Have you ever known of somebody who blatantly insults and despises a movie or television series when in fact they haven’t even actually watched it for themselves? Or people who  base their opinions on what they hear other people saying? Well unfortunately I used to base my opinion regarding the Warner Brothers’ hit series “Charmed” on what people told me. Truth be told, many people (ones I’ve known at least) have had a very low liking of the series and for the longest time I avoided Charmed for that sole fact.

Luckily, a couple years ago I decided to break my robust dislike for the series and actually make an attempt at watching it from the beginning. The basic plot from the start revolves around four sisters (Prue, Piper, and Phoebe Halliwell, eventually Paige Matthews) who inherit magical powers from their family line, and a magical book called the Book of Shadows which is the origin of their abilities. After discovering these new and startling powers, the entire rest of the series focuses on their ability to balance their professional and love lives with their lives as good witches protecting innocents. This series gives a very unique outlook on a misunderstood religious belief known as Wicca, which is another shining good point in the story.

As much as this series sounds like a fairy-tale, the directors did a wonderful job with making the sisters’ lives as realistic as possible. Most notable are the central themes that rise throughout the seasons.

Main Themes:

Love is always attainable, even when one least expects it.
Everything happens for a reason.
A balanced life is the most productive life.
Don’t commit acts solely for selfish personal gain.
A difference can be made in everyone’s life.
The future is never certain, it can be predicted but the slightest act can change it.
The power of the woman. (since the main characters are women)
The family bond is always strong.

That’s merely a short list of the potential themes in the series, there are many more out there, and I think those themes are what makes Charmed the wonderful series that it is. Its ability to captivate the audience and allow them to connect their lives with the situations the characters experience is what makes it worth watching—aside from the dazzling special effects and wonderful episodic plots. Not to mention the cast of: Shannon Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, Rose McGowan, and Brian Krause.

If there was ever a series I’d recommend above all else, it would be Charmed. All eight seasons kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more and more. I wanted to keep following the lives of the characters because they seemed so realistic and believable. Whether it be mushy romantic scenes, wrenching depressing scenes, amazing action-packed scenes or comedic relief, Charmed has something that I believe every person can enjoy.