stars as the Storyteller, who narrates dramatic retellings of myths like Theseus and the Minotaur, Orpheus and Eurydice, and Perseus and the Gorgon. Featuring Henson’s signature puppetry and a darkly enchanting tone, this miniseries is a must-watch for fans of both mythology and masterful storytelling.
16. Mythic Warriors: Guardians of the Legend (1998–2000)
This animated series aimed at younger audiences retells classic Greek myths with a focus on heroism and moral lessons. Each episode features a different hero, such as Perseus, Hercules, or Odysseus, battling monsters and overcoming obstacles to protect the innocent. With straightforward storytelling and colorful animation, Mythic Warriors is an excellent introduction to mythology for kids and nostalgic adults alike.
17. Cupid (2009)
A more unconventional entry, Cupid is a romantic comedy series that loosely reimagines the myth of Cupid and Psyche. The show follows a man who claims to be the Roman god of love, sent to Earth to unite 100 couples. His therapist, who is skeptical of his divine claims, becomes his reluctant partner. While not a strict adaptation, Cupid uses mythological inspiration to explore themes of love, fate, and belief in a modern setting.
18. Olympus Guardian (2002–2003)
This South Korean animated series is a beloved educational show that has introduced a generation of children to Greek mythology. Each episode focuses on a different myth, from the creation of the world to the adventures of various gods and heroes. With simple but appealing animation and accessible storytelling, Olympus Guardian has become a cultural touchstone in Korea and a charming watch for mythology fans everywhere.
19. Once Upon a Time (2011–2018)
While not exclusively Greek mythology, this fantasy series integrates numerous mythological figures into its overarching narrative. Characters from Greek myths such as Hades, Zeus, and Hercules appear in later seasons, woven into the show’s fairy-tale mashup world. For fans who enjoy seeing mythological figures interact with a broader fantasy universe, Once Upon a Time offers a creative and entertaining blend.
20. The Magicians (2015–2020)
Based on Lev Grossman’s novels, this series includes various mythological elements, with Greek mythology playing a significant role in its magical system. The show’s characters encounter gods and creatures from Greek myth, and the series often reinterprets classical stories with a modern, irreverent twist. The Magicians is a darkly comedic and emotionally complex show that will appeal to mythology fans looking for something more adult and subversive.
21. Olympus: The Animation (2004)
This Japanese anime series offers a unique, futuristic reimagining of Greek mythology. Set in a world where humans and gods coexist, the story follows an amnesiac young man named Aqua who is drawn into a conflict between the Olympian gods and the Titans. With its distinctive anime style and creative fusion of ancient myths with sci-fi elements, Olympus: The Animation is a hidden gem for otaku and myth enthusiasts.
22. Hercules (1998–1999)
This animated series from Disney serves as a follow-up to the hit film, following teenage Hercules as he trains to become a true hero. With a mix of comedy, adventure, and life lessons, the show introduces a wide array of mythological creatures and gods, all rendered in the film’s signature style. It’s a lighthearted and entertaining take on Greek mythology that’s perfect for family viewing.
23. Young Hercules (1998–1999)
A spin-off of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, this live-action series stars Ryan Gosling in one of his earliest roles as a young Hercules. The show follows Hercules, Iolaus, and their friends as they attend an academy for warriors and navigate the challenges of adolescence in a mythic world. While aimed at a younger audience, Young Hercules retains the campy charm of the original series and is a fun watch for fans.
24. The Adventures of Puss in Boots (2015–2018)
This animated series, while primarily based on the Shrek character, includes episodes and story arcs inspired by Greek mythology. Puss in Boots encounters mythological creatures and lands, including the Underworld and various gods, in his swashbuckling adventures. The show’s humor and creativity make these mythological references a delightful addition for viewers of all ages.
25. DuckTales (2017–2021)
This beloved reboot of the classic Disney series incorporates numerous Greek mythology elements into its storytelling. Episodes feature characters like Zeus, Storkules (a parody of Hercules), and the Sirens, blending the show’s signature adventure and comedy with mythological fun. For fans of mythology and family-friendly entertainment, DuckTales offers a clever and entertaining take on the gods and heroes of ancient Greece.
Honorable Mentions
While the above 25 shows are some of the best Greek mythology–inspired series, there are a few others worth noting:
- American Gods (2017–2021): Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel, this series includes Greek mythological figures like Zeus and Vulcan in its exploration of old gods vs. new.
- The Librarians (2014–2018): This fantasy adventure series frequently features Greek myths and artifacts, with episodes dedicated to figures like the Minotaur and King Midas.
- Supernatural (2005–2020): Over its 15 seasons, this show incorporated numerous Greek gods and monsters, often with a modern twist.
- Lost Girl (2010–2015): While focusing on the Fae, this series includes characters from Greek mythology, such as the Maenads and the god Dionysus.
Why Greek Mythology Continues to Captivate
The enduring appeal of Greek mythology on television lies in its universal themes: love, jealousy, ambition, betrayal, and the struggle for identity. These ancient stories provide a rich tapestry that creators can adapt, subvert, or modernize to reflect contemporary concerns. Whether it’s a faithful retelling of a classic epic or a wild reimagining set in outer space, Greek myths offer endless inspiration.
Moreover, the recent success of Percy Jackson and the Olympians demonstrates a hunger for these stories among younger audiences. By placing demigods in a modern context, the show bridges the gap between ancient lore and today’s world, making the myths feel immediate and relatable.
So whether you’re a longtime fan of Greek mythology or a newcomer looking to explore, this list offers a diverse array of shows to suit every taste. Grab some ambrosia, settle in, and let the gods of television entertain you.