The Best TV Shows for Game of Thrones Fans

When Season 8 of Game of Thrones concluded, many viewers were deeply disgruntled with the story’s rushed ending and seemingly aimless character arcs. This lack of closure might be addressed in some rumored spinoffs, although HBO has yet to announce any official details regarding Jon Snow’s future adventures.

Therefore, it may be some time before more shows like Game of Thrones come along, as most TV series cannot match author George R.R. Martin’s magnificent worldbuilding. The intricately designed legendarium in A Song of Ice & Fire is a tough act to follow. Still, a few shows might satisfy the GoT fandom’s insatiable craving for grand storytelling and complex characterization.

Updated by Jordan Iacobucci on February 25, 2024: House of the Dragon reinvigorated fans’ love for the world of Game of Thrones, repairing the colossal damage done by the flagship series’ highly controversial finale. Even so, as audiences await Season 2 of the hit prequel spinoff, there are plenty of other shows that capture the best parts of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.

20 Shogun Follows A War Between Samurai

Shogun is a brand-new series set in feudal Japan, wherein a powerful lord uses weapons and information in a marooned European ship to grow in power and might. As his enemies retaliate to keep him at bay, Lord Yoshii Toranaga begins a conquest that will change his world forever.

This epic new miniseries premieres on Hulu on February 27. Consisting of ten episodes, the series captures the wide, scoping feel of Game of Thrones, as powerful families vie for control of their land. Shogun takes everything that made GoT great and injects its own flavor of samurai action to create a terrific new world that audiences will surely love.

19 Outlander Is Exciting Historial Fiction

Unlike many other series of its ilk, Outlander is deeply rooted in true history, mainly documenting the events of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. The series follows Claire Randall, a nurse from the 1940s who is transported back to colonial America, still under the rule of the British Empire.

For seven seasons, Outlander has turned American history into what feels like epic fantasy and, while its historical ties aren’t always strictly accurate, the series manages to ignite audience interest in the true stories upon which it occasionally touches. The series is set to return for an eighth and final season, which will likely air in 2025.

18 The Walking Dead Is A Show Where No One Is Safe

The Walking Dead follows the story of Rick Grimes, a former sheriff’s deputy who wakes up from a coma to discover that the world has fallen apart after a plague of zombies devastates civilization. Banding together with a group of survivors, Rick fights his way through the apocalypse in a desperate effort to preserve a better world for his children.

Like Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead makes audiences fall in love with its characters, only to kill them off in tragic and brutal ways as the series progresses. Both shows also deal with the duality of humankind, as characters reach the highest and lowest points in their moral fortitude. The Walking Dead has also produced numerous spinoffs and tie-ins, including Fear the Walking Dead, The World Beyond, Tales of the Walking Dead, Dead City, Daryl Dixon, and The Ones Who Live.

17 Black Sails Is Game Of Thrones With Pirates

Black Sails is a historical fiction series centered around a group of pirates as they war over the future of New Providence Island. The series serves as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Planet, setting the stage for the story that takes place therein.

With warring pirate clans and epic battles at every turn, Black Sails feels every bit like a pirate-themed Game of Thrones spinoff. The series is visually stunning, depicting epic high-sea adventure with all the gusto and excitement that such a premise deserves and will surely be a fit for any fans of Game of Thrones, especially those who identify with the likes of Euron Greyjoy.

16 The Serpent Queen Is Political Intrigue In The French Courts

Starring Samantha Morton, The Serpent Queen expertly tells the story of Catherine de’ Medici, a prominent figure in 16th-century France. The series follows Catherine as she weaves her way through the French courts and wealthy aristocrats, eventually maneuvering her way into becoming the Queen of France.

Anyone who enjoys the political intrigue aspect of Game of Thrones will surely love The Serpent Queen, which thrives in its depiction of Catherine’s sneaky plotting and conniving alliances. Catherine would surely fit right alongside the likes of Littlefinger or Varys, making her story an excellent followup to Game of Thrones.

15 House of the Dragon Is the Only Current Show in the GoT Universe

As a prequel series to Game of Thrones, HBO’s House of the Dragon details the history of House Targaryen, one of the most powerful families in Westeros. The show takes place around 200 years before the short-lived reign of Daenerys Targaryen and depicts what led to her family’s eventual fleeing from the continent.

House of Dragon includes everything that made its predecessor popular – royal melodrama, ceaseless treachery, and multiple awe-inspiring dragons. Although there’s likely little chance of any White Walkers making an appearance, this series is already turning out to be a masterful example of epic high fantasy.

