15 shows you should watch if you loved 'Game of Thrones'
Kim Renfro
- Insider's resident "Game of Thrones" expert Kim Renfro has picked 15 of her favorite TV shows that fans of the HBO fantasy series would also probably enjoy.
- From HBO's other Emmy-winning drama, "Succession," to the irreverent superhero series "The Boys," there are plenty of phenomenal shows out there for "Game of Thrones" fans to dive into.
I've written hundreds of articles and an entire book about "Game of Thrones," and ever since it ended last year, I get asked the same set of questions all the time. Some of those are about my feelings on the show itself (which you can read here). But most common questions is what other shows I'm watching or really into now that "Game of Thrones" is over.
While many people look to other medieval-inspired fantasy to fill the "Game of Thrones" void, I tend to instead recommend shows that I simply loved — regardless of genre.
Some of these have direct links to "Game of Thrones," like composer Ramin Djawadi's work on "Westworld," or the Shakesperian-esque family dynamics of "Succession." Others are just shows that I cherish dearly, and if you're a "Game of Thrones" fan whose interests overlap with mine, then maybe you'll love them, too.
So here's a highly subjective list of all my favorite TV shows that I think a "Game of Thrones" fan would also like. Let's dive in.
HBO's "Succession" will appeal to anyone who loved the intense family dynamics and power struggles of "Game of Thrones."
Synopsis: "'Succession' tracks the lives of the Roy family as they contemplate their future once their aging father begins to step back from the media and entertainment conglomerate they control."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: If you loved watching Tyrion Lannister connive his way through King's Landing, or seeing Olenna Tyrell talk circles around her minions, then "Succession" will scratch a similar itch.
The show weaves brilliantly between satire and drama, peeling back the layers on a cast of despicable-but-compelling (and hilarious) characters. And keep an eye out for the similarities between Jeremy Strong's character, Kendall, and Theon Greyjoy in "Game of Thrones."
Amazon's "The Boys" is an upheaval of the superhero genre, just as "Game of Thrones" was for the fantasy genre.
Synopsis: "'The Boys' is an irreverent take on what happens when superheros, who are as popular as celebrities, as influential as politicians, and as revered as Gods, abuse their superpowers rather than use them for good."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: For many fans, "Game of Thrones" was so compelling because it took fantasy storytelling to a new level with the inclusion of sex, politics, and terrifying power dynamics.
"The Boys" has a similar approach to the well-tread ground of superhero stories. You won't be able to look at Marvel movies the same way after watching "The Boys" — and I mean that in the best possible way. Read our coverage of the Amazon Prime show, which was just renewed for season three, here.
Nickelodeon's "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is a pitch-perfect fantasy-adventure story with incredibly satisfying character arcs.
Synopsis: "With the Fire Nation on the brink of global domination, a young girl and her brother discover a 12-year old Airbender who reveals himself as the Avatar. Will this irresponsible kid accept his destiny in time to save the world?"
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: If you're into adventure and fantasy, then "Avatar: The Last Airbender" is an absolute must-watch. Over the course of its three-season run, the show builds up and flawlessly executes several incredible character arcs, all while maintaining a great balance between childlike joy and high-stakes.
And, unlike "Game of Thrones," the entire family can enjoy this Nickelodeon series.
Netflix's "The End of the Fxxxing World" is a phenomenal modern story with a violent streak that "Game of Thrones" fans should be able to tolerate.
Synopsis: "A budding teen psychopath and a rebel hungry for adventure embark on a star-crossed road trip in this darkly comic series based on a graphic novel."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: "The End of the Fxxxing World" is one of my favorite Netflix originals (the first season was co-produced with Channel4). But it can be tough to recommend, mainly because the first few episodes include some intense violence. If you were the kind of "Game of Thrones" fan who was OK with a bit of bloodshed, and can enjoy a story that surprises you with every new episode, then this is one you should definitely watch.
Bonus: Gemma Whelan, who played Yara Greyjoy in "Game of Thrones," has a fantastic role in "The End of the Fxxxing World."
"The Leftovers" is a completely different type of sci-fi/fantasy show, but one you'll love if the grimness of "Game of Thrones" appealed to you.
Synopsis: "After two percent of the world's population inexplicably vanishes, those left behind grapple with what's next."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: "The Leftovers" is one of my all-time favorite shows. I think the Venn-diagram of people who liked "Game of Thrones" for all its intensity and despairing moments (e.g. the emotional gutting of the Red Wedding) will find a similar catharsis and passion for the beautifully told story of grief and loss in "The Leftovers."
The show is just three seasons and is truly some of the best television made in the last decade.
Netflix's "Dark" is another family-focused drama, but with a hardcore sci-fi storyline that will challenge you in the best way.
Synopsis: "A missing child sets four families on a frantic hunt for answers as they unearth a mind-bending mystery that spans three generations."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: This is a perfect pick for any "Game of Thrones" lover who likes to be challenged with an intense number of characters to keep track of, and who enjoys dark and twisted family dynamics. This is another three-season series with an incredibly tightly told story and lots of bleak twists along the way.
Keep in mind that "Dark" is a German original, and I recommend watching it with the original audio and subtitles in the language of your choice.
Netflix's "Mindhunter" is just plain ol' great TV, and perfect for anyone who likes slow-burn dramas.
