“Game of Thrones” came to an end recently, and even though the last season was especially divisive, there are a lot of fans out there who will miss the HBO hit. If you are one of those people already missing “Game of Thrones,” check out these other TV shows with similar epic storylines and larger-than-life characters:
“Into the Badlands”
This AMC show is set in a post-apocalyptic America that blends some modern conveniences (like electricity) with old-school weapons like swords and crossbows. Daniel Wu stars as “Sunny,” a warrior in the service of a powerful opium baron. Political intrigue, impressive hand-to-hand fighting, and more keep the story exciting. The series ended in May, 2019, but three seasons can be found on Netflix.
“The Last Kingdom”
If you felt that magic and dragons were the last interesting part of “Game of Thrones,” you’ll like “The Last Kingdom,” which is based on The Saxon Series books. It’s set in medieval England, and follows the story of Uhtred, a Saxon raised by Vikings, who must choose between the two kingdoms. There’s lots of battles, complex relationships, and politics. There are currently three seasons with a fourth on the way coming from Netflix.
“Vikings”
Airing on the History channel, this epic show is inspired by legends of Ragnar Lothbrok, a famous Viking known for his attacks on England and France. There’s battle scenes, romance, strong female characters, and a gritty setting very similar for those missing “Game of Thrones.” The series began in 2013 and will end with its upcoming sixth season. You can stream the show on Amazon, Hulu, or the History Channel.
“Knightfall”
The Knights Templar has fascinated everyone from scholars to fantasy fans for years, and in History Channel’s “Knightfall,” the history of the order is laid out in a fictional style. Tom Cullen stars as Laundry du Lauzon, a knight eager to find the Holy Grail. Mark Hamil joined for the 2nd season, and there’s currently no word on a 3rd season, though ratings haven’t been great.
“His Dark Materials”
Based on the hugely popular series of books, HBO is betting on “His Dark Materials” to be their next hit after “GOT.” Dafne Keen, who rose to fame after starring in Logan, stars as Lyra Balcqua, a strong-minded girl in a world with daemons, witches, a corrupt religion, and the mysterious “Dust.” Unlike “GOT,” this world has a more steampunky feel, but it’s just as epic. The rest of the cast is impressive and includes James McAvoy, Ruth Wilson, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“The Witcher”
If you can’t get enough magic in your TV shows and you’re already missing “Game of Thrones” and its dragons, “The Witcher” should interest you. Already a hugely-successful video game, “The Witcher” show will follow the adventures of Geralt, a monster hunter with magical powers and a troubled history. We don’t know yet if the Netflix series will follow the video game adaptation or the original novels more closely, but the silver-haired hero will be played by Henry Cavill.
“Black Sails”
Starring Toby Stephens, “Black Sails” serves as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, but it is no child’s story. It features real-life pirates like Blackbeard and Anne Bonny, and follows the story of Captain Flint as he fights for the pirate way of life on New Providence island. Expect gorgeously-reconstructed ships, battles on land and sea, and epic love. The show originally aired on Starz and ran for four seasons.
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Fans of fantasy are both excited and nervous about Amazon’s upcoming Lord of the Rings series. Click here to find out everything we know so far.