15 TV Shows like Game of Thrones
Lee
Lee is an avid 80's action fan classing 300, Predator and Terminator among his favourites. When he's not binging movies he can be found keeping fit, attending Comic Con and wearing Star Wars socks of all things.
Game of Thrones is a modern-day masterpiece that’s had the world enthralled with not only the complex storytelling but the characters that we’ve all developed a bond with… I’m looking at you, Khalisi…
With eight seasons, GoT has plenty to keep you busy for a month or two; unless you’re a pro-binge-watcher, then you might have the show finished off in a couple of weeks.
However, now the show has ended, it’s left a rather large void which needs filling and what better way to do it than finding another TV show to keep you entertained.
In this article, I’ll discuss 15 TV shows that are like Game of Thrones and will help fill the hole left once the show finished airing.
The shows are in no particular order, so you can work your way through them and tick them off as you go.
Vikings
The show follows the legendary Norse hero Ragnar Lothbrok. He’s a simple farmer who rises up to become one of the most renowned Viking warriors who fathered many children who equally went on to achieve great things.
With endless twists, turns and backstabbing, you’ll never know what’ll happen next, which is exactly like Game of Thrones. In fact, I’d go as far to say that Vikings is a Norse version of Game of Thrones.
Vikings has the perfect balance of excellent storytelling, fight scenes and character development, everything a great TV show needs, in my opinion.
Don’t underestimate this show, The Guardian said, “Don’t dismiss this show as Game of Thrones-lite.”
The show stars Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen, Alexander Ludwig, and Gustaf Skarsgard.
The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom is one of the latest TV shows I’ve binge-watched my way through and I can honestly say it’s Game Of Thrones minus the dragons, magic and mythical creatures.
When a young nobleman’s son is captured during a raid, he is raised by a Danish King to be a Dane. However, upon his return to England, he finds himself torn between his English heritage and his adopted Danish beliefs.
The King of Wessex hears of his exploits and seeks to enlist him to rid the English lands of The Danes for good.
The show stars Alexander Dreymon, Eliza Butterworth, and Arnas Fedaravicius.
Black Sails
This swash-buckling prequel to the classic Robert Louis Stevenson novel “Treasure Island” follows the adventures of Captain Flint.
Flint is one of the most feared pirates throughout the West Indies and during 1715 he has to fight for the survival of New Providence Island, a place for pirates, prostitutes, thieves and fortune seekers.
To help his cause, he enlists a young John Silver into his crew.
Think of this show as the Game of Thrones of the sea. Now, raise a glass of rum and start streaming the show.
The show stars Jessica Parker Kennedy, Hannah New, Toby Stephens, and Zach McGowan.
Spartacus
Spartacus is known as the gladiator who led a rebellion against the Romans and almost defeated them.
The TV show follows a Thracian soldier who is betrayed by the Romans and left to the slaughter. He’s captured and sold into slavery, where he’s bought by a local gladiator trainer. He must do everything he can to survive so he’ll be ready when his chance to overthrow his master comes.
Spartacus was one of the first TV shows I binge-watched, and I’m pretty sure it lent some inspiration to the directors of Game of Thrones.
The show’s cast includes Andy Whitfield, Lucy Lawless, Manu Bennett, Viva Bianca, and Peter Mensah.
“I’m Spartacus”… “No, I’m Spartacus”…
Britannia
In the year A.D. 43, the Roman Empire set its sights on Britain and sent General Aulus Plautius to conquer the mysterious land that Julius Caesar failed to acquire.
However, Britain won’t be taken easily; the leaders of the foreign land have united and have combined their forces to try and repel the invading Roman forces.
But, if the Romans knew one thing about Britain, it’s no small task to conquer this island nation, which has been proven time and time again throughout the ages.
The show is gritty and captures some of the magic Game of Thrones offered.
It stars Mackenzie Crook, David Morrissey, Kelly Reilly, Liana Cornell, and Eleanor Worthington.
The Tudors
King Henry VIII is well known for his six wives and his infamous hunt for Catholics during his almost 40-year reign. However, the show focuses on the early years of his life and takes a close look at his relationships with his companions Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn.
The show also sees England’s breakaway from the Catholic church in Rome, which is an interesting period of English history.
