Valar Morghulis Freefolk. Are you missing the foul air of King’s Landing? Well if you are this is for you! Although Game of Thrones already has a lot of spin-offs planned, such as House of the Dragon already airing, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms set to premiere in 2025, and several more like the Sea Snake, Nymeria, Aegon’s Conquest, and The Golden Empire confirmed to be under development, the wait for new content in the ASOIAF universe can feel excruciating. Rumors of a Jon Snow show or Arya Stark show continue to swirl, though their chances of materializing remain slim for now. With House of the Dragon Season 2 wrapped up and Season 3 expected in 2026, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms still months away, fans are left yearning for something to fill the void.
Here’s a list of 10 shows that can scratch that itch while you wait for the ASOIAF universe to return. Ranked in reverse order from 10 to 1, these series offer political intrigue, complex characters, intense battles, and sprawling world-building reminiscent of Game of Thrones.
10. The Witcher
Season 1 of The Witcher served as a near-perfect replacement for Game of Thrones, featuring a dark and morally complex world teeming with magic, monsters, and rich lore. Geralt of Rivia’s adventures offered thrilling action, intricate politics, and memorable battles. However, as the show progressed, its divergence from the source material and diminishing production quality alienated many fans. Despite its flaws, it remains a solid choice for fans craving a gritty fantasy world. If you can overlook the deviations from Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels and the iconic games, The Witcher still provides an engaging narrative with plenty of twists and morally grey characters.
9. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Lord of the Rings franchise is synonymous with epic fantasy, and while The Rings of Power didn’t quite meet the high standards set by Peter Jackson’s films, it has shown marked improvement in its second season. Boasting breathtaking visuals, a transcendent score, and exceptional production design, the show excels in technical aspects. However, its storytelling has been inconsistent, leaving room for growth as the series progresses. If you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s expansive lore and can appreciate stunning cinematography and immersive world-building, The Rings of Power offers a glimpse into Middle-earth’s Second Age while keeping you entertained.
8. Merlin
This beloved series delves into Arthurian legends, focusing on the friendship between Merlin and Prince Arthur. While its production values and CGI may feel dated by today’s standards, the show captures the magic and charm of its legendary source material. Filled with humor, heart, and a cast of endearing characters, Merlin is a lighter alternative for those seeking fantasy escapism. Despite its episodic nature, the show builds a compelling overarching narrative and explores themes of destiny, loyalty, and sacrifice, making it a cherished classic among fantasy enthusiasts.
7. Spartacus
A visceral and unapologetically raw depiction of the gladiatorial world, Spartacus is a historical drama filled with blood-soaked battles, political scheming, and intense rivalries. The show doesn’t shy away from showcasing the brutality and decadence of ancient Rome while delivering powerful performances and gripping storylines. Though its stylized visuals and explicit content might not appeal to everyone, Spartacus offers an emotionally charged narrative that resonates with fans of epic tales of rebellion and vengeance.
6. The Tudors
Though it’s more grounded in history than fantasy, The Tudors captures the drama and intrigue of the Tudor court with stunning costumes, political machinations, and morally ambiguous characters. Chronicling the reign of King Henry VIII, the series delves into themes of power, betrayal, and ambition. Fans of Game of Thrones will appreciate the intricate power plays and high-stakes drama that unfold in this lavishly produced historical drama.
5. Vikings
In its prime, Vikings delivered gripping storytelling, memorable characters, and intense battles that rivaled the best of Game of Thrones. The early seasons masterfully explored the rise of Ragnar Lothbrok and his Viking brethren, blending historical events with mythological elements. While the later seasons suffered from diminishing quality, the show’s initial episodes remain a must-watch for fans of brutal warfare, familial conflict, and exploration of Norse culture.
4. Attack on Titan
Often hailed as the Game of Thrones of anime, Attack on Titan is a masterclass in storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With its intricate plot twists, morally complex characters, and jaw-dropping action sequences, the series explores themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the nature of humanity. The show’s blend of epic battles, political intrigue, and shocking revelations makes it an essential watch for fans of dark and thought-provoking narratives.
3. Shogun
A sweeping historical epic, Shogun transports viewers to 17th-century Japan, where a stranded English navigator becomes entangled in the country’s power struggles. The series showcases stunning costumes, meticulous attention to detail, and a rich exploration of cultural clashes and alliances. Winner of 17 Emmys and 4 Golden Globes, Shogun is a testament to the power of storytelling and remains a timeless classic for fans of historical dramas.
2. HBO’s Rome
While rooted in history rather than fantasy, HBO’s Rome offers a tantalizing mix of political intrigue, complex characters, and lavish production design. Chronicling the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire, the series captures the chaos and ambition of its era. With its rich character development and gripping narrative, Rome stands as one of HBO’s finest productions and a perfect choice for Game of Thrones fans.
1. The Last Kingdom
Topping the list is The Last Kingdom, a series that masterfully blends historical drama with emotional depth and breathtaking action. Set in the tumultuous period of England’s formation, the show follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg as he navigates loyalty, identity, and destiny. With its mesmerizing soundtrack, stunning cinematography, and unforgettable characters, The Last Kingdom delivers an experience that rivals the best of Game of Thrones. Its exploration of themes like power, faith, and honor, combined with heart-pounding battles and poignant storytelling, cements its place as the ultimate pick for fans seeking a gripping period drama.
Whether you’re drawn to the political intrigue of Rome, the epic battles of Vikings, or the emotional depth of The Last Kingdom, these shows offer plenty to keep you captivated while awaiting the next chapter in the ASOIAF universe.
If you have any questions regarding ASOIAF, feel free to utilize the comments below. For more content, stay tuned. As usual, like, subscribe and share our articles as we here are trying to build a community of people High on Cinema!
