6 best shows to watch if you like Game of Thrones

HBO’s Game of Thrones, that premiered in 2011, became one of the highest-rated shows in television history. Based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novel series, A Song of Ice and Fire, the show ran for eight seasons. Having a storyline set in 298 A.C, the show featured detailed characters, and dealt with political intrigue, dark realism and was full of unpredictable twists.

Despite airing its last episode in 2019, the saga still occupies a prime spot on global streaming charts. Fans who have already wrapped up the Westeros series, can catch up on similar shows like its prequel series, House of the Dragons or other shows such as The Witcher or Vikings.

Let us take a look at six shows that fans of Game of Thrones should watch.

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6 shows that are as good as Game of Thrones

There are a few shows that can be a good watch for someone who likes Game of Thrones. In no particular order, they are:

1. House of the Dragons
2. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
3. The Witcher
4. Shōgun
5. Vikings
6. Succession

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1) House of the Dragon (HBO)

Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen from House of the Dragon (Image via HBO)

A direct prequel to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, is set approximately 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. The show’s events revolve around the House Targaryen.

The show begins with the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen. After his death, there is a brutal conflict over succession as the house gets divided into two factions, between Rhaenyra Targaryen and her half-brother, Aegon II Targaryen. This war spells the eventual doom of the Targaryen dynasty and also results in the death of almost all their dragons.

Currently in its second season, the show carries over the nail-biting themes and story settings that made its predecessor a global hit.

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2) The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Prime Video)

Official Poster for Rings of Power (Image via Instagram/@primevideo)

Set centuries before the events of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the show revolves around the themes of warfare, state of life, and magical lore that make it similar to the world of Game of Thrones.

Revolving around the Second Age of Middle-earth, it features major events like the forging of the Rings of Power, the Downfall of Númenor, and the founding of Mordor. With a plan for five seasons, it is currently gearing up to air its second season on August 29, 2024.

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3) The Witcher (Netflix)

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher (Image via Netflix)

Netflix’s The Witcher dives into the world of monsters and deep magic. Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, the show’s familiarity with Game of Thrones is largely due to its medieval setting, full of swords and knights.

Kicking off its first season in 2019, it revolves around a world where Geralt, a monster hunter finds himself linked to a princess and a powerful magic wielder by fate and destiny.

Continuing the saga of ancient curses and sorcerers, the series will soon return with season four, with Liam Hemsworth as Henry Cavill's replacement.

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4) Shōgun (FX on Hulu)

Official Poster for Shogun (Image via FX)

Unlike the George R.R. Martin book adaptation, Shōgun is based on real-world events. Borrowing its accounts from James Clavell’s novels, the series is classified as historical fiction. It is a near-accurate mirroring of the power struggle between the successors of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

With gruesome scenes and well-composed music, the series has been praised for its cinematic storytelling.

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5) Vikings (The History Channel, Netflix)

A still from Vikings: Valhalla (Image via YouTube/@Netflix)

Drawing elements from Scandinavian and European history, Vikings centers itself around Travis Fimmel’s Ragnar Lothbrok. While it does not deal with the royal world as Game of Thrones does, it surrounds itself in reality.

Narrating the tales of a farmer turning into a king, the storyline features gritty war full of battle axes, splintering shields, treacherous seas and more. The show features several twists, with shocking character deaths.

The series and its spin-off, Vikings: Valhalla, will transport viewers to a clash of cultures through a gripping historical lens.

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6) Succession (HBO)

Official poster for Succession (Image via HBO)

Marking a sharp departure from the other medieval shows on this list, Succession takes place in the 21st century. Another major hit from HBO, the satirical black comedy-drama series, ran for four seasons, from 2018 to 2023.

The complex plot of the award-winning show, full of morally ambiguous characters, twists, secrets, betrayals, and chaotic turn of events, will enthrall fans. A power struggle within Logan Roy's family for the succession of his entertainment conglomerate, Waystar RoyCo, marks the central plot.

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The above list of critically acclaimed television shows is sure to be appreciated by fans of Game of Thrones.