Sanctuary
"Some hide. They seek."
A Syfy Original
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
Dr. Helen Magnus
Robin Dunne
Dr. Will Zimmerman
Christopher Heyerdahl
John Druitt / Bigfoot
Ryan Robbins
Henry Foss
Created by: Damian Kindler
Seasons (4 seasons, 59 episodes)
Season 1
13 episodes - 2008
Season 2
13 episodes - 2009
Season 3
20 episodes - 2010
Season 4
13 episodes - 2011