This 7-Time Emmy-Winning Fantasy Series Deserves Its Long-Awaited Revival

Published Sep 25, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT El is a Junior TV Features Editor for ScreenRant, with previous experience as The Mary Sue's UK and Weekend Editor. She holds a Bachelor's in International Media and Entertainment Management, as well as an MA and Ph.D. in Creative Writing. There is little she loves more than discussing her favorite TV shows with fellow fans. One day, she hopes to publish an original fantasy novel. A brilliantly creative, seven-time Emmy-winning fantasy series deserves its long-awaited revival, even 17 years later. Fantasy has always been one of TV's biggest genres, with iconic hits like Xena: Warrior Princess, Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and HBO's Game of Thrones paving the way for streaming's current fantasy boom. Between colorful anime adaptations like Netflix's One Piece, paranormal procedurals like Lucifer, and the upcoming wave of romantic fantasy spearheaded by Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing series, the genre is showing no signs of slowing down. Despite dozens, if not hundreds, of small-screen fantasy hits, some undeniably worthy shows have fallen through the cracks, forgotten and canceled before they could achieve greatness. One such show was brought to audiences by Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller, who, in 2007, produced one of the funniest, most unexpected, and whimsical fantasy shows of all time: Pushing Daisies. Starring The Hobbit's Lee Pace, the underrated Anna Friel, Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth (who won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2009), and the hilarious Chi McBride, Pushing Daisies follows Pace's Ned, a humble pie maker with a special gift: reviving the dead with a touch of his finger. There are rules, however. One touch can revive a loved one, but if they stay alive for more than 60 seconds, someone or something else will pay the price. Touch the saved person again, and they die permanently. With the help of childhood friend Chuck (Friel) and private investigator Emerson Cod (McBride), Ned becomes a bona fide amateur sleuth, solving murders by reanimating the victims' corpses and hearing their side of the story. It's an unusual premise, but the cast's incredible performances, Fuller's singular creative vision, the show's comedic tone, and its witty, tightly-paced storytelling pull it all together, producing something genuinely special. There's no other show quite like it, and there's no better time to bring it back. Pushing Daisies' Genre Mix Was Ahead Of Its Time Image via Everett Collection What makes Pushing Daisies so extraordinary is that it isn't just a fantasy show. It's a fantasy show, a procedural murder-mystery series, a comedy, and a quirky, slow-burn romance novel all wrapped up in one fairy-tale-like package. In each episode, Ned, Chuck, and Emerson investigate a new death, all while Ned and Chuck grapple with their rekindled feelings for one another. Despite living together, they have to stay away from one another; the only reason Chuck is alive is that Ned revived her after she was murdered, and he can't bring himself to touch her again. While Pushing Daisies' closest peers have also mixed multiple genre elements, especially in specific, experimental episodes, Fuller's two-season series focuses on each aspect in equal measure. This kind of genre blending is more common now, in the streaming era, as writers and studios take bigger risks to differentiate their output from the increasingly saturated media landscape. Pushing Daisies' unique premise and stunning artistry would likely thrive in today's market. Fantasy, romance, fantasy romance (otherwise known as "romantasy"), and murder mysteries are some of the most dominant genres in entertainment. Police procedurals still rule networks. Cozy crime is booming thanks to shows like Ludwig and Death in Paradise. Cozy fantasy has taken the publishing world by storm with books by authors like Travis Baldree, Sarah Beth Durst, and Lucy Jane Wood. Romance, especially, has surged on streaming, with Netflix and Prime Video falling over themselves to get their hands on the best and brightest contemporary and fantasy romance novels. This is Pushing Daisies' time to shine. What Bryan Fuller Has Said About A Pushing Daisies Revival This is the era of reboots and revivals. Though it isn't always easy to get these off the ground — look at what happened to Buffy the Vampire Slayer's recently canceled reboot — some do find great success. Pushing Daisies deserves a second chance. Though the show includes a brief epilogue and earned a comic book, the series left many questions unanswered. How did Chuck's aunts react to her comeback? What's the deal with Ned's father? What happened to Emerson's missing daughter? Will Ned and Chuck ever be able to touch? A limited series revival would not only give the characters the conclusion they deserve, but also give the show a chance to be rediscovered. Fuller has been unwavering in his enthusiasm for a Pushing Daisies revival; less than a year ago, he revealed there was a "season 3 pitch," and that "the entire cast wants to come back... we just have to find somebody who wants to make it." So, which studio will heed the call? Pushing Daisies, like its murder victims, has earned the right to be resuscitated. Pushing Daisies is available to purchase digitally on Prime Video and Apple TV. Release Date 2007 - 2009-00-00 Network ABC Directors Bryan Fuller