24 Shows Like Game of Thrones to Fill the Post-Finale Void

This show based off of the book and video game series of the same name hit Netflix in the tail end of 2019, and was so highly anticipated that a second season was ordered before any episodes even aired. 

One of the last of his kind, a monster hunter—Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill)—travels and battles beasts as destiny ties him to two extraordinary women. This show really ticks all the boxes for Game of Thrones fans: magic, monsters, bloody fight sequences, naked canoodling, and courtly intrigue.

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This HBO satirical dramedy has all of the brutality of Game of Thrones, but set in the present day. The series follows the highly dysfunctional Roy family, the owners of a global media empire. The head of the family, patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox), slides into a period of questionable health. With Logan ailing, his children vie for control as they contemplate a possible future without him.

In this day and age, a media mogul is pretty much as close as it comes to active royalty. While no swinging swords may be present in this series, the characters are no less cutthroat than in George R.R. Martin's infamously brutal world. 

Based off of the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman, American Gods centers around a power struggle that blends the modern with the ancient. 

Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) is a convict freshly released from prison. After a personal tragedy, he comes into employment by a mysterious man by the name of Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane), and finds himself with a front-row seat to the battle between the Old Gods (like Odin or Anubis) and the New Gods (like Technology and Media). 

The Starz show is perfect for those who love the more fantastical elements of Game of Thrones.

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This relatively hidden gem is a British-American collaboration between Sky and Amazon Prime. The historical fantasy drama takes place in the year 43 A.D., centering around the Roman conquest of Britain. 

The invasion is led by Aulus Plautius (David Morrissey), who finds the Celtic lands to be run by warrior women and druids who control underworld forces. 

Full of bloodshed, rivalries, and alliances, this pick is especially pertinent to those who favored the dark magical elements of Game of Thrones, as well as the fearsome women bidding for power.

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Into the Badlands has a fun and fresh take on fantasy politics, set in a world roughly 500 years after an apocalyptic war. While some technologies endured the collapse of civilization, guns were not among them, thus the feudal society relies primarily on melee weapons. 

The Badlands are run by Barons who have complete control over certain commodities, and whose rule is enforced by their warrior “clippers.” The show centers around one particular clipper, Sunny (Daniel Wu), as he strives to find enlightenment.

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Though the series only lasted one season, this Starz retelling of the classic story of King Arthur was critically well-received. Joseph Fiennes portrayed Merlin, while Jamie Campbell Bower stood in the role of King Arthur and Eva Green played Morgan Pendragon. 

The series has all of the scheming Game of Thrones lovers have come to anticipate, and has a “mad queen” of its own right at the center.

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In this short three-season series, Jason Momoa makes the turn from Khal Drogo to Declan Harp, an Irish/Cree outlaw trying to break through the Canadian fur trade in the late 18th century. 

The Hudson’s Bay Company has a tight monopoly over an industry which has become violent and corrupt. There is no shortage of political maneuvering and bloody confrontation in Frontier, which is perfect if the political drama of Game of Thrones is what kept you watching. And, to no one’s surprise, Momoa’s performance is cited as being a “powerhouse.”

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Based on Philippa Gregory’s book series The Cousins’ War, this historical miniseries is set in the 15th century, covering events alongside the Wars of the Roses. 

The show follows three women—Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson), Margaret Beaufort (Amanda Hale), and Anne Neville (Faye Marsaye)—as they politically manipulate for a chance at the throne. This historical conflict is reportedly a big inspiration for George R.R. Martin’s series.

If you find yourself wanting more from this political drama, Starz created two follow up miniseries, The White Princess and The Spanish Princess. 

Since it airs on the CW, this show is a bit more tame than Game of Thrones. 

However, the stakes and emotional impacts are just as high. Leaning more into post-apocalyptic science fiction rather than fantasy, The 100 follows a group of criminal teens as they are banished from the space habitat of the Ark to try and build a new life on the nuclearly devastated Earth. 

With warring factions, dark drama, and gritty lady warriors, this show is a great next watch for those viewers who won’t miss the nudity of HBO.

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Vikings, the historical drama filled with legendary Norse heroes and exciting battle scenes, has become a smash hit on the History Channel. 

The series follows Ragnar Lothbrok and his crew of Viking soldier as they conquer parts of ancient Europe. Vikings is definitely worth a watch for those who liked Game of Thrones'  brutal atmosphere and setting, as well as its complex, uncompromising female warriors.  

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You know what the Narrow Sea was missing in Game of Thrones? Pirates. Black Sails takes place about 20 years before the events of the classic British novel, Treasure Island. 

