Sanctuary poster

Sanctuary

"Some hide. They seek."

TV Show TV-14 2008 45m/ep 7.2 /10 Ended
Syfy A Syfy Original
Created by Damian Kindler

Sanctuary follows Dr. Helen Magnus, a brilliant and enigmatic scientist who watches over a hidden population called Abnormals, creatures that blend mystery with danger and beauty. Magnus dedicates her career to protecting these beings and uncovering the origins of their existence, often with the... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 30, 2026

About Sanctuary

Sanctuary follows Dr. Helen Magnus, a brilliant and enigmatic scientist who watches over a hidden population called Abnormals, creatures that blend mystery with danger and beauty. Magnus dedicates her career to protecting these beings and uncovering the origins of their existence, often with the help of a tight, skilled team. The show layers scientific inquiry with mythic lore as investigators chase clues that cross the line between the natural world and something far stranger. With fast paced action, clever problem solving, and a sense of danger lurking in everyday settings, the series builds a world where secrecy shapes every choice. The tone blends detective work with hints of ancient history behind Magnus's mission. The show links cases to bigger mysteries.

Sanctuary debuted in 2008 as a television series created by Damian Kindler. It presents an original concept centered on a team led by Dr Helen Magnus, as they investigate a hidden population called Abnormals. Each episode features fresh cases directed by a rotating roster of directors.

Sanctuary helped bring a world of extraordinary beings into sci fi television. Led by Amanda Tapping as Dr Helen Magnus, the series fuses myth and science with action driven storytelling, influencing shows that combine mythic arcs with procedural elements. Its visuals and practical effects helped set a tone for hybrids.

Reception to Sanctuary centered on its ambitious setup and strong cast, with praise for world building and character dynamics. The show navigates themes of responsibility and secrecy, questioning what it means to protect the vulnerable while exposing them to public scrutiny, risk, and moral choice. Critics noted its ambition.

Awards: No major awards are documented for Sanctuary. The show did gain a dedicated fanbase and praise from genre audiences, and it remains a notable example of early 21st century genre blending for fans worldwide.

Details

Release Date
October 03, 2008
Episode Length
45m
Rating
TV-14
User Ratings
288 votes
Type
TV Series
Seasons
4
Episodes
59
Network
Syfy
Status
Ended
Genres
Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Country
United States
Studio
Syfy +1 more
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Amanda Tapping

Amanda Tapping

Dr. Helen Magnus

Robin Dunne

Robin Dunne

Dr. Will Zimmerman

Christopher Heyerdahl

Christopher Heyerdahl

John Druitt / Bigfoot

Ryan Robbins

Ryan Robbins

Henry Foss

Created by: Damian Kindler

Seasons (4 seasons, 59 episodes)

Season 1

Season 1

13 episodes - 2008

Season 2

Season 2

13 episodes - 2009

Season 3

Season 3

20 episodes - 2010

Season 4

Season 4

13 episodes - 2011

Frequently Asked Questions

Sanctuary is available to stream on Peacock and Peacock Premium. You can also rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

Yes, Sanctuary is available to stream on Peacock.

Yes, you can buy on Apple iTunes, Vudu, and Amazon Video.

Sanctuary has 4 seasons with a total of 59 episodes.

With a rating of 7.2/10 from 288 viewers, Sanctuary is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

Sanctuary follows Dr. Helen Magnus, a brilliant and enigmatic scientist who watches over a hidden population called Abnormals, creatures that blend mystery with danger and beauty. Magnus dedicates her career to protecting these beings and uncovering the origins of their existence, often with the ...

Sanctuary stars Amanda Tapping, Robin Dunne, Christopher Heyerdahl, and Ryan Robbins.

Sanctuary was created by Damian Kindler.

Sanctuary was released on October 03, 2008.

Sanctuary is a Action & Adventure and Sci-Fi & Fantasy series.

Sanctuary is a fictional TV series created by Damian Kindler. The story and Abnormals are not presented as real events.

Amanda Tapping portrays Dr. Helen Magnus, a brilliant scientist who holds the secrets of the Abnormals and works to protect them while unlocking their mysteries.

Christopher Heyerdahl plays John Druitt, a character who is also known as Bigfoot.

Sanctuary has 4 seasons, with a total of 59 episodes.