The Tudors was a breakout show for Henry Cavill, Natalie Dormer, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who all went on to star in some pretty huge movies.
Vikings Valhalla
OK, I’ve already covered Vikings, which is one of the best TV shows (in my opinion). But I thought it would be worth mentioning the spin-off sequel Vikings Valhalla.
The show is set over 100 years after the last episodes of Vikings. The legends of Ragnar Lothbrok are now whispers of what once echoed the great halls of many Norse leaders.
However, when the Norse population of England are slaughtered in a bid to rid the land of “heathens”, it provokes a sleeping giant that’s been waiting for a reason to unite the Nordic tribes against England.
Like Vikings, the show is heavily inspired by Game Of Thrones and has twists and turns at every corner, leaving you wanting more.
Foundation
Fancy watching Game of Thrones in space? That’s pretty much the best way to describe Foundation.
Foundation is a complex story which follows the humans who’re scattered on planets spanning the entire galaxy. They all live under the rule of the Galactic Empire… no, not like Star Wars, but kind of.
However, as the galaxy begins to collapse, Dr Hari Seldon and his followers attempt to preserve their culture while facing many challenges along the way.
While it’s a different genre to many TV shows on this list, it has a similar feel to GoT.
Lou Llobell, Jared Harris, Lee pace, and Leah Harvey star in this show.
Outlander
Set across multiple timelines, this fantasy historical drama certainly has something for everyone.
During World War II, a nurse mysteriously goes back in time to 1743 Scotland. As you can imagine, her life has been thrown on its head and she finds herself drawn into an epic rebellion.
However, this is the least of her worries. She meets a courageous Highland warrior she must marry to remain safe in this new and strange land. The problem is that she’s already married back in her timeline, leaving her questioning her situation.
It’s Game of Thrones with time travel; what’s not to like.
The Wheel Of Time
Set in a world where magic exists, but only a small handful of people can harness it. Moiraine, a member of a magical organisation, takes five youngsters on a journey across a dangerous world.
His goal? To find which of the five men and women are the reincarnation of the Dragon.
The Dragon is a prophecised saviour who’ll either save the world or destroy it.
The show stars Rosamund Pike, Zoe Robins, Josha Stradowski, and Barney Harris.
Rome
This historical drama show started them all. If you want a show that has a Game of Thrones level of cunning and deceit, then Rome is the show you’ve been looking for.
It follows the lives of two Roman soldiers as they work their way through the ranks and face the many problems the Roman populace faced on a daily basis.
You also get a glimpse at how internal politics influenced the Roman leadership and the amount of backstabbing is unbelievable.
Empire Online said the show is “not as good-looking as Gladiator, perhaps, but richer in (reasonably accurate) history and texture.”
“THIRTEENNNNNN”… If you know, you know.
The Borgias
If Game of Thrones existed in real life, it wouldn’t touch what The Borgia family did during their rise to power.
Set during The Renaissance period, The Borgia family went from crime lords to the most powerful family in the world. They bullied, bribed, and murdered their way to becoming the most powerful family during the 15th century… sounds like the Lannister family, right?
This series is based on a true story and is as close to real-life Game of Thrones as you’ll get.
The Witcher
Based on the popular video game series, The Witcher TV series has left audiences rather impressed. And if I’m being honest, I’m always left waiting with anticipation for the next season to come out.
The show follows a mutated monster hunter named Geralt who has to navigate a world where the people in it are often worse than the monsters he is hired to fight.
Starring as Geralt is the popular Henry Cavill.
House Of The Dragon
Now I couldn’t write this article without mentioning the Game of Thrones prequel “House of the Dragon”.
The show is set 300 years before Game of Thrones and follows the Targaryen family during their peak when the Dragons ruled the skies of Westeros.
Starring in the show is Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Milly Alcock, Graham McTavish and Olivia Cooke.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power
Set during the Second Age of Middle-Earth’s history, thousands of years before The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. The show follows how the rings of power came to be and the kings who were eventually corrupted by their power.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan who also loves LoTR, this show has everything you want to see from a TV show.
Summary
Now you know what 15 shows you need to watch to help fill the void Game of Thrones left. It’s no easy task, but I’m sure a few shows on this list will do the job.
Which show have you decided to watch next? Let me know in the comments.
