What to watch after ‘Game of Thrones’
“Game of Thrones” Season 7 went out with a bang (well, actually ice dragon fire and an avalanche), but that might not be enough to tide you over until Season 8.
The final season of the HBO juggernaut doesn’t have a start date yet, and since it takes a while for the series to be produced (those dragons take time), we aren’t expecting to find out the results of Dany and Jon’s night of passion or the Night King’s assault on the Wall for awhile.
But while there’s nothing quite the same as “Game of Thrones,” there are plenty of shows that hit the themes that make up the series. If you’re missing Westeros, we recommend these substitutes.
If you want a dragon-filled fantasy epic: ‘Merlin’
The world of Westeros is a draw to “Game of Thrones,” with its own politics and gods and weather. If you’re looking for another high-fantasy story with its own world and rules, King Arthur has you covered. British series “Merlin” reimagines the classic story through the young warlock’s eyes. It has all the medieval hallmarks of a big fantasy show. Including, of course, dragons.
Stream “Merlin” on Netflix.
If you like a high-concept genre show with a big cast and many fan theories: ‘Battlestar Galactica’
It’s no secret that HBO was dipping into the “Game of Thrones” well with its complex, sci-fi “Westworld,” but if you already hit that train last fall, allow us to point you to another sci-fi show that will get you thinking really Big Thoughts. “Galactica,” which follows the last survivors of humanity after a deadly attack from the robotic Cylons, is one of the more thought-provoking shows you’ll watch. Its titular Battlestar is the home of the last remnants of the military and government after the Cylon attack, and the series sees ethical and moral questions abound.
Stream “Battlestar Galactica” on Hulu.
If you prefer your fantasy with a lot of soapy drama: ‘The Magicians’
Sometimes “Game of Thrones” has battles on huge scales, and sometimes it’s got a really wellplaced slap across your spoiled nephew’s face. If you’re looking for another fantasy where the magical and political mixes with the petty and personal, try Syfy’s “The Magicians,” based on the books by Lev Grossman. The series follows a group of adult magicians in what is effectively a magical grad school as they discover a Narnia-like fairytale land and the evil within it. But there is plenty of time for relationship drama that would make fanfic writers on Tumblr proud.
Stream “The Magicians” on Netflix.
If you dug the swords but are less into the sorcery: ‘The Last Kingdom’
If you’re one of the “Game of Thrones” fans that’s into the bloody battles sequences but less into Bran’s visions, “The Last Kingdom” is a good option for you. The British historical drama is an adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels series The Saxon Stories and follows the Anglo-Saxon wars in England in the ninth century. It has battles and dirty long-haired men galore. Stream “The Last Kingdom” on Netflix.
If you like the multi-generational family story: ‘The 100’
One of the unique aspects of “Game of Thrones” is the way it weaves multiple generations of characters together to tell a singular story. If you like the adult vs. kid aspect, try The CW’s “The 100.” The series follows a post-apocalyptic Earth devastated by nuclear war when survivors from a space station touchdown to try to forge a new life. The first to go? 100 juvenile delinquents that are considered expendable, some of whose parents are the leaders of the community.
Stream “The 100” on Netflix.
If you love political wheeling and dealing (and beautiful gowns): ‘Outlander’
If you love everything that Dany and Cersei wear as well as the political intrigue in their respective courts, try “Outlander.” The show, based on a series of novels from Diana Gabaldon, follows a nurse from 1945 who is magically transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland. Season 2 finds our heroine and her new husband involved in court politics in pre-revolutionary France, which means the most fabulous costumes you’ve seen and a lot of back deals made at brothels. Remind you of any shows you know?
Stream ‘Outlander’ on Starz. The new season premieres Sept. 10.