How To Find TV Shows That Feature Magical Realism

Magical realism is a genre that blends the ordinary with the extraordinary, where magical elements are woven into a realistic world. Though the genre originated in literature, it has found its place in other forms of storytelling, including TV shows. A show that uses magical realism doesn't need to be a full-on fantasy but instead offers a subtle infusion of magic or the supernatural into the mundane world, creating a unique atmosphere where the impossible feels possible.

For those intrigued by the concept of magical realism in television, it can be a bit tricky to pinpoint what exactly qualifies as a magical realist show. While magical realism isn't as mainstream in TV as in literature, there are still many series that beautifully showcase this genre. The key to finding such shows lies in understanding the essence of magical realism and knowing where to look.

This article will explore how to identify TV shows that feature magical realism, explain the genre's characteristics, and provide recommendations for TV shows that have embraced it.

Understanding Magical Realism

Before diving into how to find TV shows that feature magical realism, it's important to understand what the genre entails.

Magical realism, at its core, is the narrative technique of introducing fantastical elements into a grounded, realistic world without much explanation or fuss. The magic doesn't always appear as a big plot point; it's often subtle, incorporated into everyday life in such a way that characters treat the magical aspects as normal. In magical realism, the fantastical is an accepted part of reality, and it's not unusual to see events that defy the laws of nature in a context that feels like it could happen in the real world.

Key Elements of Magical Realism

• Ordinary setting: The backdrop of magical realism is usually a world that closely mirrors our own. The setting could be a small town, an urban city, or an average family home.
• Magical elements: These elements are typically small but impactful. They can range from supernatural creatures, ghosts, or inexplicable events. However, they are woven into the fabric of reality in such a way that they aren't viewed as out of the ordinary by the characters.
• Realistic characters: Characters in magical realism are typically grounded, relatable, and respond to the magical occurrences with acceptance rather than disbelief.
• Absence of explanation: The supernatural is not often explained, nor does it require rational justification. Magical elements simply exist in the story's world, and the narrative doesn't spend much time discussing their origins.
• Blurring of the line between reality and fantasy: One of the hallmarks of magical realism is how it blurs the line between the fantastical and the real. In these stories, what seems impossible is treated as if it's commonplace.

The world of magical realism isn't just about the magic---it's about how that magic is incorporated into the everyday experiences of the characters. This juxtaposition creates an emotional resonance that isn't just about spectacle, but about how the extraordinary enhances the meaning of ordinary life.

The Challenge of Finding Magical Realism TV Shows

Magical realism isn't a genre that's immediately apparent or easy to define. Many shows incorporate elements of the magical or supernatural but don't fit the specific mold of magical realism. So, how do you find TV shows that truly capture the spirit of magical realism?

Pay Attention to Tone and Atmosphere

One of the easiest ways to identify a magical realism TV show is by paying close attention to its tone and atmosphere. Magical realism is not defined by the amount of magic in the show but by how that magic is treated within the world. Often, the magical elements are treated casually, as though they're part of the normal, everyday experience.

If the show feels dreamlike, where the mundane is interspersed with extraordinary moments, then it may feature magical realism. Shows that focus on creating a sense of wonder, even within ordinary settings, are likely to fall into the magical realism category.

Look for Series with Rich, Complex Characters

Magical realism often deals with complex, multifaceted characters who are grounded in reality but experience or witness supernatural events. Characters in magical realist stories typically respond to the fantastical elements in a subdued, accepting manner. The focus tends to be more on their emotional journey and their relationship to the world around them than on explaining the magic itself.

In magical realism, characters' personal stories and struggles intertwine with the magical elements, making the magic a metaphor for something deeper, such as longing, grief, or identity.

Check for Subtle Supernatural Elements

Another hallmark of magical realism is the subtlety with which magical or supernatural elements are introduced. It's not about grandiose, world-changing events like in traditional fantasy. Instead, look for shows where magical elements are quietly present---maybe a character experiences vivid dreams that come true, an object has mystical properties, or a seemingly ordinary event takes on a strange, inexplicable significance.

In many magical realist works, these elements are introduced as part of the natural flow of the narrative, without being overly emphasized or explained. The magical elements are just accepted by the characters as part of their everyday lives.

