Some of the best television series never quite get the audience they deserve — and the BBC’s Atlantis is a near-perfect example of exactly that. The 2013 fantasy series ran for just two seasons before coming to an end, leaving behind a devoted but relatively small fanbase. Now, with the show available on Hulu, a new generation of viewers is discovering what they missed.
The series blends Greek mythology with the kind of adventurous, character-driven storytelling that made shows like Merlin so beloved. And with a notable Game of Thrones alumnus in the cast, it has more pedigree than its quiet reputation might suggest.
If you’re looking for a bingeable fantasy series that won’t demand a decade-long commitment, Atlantis — structured across two seasons that function almost like a two-part story — is worth your time.
What Is Atlantis and Where Did It Come From?
Atlantis premiered on the BBC in 2013 and ran through two seasons before concluding. The show was created by Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, the duo behind the long-running BBC fantasy series Merlin, along with Howard Overman, the creator of the acclaimed Channel 4 series Misfits. That creative pedigree alone signals the kind of show this is — witty, action-forward, and built around characters you genuinely root for.
The series draws heavily from Greek mythology, using the legendary lost city of Atlantis as its setting and weaving in familiar figures and stories from the ancient world. Rather than treating mythology with stiff reverence, the show uses it as a playground — a backdrop for adventure, humor, and real emotional stakes.
What made it stand out during its original run was its central trio, whose dynamic provided both comic relief and genuine heart. The chemistry between the leads gave the show an energy closer to a classic adventure serial than the grim prestige dramas that dominated television at the time.
The Game of Thrones Connection
One of the most compelling reasons for Game of Thrones fans to seek out Atlantis is the presence of Mark Addy in the cast. Addy is best known to mainstream audiences as King Robert Baratheon in the first season of Game of Thrones — a role that earned him widespread recognition and introduced him to a global audience.
His involvement in Atlantis gives the series an immediate point of familiarity for fantasy fans, and his performance is very much in keeping with the kind of grounded, charismatic work he brought to Westeros. Addy has a rare ability to make larger-than-life characters feel human, and that quality serves the show well.
For viewers who came to Atlantis through their love of Game of Thrones, seeing a recognizable face in a completely different mythological world adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
Key Facts About the Series at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Original Network | BBC |
| Premiere Year | 2013 |
| Number of Seasons | 2 |
| Creators | Johnny Capps, Julian Murphy, Howard Overman |
| Notable Cast | Mark Addy (Game of Thrones) |
| Where to Watch | Hulu |
| Genre | Fantasy / Mythology |
| Creator’s Previous Work | Merlin (Capps & Murphy), Misfits (Overman) |
- The show is set in the mythological city of Atlantis and draws from Greek mythology throughout both seasons.
- Its two-season structure gives it a natural beginning, middle, and end — making it unusually satisfying for a cancelled series.
- The creative team behind it had already proven themselves capable of making beloved British fantasy television before Atlantis went into production.
- Mark Addy’s role puts a recognizable face at the center of the story for audiences already familiar with prestige fantasy television.
Why the Two-Season Format Actually Works in Its Favor
There’s something quietly refreshing about a fantasy series that tells a complete story. So much of modern television — especially in the fantasy genre — is built around the promise of future seasons, leaving viewers with cliffhangers and unresolved arcs that sometimes never get resolved.
Atlantis ran for two seasons, which means that while it wasn’t given the full runway its creators might have wanted, it does offer a more complete narrative experience than many cancelled shows. Viewers coming to it fresh on Hulu can treat both seasons as a single extended story — a two-part fantasy epic rather than an abandoned project.
That framing changes the experience significantly. Instead of mourning what might have been, new viewers can simply enjoy the ride from start to finish without the frustration of an open-ended finale.
What Kind of Viewer Will Love This Show?
If you loved the tone of the BBC’s Merlin — adventurous, warm, occasionally funny, and deeply committed to its characters — Atlantis is going to feel immediately familiar. The same creative voices are at work, and the same instinct for balancing mythological grandeur with genuine human moments runs through the show.
Fans of Greek mythology who want something more entertaining than a textbook and more grounded than a big-budget Hollywood epic will also find a lot to enjoy here. The show doesn’t require deep mythological knowledge to follow, but it rewards viewers who recognize the names and stories it draws from.
And for anyone who simply wants a well-crafted, bingeable fantasy series that doesn’t overstay its welcome — two seasons, a strong cast, and a clear story — Atlantis is exactly that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atlantis about?
Atlantis is a BBC fantasy series set in the mythological city of Atlantis that draws heavily from Greek mythology, following an adventurous central story with a trio of lead characters at its heart.
Who created the Atlantis BBC series?
The show was created by Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, who previously made Merlin, along with Howard Overman, the creator of Misfits.
Which Game of Thrones star appears in Atlantis?
Mark Addy, who played King Robert Baratheon in Game of Thrones, is a notable cast member in Atlantis.
How many seasons does Atlantis have?
The series ran for two seasons on the BBC, beginning in 2013.
Where can I watch Atlantis right now?
Both seasons of Atlantis are currently available to stream on Hulu.
Is Atlantis worth watching if you’ve never seen it?
Based on its creative pedigree — the teams behind Merlin and Misfits — and its complete two-season story arc, it is considered an underrated series that flew under the radar during its original run.
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