Twenty shows to watch while waiting for Game of Thrones season 8

10) The Mists of Avalon (TNT mini-series, 2001)

Based on Marion Zimmer Bradley’s popular book, The Mists of Avalon tells the tales of Arthurian Legend from the point of view of the female characters. Produced by TNT and starring Anjelica Huston, Julianna Margulies and Joan Allen, the first episode (the entire show originally aired in two parts) was basic cable’s highest rated original movie in 2001.

With Morgaine (Margulies) acting as the primary narrator, The Mists of Avalon chronicles the powerful British women (many operating behind the scenes) as they struggle with the competing forces of paganism and Christianity in their quest to build and then defend the hallowed kingdom of Camelot.

The critical reception to The Mists of Avalon was generally good, and it was highly anticipated by audiences. Robert Bianco of USA Today gave it 3 out of 4 stars and wrote: “Move over King Arthur. It’s a woman’s world in The Mists of Avalon, and Camelot is better for it.” He highlights the performances of the three female leads as the real strength of the fantasy epic:

"Expansion aside, if you’re the type who tires quickly of dungeon-and-dragon mysticism, gloomy Celtic music and sword-swinging knights, then you’ll still find these Mists a bit too heavy to part. But when those times roll in, concentrate on the sterling performances being turned in by a particularly well-chosen cast led by three wonderful actresses: Anjelica Huston, Joan Allen and Julianna Margulies."

Rotten Tomatoes reflects the mixed response to this miniseries: reviewers score it at 38%, while audiences are more impressed, with a score of 75%.