14 Raised By Wolves Is a Post-Apocalyptic Epic

The Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus calls Raised by Wolves “a bloody exploration of artificial intelligence and religious beliefs that will stimulate the eye and mind.” However, even this complimentary description falls short of the show’s radical vision.

Raised by Wolves takes a rather refreshing approach towards a post-apocalyptic future where AI beings serve as both protectors and destroyers of humanity. Additionally, viewers will instantly recognize several thematic parallels between Game of Thrones and Raised by Wolves, such as Mother’s self-sacrificial parenting style and the toxic impact of religious dogma on society.

13 Rome Is a Rightly Celebrated Historical Saga

Upon its debut in 2005, Rome was a singular series in the TV landscape. Not many shows come close to depicting the lived experiences of people during the first century BCE, at the very peak of Roman civilization. Rome covers the tumultuous transition between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire with incredible detail.

From era-specific fashion design to the political factions governing the Senate, Rome illustrates a historically accurate world with painstaking precision. As a result, the series garnered several awards nominations and won seven Primetime Emmys during its two-season run. In a review for Empire, critic Helen O’Hara compared Rome with Gladiator, stating that while the show may not have been “as good-looking” as the movie, it was “richer in (reasonably accurate) history and texture.”

12 The Rings of Power Is a Beautiful Prequel Worthy of Its Predecessors

Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy was a monumental triumph and a major cash cow for New Line Cinema. Amazon’s The Rings of Power attempts to recapture the power of those movies and the magical essence of Tolkien’s brilliant writing, albeit to mixed success.

Despite its flaws, The Rings of Power is chock-full of gorgeous landscapes and stunning performances. More importantly, The Rings of Power abandons the decrepit concept of white-centric worldbuilding in favor of a diverse cast featuring several POC characters. Although it may not pack the same political punch as Game of Thrones, fans will undoubtedly enjoy what The Rings of Power offers.

11 Succession Takes Palace Intrigue Into the 21st-Century Boardroom

At first glance, Succession doesn’t appear to resemble Game of Thrones. Still, even a cursory watch will reveal the many similarities between these two HBO shows. In Succession, media magnate Logan Roy’s three children desperately attempt to curry their father’s favor in a transparent attempt to inherit his sprawling conglomerate.

Succession’s storyline is metaphorically identical to GOT’s The War of the Five Kings, where numerous candidates struggle to seize the throne for themselves. However, fans could argue that even brutal Westeros has never seen a ruler as tightfisted and imperious as Logan Roy, who continuously taunts and tempts his potential heirs without receiving any backlash.

10 The Borgias Is an Underrated Look at the Machinations of Power

The Borgias is a period drama depicting Pope Alexander VI’s attempt to rule Italy. One of the unique components of Game of Thrones was the political dynamics that dominated the relationships between the various powerful families in Westeros. Particularly in the early seasons, this aspect of the series was an even more crucial piece than most of the show’s fantasy elements. The Borgias deploys these twisted politics and morally gnarled characters throughout.

For fans who enjoyed these aspects of Game of Thrones, Showtime’s The Borgias may be the ideal substitute. The show has so much palace intrigue and political backstabbing that even a Lannister would get nervous in Pope Alexander Vi’s halls. Although any Lannister would surely feel at home in a world that prizes paying one’s dues and attempting murder on one’s family members when necessary.

9 The Last Kingdom Is a Magnificent Historical Drama

Although Game of Thrones was ultimately a fantasy show, many fans have argued it has much more in common with historical fiction, like The Last Kingdom. For example, George R.R. Martin partially based GOT’s story on the real-life War of Roses, which took place during the 15th century and changed the political landscape of England forever.

While The Last Kingdom may not have dragons, wildfire, or White Walkers, the Rotten Tomatoes critics consensus praises the show for blending “beautiful cinematography and magnificent action sequences to create high gratifying historical drama.” The fifth and final season of The Last Kingdom aired on Netflix in March 2022.

8 Vikings Will Satisfy Viewers Who Love Medieval Battles

Set around the same period as The Last Kingdom, the History Channel’s Vikings looks at a similar story through a radically different perspective. The series follows the adventures and conquests of Ragnar Lothbrok, a character based on a legendary figure in Norse history.

Vikings doesn’t have all of Game of Thrones’s magical elements, but it dabbles in the otherworldly. The show also features a ton of medieval political upheaval and countless thrilling combat scenes. Like Game of Thrones, Vikings’ success also spawned a tie-in series, Vikings: Valhalla, set 100 years after the original show.

