Television series
Conan the Adventurer
Other titles called Conan the Adventurer: the 1992 series (FOX).
A live-action sword-and-sorcery series where Conan roams a barbarian fantasy world with a motley crew of companions, fighting monsters and dark sorcerers. It's earnest, colorful adventure TV from the 90s—episodic, fast-paced, and unashamed of its pulpy ambitions. For people who want their fantasy straightforward, physical, and fun.
Should you watch it?
Watch it if you grew up on Saturday-morning sword-and-sorcery and still enjoy a brisk, goofy quest where a muscular hero, a loyal sidekick and a talking skull keep moving from one ruin to the next.
Skip it if you want a single season that builds to a grand arc, since this is a standalone-episode show with a light touch and little continuity that rewards long attention.
What it asks of you: Each episode runs about an hour and is self-contained, so you can dip in anywhere, but it wants you to enjoy the episodic rhythm of one adventure after another rather than sustained tension.
Not sure? Find tonight's pick in a minute.
If you liked this
Hercules: The Legendary Journeys1994
Same era, same syndication slots, same DNA—colorful sword-and-sandal adventures with charismatic leads, humor mixed with genuine peril, and a willingness to be gloriously silly without apology.
But The humor can feel forced, effects are dated, and the tone shifts wildly between episodes. Some find the campiness exhausting rather than charming.
Xena: Warrior Princess1995
The spiritual cousin to Conan's world: episodic fantasy action, strong ensemble cast, monsters and magic, and a genuine warmth between characters that makes you care beyond the spectacle.
But Starts campy and takes a while to find its footing. Violence against women is sometimes the plot. The tonal whiplash between comedy and drama can feel jarring.
The Beastmaster1982
A man with animal powers traversing a dangerous fantasy realm with loyal friends. Similar episodic structure, practical stunts, earnest world-building, and that same syndication-era charm of adventure made on a modest budget.
But Even lower production values than Conan. Episodes are uneven, and it never quite decides how serious it wants to be. Cancelled fast.
Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Conan the Adventurer
The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
Kolchak: The Night Stalker1972
Both are episodic adventure series where a lone protagonist and a small team face new supernatural threats each week, finding humor and heart in B-movie scenarios. Both are beloved despite (or because of) their technical limitations.
A Chicago reporter investigating monsters and the unexplained, one week at a time. Creature-of-the-week storytelling with genuine atmosphere, humor, and a hero who wins through brains as much as guts.
But Black and white. Slow burn episodes. Shot on video, so it looks flat. Monsters are sometimes laughably unconvincing. Only 20 episodes exist.
More like this (5)
Highlander1992
Immortal swordsman wandering the world, righting wrongs, meeting new people each week. Fantastic 90s cheese, great guest stars, and genuinely creative fight choreography that feels lived-in.
But Six seasons is a long commitment. The show repeats its premise endlessly. Some episodes are dull filler between the mythology beats.
The Fantastic Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor1998
Another syndicated adventure series from the same era—a seafaring hero, loyal crew, monsters and magic. Good-natured action, practical effects, and that same cheerful disregard for plausibility.
But Feels like a pale imitation. Less charisma in the cast. The writing is more pedestrian than Conan or Hercules.
The Scorpion King2002
Dwayne Johnson as a desert warrior—same DNA as Conan but with bigger money behind it. Practical stunts, fantasy action, genuine fun, and proof the 90s ethos could scale up.
But Still B-movie energy. Plot is paper-thin. If you want substance over spectacle, this isn't it. Tone is relentlessly winking.
Kull the Conqueror1997
Kevin Sorbo (Hercules himself) in a sword-and-sorcery film from the exact same year. Low-budget barbarian action with practical effects and genuine effort.
But Widely considered a failure even at the time. Dated effects, wooden supporting cast, and Sorbo can't carry a film the way he carries TV episodes. Boring in stretches.
Manimal1983
Both find drama and humor in a hero with superhuman abilities navigating a world that doesn't quite know what to do with them. Both understand that earnestness plus weirdness equals charm.
A shapeshifter fighting crime with animal powers—absurd premise, earnestly executed. Spectacular practical stunts, creative problem-solving, and a weirdness that TV rarely attempts now.
But Incomprehensible plot logic. The premise is genuinely difficult to sustain dramatically. Only one season and it's easy to see why. Some episodes are baffling.
People
Cast
Writing
- Max A. KellerCreator