Synopsis: "In the late 1970s two FBI agents expand criminal science by delving into the psychology of murder and getting uneasily close to all-too-real monsters."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: "Mindhunter" is another one of my favorite Netflix originals, partially because of the inherent draw of any based-on-a-true-story-about-serial-killers TV show, but also because of the slow-burn approach the writers take with these characters. Instead of leaning into the gore and flash of these murders, we're instead brought deeper into the psychological aspect of violent crimes (and the underlying misogyny of the institutions investigating them).
It's a dark drama that any "Game of Thrones" fan will likely also appreciate.
ITV's "Downton Abbey" is a wonderful period drama, with plenty of surprises and great side characters.
Synopsis: "The lives of the Crawley family and Downton Abbey's servants are changed forever when the sinking of the Titanic leaves the estate without its heir and his son."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: Not only do two prominent "Game of Thrones" stars appear in "Downton Abbey," but the show has a similar intergenerational family-focused drama that you'll like if you loved "Game of Thrones."
It's not nearly as grim as HBO's fantasy series, but it does present some surprising deaths and subplots about sexual assault along the way. "Downton Abbey" has a fantastic ensemble cast of characters, and fabulous costuming that you will appreciate, too.
AMC's "Mad Men" is another great option if intricately told period dramas are your cup of tea.
Synopsis: "Set in 1960s New York, the sexy, stylized and provocative AMC drama 'Mad Men' follows the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue advertising, an ego-driven world where key players make an art of the sell."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: "Mad Men" and "Game of Thrones" overlapped in their runs on air, both among the last major tentpole series to come up with the rise of prestige TV.
The attention to detail in "Mad Men" is phenomenal, bringing you into the '60s and '70s and along a wild journey with fantastically written episodes and another stellar ensemble cast.
Disney Plus' "The Mandalorian" is the closest you'll come to the viral popularity of "Game of Thrones."
Synopsis: "In the lawless aftermath of the collapse of the Galactic Empire, an armored bounty hunter known only as The Mandalorian takes on a well-paying yet cryptic assignment."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: If you're missing the fandom aspect of "Game of Thrones," then "The Mandalorian" is a fun show to start following along with (if you aren't already).
The episodes air weekly, which gives space for lots of fun with memes and discussions and new viral moments. Plus, it's a great "Star Wars" adventure story with the adorable "Baby Yoda," and you'll get to hear Pedro Pascal's voice. There's no downside here.
FX on Hulu's "Devs" is a phenomenal single-season sci-fi show.
Synopsis: "A young software engineer, Lily Chan, investigates the secret development division of her employer, a cutting-edge tech company based in Silicon Valley, which she believes is behind the murder of her boyfriend."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: The crossover elements might not be as immediately clear as other examples on my list here, but "Devs" is one of the most interesting shows I watched in 2020.
Created by Alex Garland ("Ex Machina," "Annihilation"), it's a mystery-drama with a lot of style and an incredible score. If you're into sci-fi storytelling rooted in real-world ideas, then this is a show worth your time.
Netflix's "Maniac" is also sci-fi, but it dabbles in other genres, too.
Synopsis: "Two struggling strangers connect during a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial involving a doctor with mother issues and an emotionally complex computer."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: "Maniac" is one of the best, and most underrated, Netflix originals.
Set in a really neat alternate-timeline version of New York City, the show uses the character's experiments with a pharmaceutical drug as a means of dipping into other genres, including fantasy and noir.
"Maniac" has a unique style, and great world-building, and is definitely a must-watch for anyone who overall enjoys the sci-fi/fantasy genre.
HBO's "Watchmen" is a thrilling example of how adaptations can completely remix source material, and tell a new kind of hero origin story.
Synopsis: "Set in an alternate history where masked vigilantes are treated as outlaws, 'Watchmen' embraces the nostalgia of the original groundbreaking graphic novel of the same name while attempting to break new ground of its own."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: Not only is "Watchmen" the most impactful series to premiere on HBO since "Game of Thrones" ended, with its recent landmark wins at the Emmys, but the show is a fascinating look at how adapting an existing story can change your relationship to the original source material. "Game of Thrones" fans are familiar with the push and pull between the show and the original book series, and would find a new perspective on adaptation through the experience of "Watchmen."
Also, Regina King is spectacular. So do yourself a favor and enjoy that spectacularness in "Watchmen."
HBO's "Westworld" is another tentpole series with incredible scope and ambition, similar to the groundbreaking achievements of "Game of Thrones."
Synopsis: "Follow the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin in this dark odyssey that begins in a world where every human appetite can be indulged."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: First and foremost, any "Game of Thrones" fan will thrill to hear that show's composer, Ramin Djawadi, flex his talents with the score of "Westworld."
Secondly, the first season of "Westworld" is an incredibly satisfying roller coaster, with a keen sense of world-building. The show starts out with a gripping contrast between the Wild West genre of the theme park and an eerie exploration of what the not-too-distant future of artificial intelligence could look like in the world.
"Fleabag" is just flat-out one of the best TV shows I've ever seen. So everybody should watch it, including "Game of Thrones" fans.
Synopsis: "'Fleabag' is a hilarious and poignant window into the mind of a dry-witted, sexual, angry, grief-riddled woman, as she hurls herself at modern living in London."
Why "Game of Thrones" fans would like it: If you like great writing and being surprised by television, then watch "Fleabag."
It's definitely for adult-only audiences and throws you into the deep end with it's tackling of sex and relationships. By the end of the short, two-season run, you'll wonder why you didn't watch "Fleabag" sooner. And then you'll probably rewatch it, just to feel the joy and awe and catharsis again.
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