If you’re anything like me, you’ve been absolutely hooked on the Game of Thrones universe ever since the first episode aired. The epic fantasy series captivated audiences worldwide with its complex characters, jaw-dropping visuals, and gripping political intrigue.
Fear not, my fellow fantasy fanatics. I’ve scoured the streaming services and compiled a list of 9 shows that are sure to scratch that same itch. From high-stakes historical dramas to gritty sci-fi epics, there’s something here for every Game of Thrones devotee.
1. The Wheel of Time
If you loved the grand scale and rich worldbuilding of Game of Thrones, then The Wheel of Time is an absolute must-watch. This Amazon Prime series is based on Robert Jordan’s beloved fantasy book series, which was a major influence on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire.
The story follows Moiraine, a powerful magic-wielding woman, as she leads a group of young villagers on a dangerous quest across a sprawling, mystical landscape. With its epic scope, diverse cast of characters, and hints of the supernatural, The Wheel of Time will transport you to a realm every bit as captivating as Westeros.
2. The Last Kingdom
Fancy a bit of medieval intrigue and Viking action? Then you need to check out The Last Kingdom. This gripping historical drama, set against the backdrop of 9th century England, follows the adventures of Uhtred of Bebbanburg – a Saxon raised by Danes who finds himself caught in the power struggle between the two warring factions.With its gritty battle scenes, complex political machinations, and richly drawn characters, The Last Kingdom has all the hallmarks of a true Game of Thrones successor. Plus, with five seasons under its belt, you’ll have plenty of episodes to binge your way through.
3. House of the Dragon
Of course, we can’t talk about shows like Game of Thrones without mentioning the official prequel series, House of the Dragon. Set 200 years before the events of the original show, this HBO hit delves into the history of the Targaryen dynasty, chronicling the bitter civil war that tore the family apart.
If you’re craving that same blend of political intrigue, dragon-fueled action, and morally ambiguous characters, House of the Dragon is an absolute must-watch. And with a second season on the way, the Targaryen saga is only just getting started.
4. Vikings
For fans of the gritty, historical elements of Game of Thrones, Vikings is another series that’s well worth checking out. This epic drama from the History Channel follows the rise of the legendary Norse warrior Ragnar Lothbrok as he embarks on a series of ambitious raids and conquests.
With its stunning cinematography, brutal battle sequences, and complex character dynamics, Vikings offers a fresh perspective on the medieval world. And if you find yourself hooked, you can always dive into the spin-off series, Vikings: Valhalla, for even more Norse-inspired action.
5. The Serpent Queen
If you were captivated by the cunning, power-hungry machinations of Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, then you’ll definitely want to check out The Serpent Queen. This Starz series takes a deep dive into the life of Catherine de’ Medici, the 16th-century French queen whose ruthless rise to power has drawn comparisons to the iconic Lannister matriarch.
Starring Samantha Morton in a deliciously villainous turn, The Serpent Queen blends historical drama with a touch of the supernatural, creating a truly compelling and unique viewing experience. Fans of complex, morally ambiguous female characters will find plenty to love here.
6. The Witcher
For those who can’t get enough of the fantastical elements of Game of Thrones, The Witcher is an absolute must-watch. This Netflix series, based on the beloved book and video game franchise, follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a legendary monster hunter navigating a world filled with sorcery, political intrigue, and mythical beasts.
With its stunning visual effects, gritty action sequences, and charismatic lead performance from Henry Cavill, The Witcher offers a fresh spin on the fantasy genre. And if you find yourself hooked, you can always check out the animated spin-off, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, for even more Witcher-verse goodness.
7. Succession
Okay, so Succession might not be a fantasy series, but hear me out. This HBO drama, which follows the power struggles within a wealthy, dysfunctional media family, shares a lot of DNA with Game of Thrones. Both shows are driven by complex, morally ambiguous characters engaged in high-stakes battles for control and influence.
If you loved the cutthroat politics and family dynamics of Game of Thrones, Succession is sure to scratch that same itch. With its sharp writing, stellar performances, and deliciously juicy plot twists, this series is a must-watch for any fan of prestige TV.
8. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
As the saying goes, “if you liked Game of Thrones, you’ll love The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” Okay, maybe that’s not a real saying, but the point still stands. This epic Amazon Prime series, set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, offers the same sweeping scale, fantastical worldbuilding, and high-stakes drama that made Game of Thrones such a hit.
With its stunning visuals, diverse ensemble cast, and hints of the supernatural, The Rings of Power is a must-watch for any fantasy fan. And if you’re a Tolkien devotee, you’ll find plenty of nods and references to the beloved source material to geek out over.
9. The Last of Us
Okay, so The Last of Us might not be a traditional fantasy series, but hear me out. This HBO post-apocalyptic drama, based on the acclaimed video game, shares a lot of the same DNA as Game of Thrones – namely, its focus on complex, morally ambiguous characters navigating a dangerous, high-stakes world.
With its gritty, cinematic storytelling, jaw-dropping visual effects, and powerful performances, The Last of Us is a must-watch for any fan of prestige TV. And if you’re a sucker for stories about found family and the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love, this series is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
So there you have it, my fellow Game of Thrones enthusiasts – 9 shows that are sure to fill that Westeros-shaped hole in your life. Whether you’re craving epic fantasy, gritty historical drama, or high-stakes political intrigue, there’s something here for everyone. Happy binge-watching!
