Dani Kessel Odom (they/them) is an autistic writer and television critic who frequently covers science fiction shows like Doctor Who And To manyfantastic shows like The magicians And Percy Jacksonhorror, And superhero. Their specialty is adapting books to the screen.
They have covered events, such as the Denver Fan Expo. Their articles have also been shared by professionals in the field, such as Damien Leone and Lucy Hale. Their review of Ponies was cited in the show’s television trailer.
In college, they majored in English writing with a minor in psychology. They always had a passion for analyzing television and films, even taking filmography and screenwriting classes in college. They also studied and participated in numerous acting games on stage and screen between the ages of 7 and 18.
In addition to working at Screen Rant, Dani has worked as a freelance editor and writer for the past decade, often as a ghostwriter.
The Game of Thrones spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdomsstarted a fun fantasy trend, and a newly announced TV show is coming to continue it. The prequel debuted in January 2026, and it took the world by storm not because it’s exactly like Game of Thrones but because of its intrinsic differences.
THE world of Game of Thrones is vast and expansive. The story extends further than the eye can see. The action is heightened. The characters are mostly absolutely insufferable, and their petty political squabbles have consequences not only for the characters involved but for all of their kingdoms.
On the other hand, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms could exist within the largest Game of Thrones world, but it focuses on a very narrow setting and story. This is extremely well-founded. The two main characters, Dunk and Egg, are absolutely adorable. There is always violence, a bit like Game of Thronesbut the tone is more humorous and less dark. Although not everyone describes it as “comfortable”, I think the label fits it perfectly.
In a single season, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms reinvigorates the cozy fantasy trendwhich existed before but on a much smaller and less common scale. Fortunately, the trend should already be spreading, as several shows correspond to the same project. The most recent announcement is the anime adaptation of The house in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.
House in the Cerulean Sea is the newest Cozy Fantasy adaptation announced
The house in the Cerulean Sea was picked up for an animated TV show just a few days ago, and we’re already excited (via The wrap). The project is produced by Warner Bros. Animation, which has an excellent track record. No writer or showrunner has been announced, although that information will surely arrive sooner rather than later. Plus, the story is perfect for a TV show.
The book follows Linus Baker, a social worker who helps magical children. He is sent to Marsyas Island Orphanage, an orphanage located on a mysterious island said to be home to six dangerous children. As Linus investigates the mysterious house, he uncovers major secrets.
The house in the Cerulean Sea has a premise that has both high and low stakes, featuring some very vocal characters, but it is the ultimate cozy fantasy book, focusing on found family and overcoming our prejudices.
Half a dozen fantasy TV shows and movies are on the way
The cozy fantasy trend will only grow in the coming years. Of course, we have A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2 and The house in the Cerulean Seawhich we have already talked about. Furthermore, the book Piranesi is transformed into a stop-motion animated film by the famous Laika studio.
The mighty Nein will return for season 2. This fantastic show is a lot like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in that it takes place in a high-stakes environment but focuses on a small group of likeable characters who feel like family. There is comfort in their emotional connection and vulnerability. Her Majesty’s Dragon is being adapted for the screen and the story manages to mix comforting and warm vibes with a military war. It’s quite an enigma. Also, The House of Spirits will become a television show in the coming months.
Why Cozy Fantasy is so appealing to audiences
There is an obvious love for this genre of fantasy, which allows the audience to settle in, maybe even grab a blanket and a snack. It offers escape, warmth and sometimes even hope in an increasingly chaotic and cruel world. Life moments like this require much less mental energy. It’s clear that the cozy fantasy trend is here to stay. In a world where community is increasingly hard to find, warm fantasy emphasizes the value of found family.
The good news is that this trend hit the books long before it hit the screen. As such, there are many existing cozy fantasy stories it would be perfect for television and movies. A Knight of the Seven KingdomsThe success might just be the push production companies need to start creating more stories in this genre.
- Release date
- January 18, 2026
- Network
- HBO
- Showrunner
- Ira Parker
- Directors
- Owen Harris
- Writers
- George R.R. Martin, Ira Parker
Cast
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Peter Claffey
Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Great
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