7 The Wheel of Time Is an Elevated Fantasy Tale

Those who enjoyed Game of Thrones’ mystical setting and complex worldbuilding may enjoy The Wheel of Time equally. Amazon produced the show, an adaptation of Robert Jordan’s The Eye of the World, the first novel in the eponymous 14-book series.

Although many modern fantasy shows tend to go down the dark and gritty route, The Wheel of Time deals with more stereotypical aspects of the genre. Some fantasy elements in The Wheel of Time include powerful sorceresses, deadly monsters, and a prophesized figure destined to rid the world of evil. The Wheel of Time is classic fantasy at its core, and the high production value helps bring every glorious detail to life.

6 Westworld Is One of the Best Puzzle Box Series

Few TV series kept fans guessing as long and as often as HBO’s Westworld. Adapted from a Michael Crichton novel, the story depicts a Wild West-themed amusement park populated by highly advanced androids known as Hosts. These Hosts essentially perform the roles of videogame NPCs and are consequently subjected to brutal violence at the hands of the park’s guests.

With a deep and imaginative storyline full of unexpected twists, Westworld is a perfect choice for fans of both puzzle box shows and Game of Thrones. However, the series doesn’t hold the viewer’s hand and requires some extracurricular intellectual investment to get the most out of the narrative’s complex and oftentimes confusing storylines.

5 Peaky Blinders Is a Stylish and Affecting Crime Drama

Peaky Blinders, a period crime-drama set just after WWI, may seem like a far cry from Game of Thrones. But the show will engross GOT fans with its strong cast, exceptional storytelling, and propulsive plot. The series follows the exploits of the titular historical gang and is an intense and engaging drama with a dynamic array of authentic characters.

Because Peaky Blinders bases many of its characters and events on real-life history, it helps ground the story, making it even more enthralling. The Guardian’s David Renshaw called it “a riveting, fast-paced tale of post-first World War Birmingham gangsters.” While Peaky Blinders ended its sixth and final season in 2022, there’s a spin-off film in the works.

4 Spartacus Matches GoT’s Lustiness and Bloodiness

Starz’s Spartacus series has all the macabre elements popularized by Game of Thrones and more. Its intense and often graphic depictions of violence and sex may not be for everyone. Still, Spartacus also has an epic plot that tracks its eponymous character through a significant time in Roman history.

In addition to its visceral qualities, Spartacus features some spectacular performances – particularly John Hannah’s Batiatus and Lucy Lawless’s Lucretia as the slave-owning Roman antagonists. Spartacus initially fights for these two but eventually breaks free and leads a rebellion of enslaved people against his former masters. Fans who enjoy the series will also delight in the recent news that Starz has greenlit a Spartacus revival.

3 Sons of Anarchy Proves Biker Gangs Are as Interesting as Kings and Queens

Sons of Anarchy is a hardboiled crime drama that doesn’t pull any punches. It may appeal to fans of series like Game of Thrones, who prefer the trenchant nature of mature television. The series, which portrays the titular bike gang, keeps viewers riveted as they get to know and fall in love with the rough-and-tumble group and their families.

Sons of Anarchy, much like GOT, also features some Shakespearean influences, especially from Hamlet. These connections deepen the story’s emotional and thematic resonance while adding an element of intrigue, too. Also, Charlie Hunnam excels as Jax, one of the gang’s leaders and the show’s primary protagonist.

2 The Expanse Is a Sci-Fi Take on a GoT-Style Series

Although calling The Expanse “Game of Thrones in space” may not be entirely accurate, this sci-fi series features many elements that make GOT an incredible experience. Like GOT, The Expanse features an epic storyline, compelling characters, and dark mysteries that slowly unravel throughout the series.

The Expanse picks up steam after its first season, with the second season ranking among some of the highest-rated Rotten Tomatoes scores of any TV show. Its near-future setting also adds some realism to the series that isn’t always present in the sci-fi genre and may appeal more to viewers who don’t typically watch science fiction.

1 The Witcher Is the Closest Series to GoT Outside of George R.R. Martin’s Universe

Few shows are more fitting for fans of Game of Thrones than Netflix’s The Witcher, based on the series of novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapowski. Its morbid fantasy elements and standout performances, most notably Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, are bolstered by a high production value that enriches the already detailed worldbuilding.

While Season 1 of The Witcher was overall well-received, the sometimes convoluted and time-hopping storytelling was a concern for several critics. On the other hand, Season 2 was a massive step-up, tightening the story and engaging viewers with the heartwarming dynamic growing between Geralt and his young ward, Ciri. Furthermore, Anya Chalotra’s portrayal of Yennefer is an incredible adaptation of the source material.