Set during the height of pirate raids and treasure hunting, this show’s exciting adventure and tense plotlines will soothe your Game of Thrones withdrawal.

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This HBO classic focuses on two soldiers named Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo as they navigate the changing political atmosphere in ancient Rome. With plenty of sex, violence, and exciting twists, it’s an easy transition from Game of Thrones to Rome.

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While this thrilling political drama may take place in an entirely modern-day world, House of Cards still has a lot of Game of Thrones-like plot elements. While there isn’t necessarily an Iron Throne to be won in Washington D.C., there is a metaphorical one that everyone in government is out to gain. For those who liked the deceit, betrayal, and power plays in Game of Thrones, this show is an easy pick to binge.

The Tudors is a historical fiction series set in 16th century England during the reign of King Henry VIII. 

Known for his violent and bloody legacy, King Henry’s court had plenty of political drama boiling in all corners. This series is definitely up the alley of Game of Thrones enthusiasts who enjoyed the power struggle for the Iron Throne, and even features Natalie Dormer, who played Margaery Tyrell, as Anne Boleyn. 

This series follows the extraordinary feats of the Thracian gladiator, Spartacus. The series spends four seasons following Spartacus’ rise to glory as a skilled fighter, which he eventually uses to his advantage when he leads a slave rebellion against the Roman masters. 

Much like Game of Thrones, the show is known for its graphic violence and explicit sex scenes.

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While the futuristic Wild-West-themed amusement park setting of Westworld is very different from the world of Westeros, the character development in each show is equally gripping. 

At Westworld theme park, humans are able to act out their most heinous and violent fantasies on androids. But what happens when these robotic hosts gain sentience? As they begin to understand their purpose, the androids hatch a plan to start an uprising against their creators.

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Based off Diana Gabaldon’s historical-fiction time travel series of the same name, Outlander is a Starz television series that has garnered plenty of attention. 

When Claire Randall, a former World War II nurse, stumbles back in time to 18th century Scotland, she ends up in the middle of a bitter conflict between rebel Scottish Highlanders and English soldiers. Filled with romance, violence, and fantasy elements, Game of Thrones fans will fall in love with this show.

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The Last Kingdom is probably as close to a realistic Game of Thrones universe as you’re going to get. 

Based off Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories novels, this show centers around a war-torn England as Danish invaders attack the divided British kingdoms. With plenty of bloody battle scenes and intricate power dynamics, The Last Kingdom is sure to satiate post-Westeros cravings.

Surprisingly, this historical fiction series has even more incest than Game of Thrones. Set in Renaissance Italy, The Borgias centers around an esteemed family that rises to greatness during the time period. 

The characters in the show are complex, and the story is incredibly intriguing. If you can look past the incestuous plotlines—which should be an easy task for Game of Thrones fans—the show is incredibly enjoyable. 

If you’re really into the fantasy and magical elements of GoT, this popular drama series is sure to delight. Fairy tale characters come to life in Once Upon a Time, and the various adventures and troubles they get themselves into in our mortal world will entertain and move you. 

If you’re looking for a long-running series to fill the finale emptiness, let Once Upon a Time bewitch you. 

Merlin may be tamer than Game of Thrones in terms of nudity and violence, but it’s still just as exciting. The series is a retelling of the Arthurian legends of the powerful wizard Merlin, and follows him during his younger days. 

Taking great influence from the source material, this show has plenty of magic, quests, and other fantasy elements.

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This animated classic is definitely a departure from the graphic world of Westeros, but it still retains a high level of fantasy. 

The world of Avatar the Last Airbender is filled with people known as “benders” who can manipulate water, fire, earth, and air. The characters in the series are incredibly well-written, and their arcs provide a satisfying ending that rivals the protagonists in Game of Thrones. For fantasy fans, this show is timeless. 

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This exciting series is based off The Sword of Shannara trilogy by Terry Brooks. 

The show is set in the Four Lands, a fictional world invaded by demons from another realm called the Forbidding. The show’s protagonists, Wil, Amberle, Eteria, and Allanon go on a quest to banish the demons and save the Four Lands. Filled with magic, action, and interesting lore, this show will fulfill your fantasy cravings. 

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While definitely different from the war-torn medieval setting of Westeros, the dystopian world of The Handmaid’s Tale is sure to leave an impact. The plot of the series focuses on a group of women who are forced to procreate after environmental and health factors prevent a majority of the population from doing so. 

For those who enjoyed a lot of the female characters in Game of Thrones and their rise against societal norms, The Handmaid's Tale will definitely resonate with you.

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