Avoid Superhero or High Fantasy Themes

Magical realism is different from traditional fantasy or superhero genres. Shows that fall into these categories often focus heavily on the magical elements and their implications, whereas magical realism is more concerned with the effect of magic on ordinary life. If the show is about saving the world or supernatural battles, it's probably not magical realism, but rather fantasy or superhero fiction.

TV Shows That Feature Magical Realism

Now that we've discussed how to identify magical realism in TV shows, let's look at some recommendations of series that effectively incorporate this genre.

1. The OA

One of the most notable TV shows to incorporate elements of magical realism is The OA, a Netflix original series created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij. The show follows a blind woman who disappeared for seven years and returns with the ability to see, alongside strange, otherworldly tales. The series blends science fiction, supernatural themes, and magical realism into a compelling narrative about life, death, and the boundaries of human consciousness.

The magical elements of The OA are subtle yet powerful, and the show's focus on the mystery of the human experience aligns with the core tenets of magical realism. The story shifts between the real and the impossible with a seamless flow, blurring the line between the fantastical and the everyday.

2. Big Mouth

Big Mouth, a coming-of-age animated series on Netflix, isn't the first show that comes to mind when thinking about magical realism, but it fits the genre in unique ways. The show features characters navigating the awkwardness of adolescence with the help of various magical beings, such as the Hormone Monsters, who personify the characters' desires and urges.

Though the world is based on real-life experiences, the introduction of personified emotions, hormonal creatures, and exaggerated experiences reflects the surrealism and fantastical elements of magical realism. The magic is subtle in that it often represents the internal, emotional struggles the characters face, making it more grounded in the reality of human experience.

3. Midnight Gospel

Midnight Gospel is an animated series on Netflix that blends deep philosophical discussions with psychedelic, often surreal visuals. The show, created by Pendleton Ward (the creator of Adventure Time) and Duncan Trussell, follows a space traveler named Clancy who explores different universes while encountering various strange beings and experiences.

The magical realism in Midnight Gospel doesn't come from grand supernatural feats but rather from how the show explores complex emotional and existential questions through animated, surreal representations. Like many works of magical realism, it offers a contemplative exploration of the human experience, with its fantastical elements symbolizing deeper, abstract truths about life and death.

4. Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks is perhaps one of the best-known TV shows that fits the magical realism mold. Created by David Lynch, this series combines small-town America with strange, surreal occurrences that are never fully explained. The show's central mystery---concerning the death of homecoming queen Laura Palmer---unravels with dreamlike imagery, mystical visions, and bizarre, unexplainable occurrences.

The magic in Twin Peaks doesn't overwhelm the story, but instead, it is intricately woven into the daily lives of the characters, making the supernatural feel like an inherent part of their world. The atmosphere of Twin Peaks is surreal and haunting, and it's this interplay between the ordinary and the supernatural that defines the show's magical realism.

5. Russian Doll

Russian Doll on Netflix is another example of a show that falls into the magical realism category. The series follows Nadia, a woman who dies repeatedly and relives the same night over and over again. The magical realism comes from the way the show treats time loops as a normal part of the world, with the protagonist accepting her repeated deaths without much explanation. The focus is more on Nadia's emotional growth and self-discovery as she tries to break free from the loop.

The show uses the magic of time travel to explore themes of personal growth, regret, and forgiveness, showing how the extraordinary can mirror and deepen the character's emotional journey.

Conclusion

Finding TV shows that feature magical realism requires a keen eye for shows that blend the magical with the mundane. These shows don't always make magic the central theme; instead, they offer a more subtle, emotional exploration of how the impossible exists within the ordinary. By focusing on the tone, the characters, and the understated nature of the supernatural elements, viewers can find hidden gems that represent magical realism in television.

Whether you're drawn to the mystery of The OA , the absurdity of Big Mouth , or the eerie atmosphere of Twin Peaks, there's a wide variety of shows that embrace the unique blend of reality and fantasy that defines magical realism. The magic lies not just in the fantastical elements, but in how those elements reveal deeper truths about the human condition, offering a unique perspective on life's mysteries.

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