9 shows like 'The Wheel of Time' to watch while you wait for season 3

Summary: This eight-season fantasy drama, based on George R.R. Martin's novels, is set in the fictional continent of Westeros, where several noble families conflict over claims to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms.

Why you'll like it: "The Wheel of Time" novels may have inspired Martin to write his "Game of Thrones" books, but it was the success of "Game of Thrones" that led to the creation of "The Wheel of Time" series.

While "The Wheel of Time" has a lot more magic in it, if you love a show that has moral ambiguity and puts detail into building its fantasy world, "Game of Thrones" is a must-watch.

"Game of Thrones" is streaming on Max.

Summary: This is a prequel series to "Game of Thrones," set nearly 200 years before the events of the original HBO show. It covers a brutal civil war called the Dance of the Dragons that involves the Targaryen family who rule Westeros.

Why you'll like it: If you thought "Game of Thrones" had too slow a build-up, "House of the Dragon" jumps several years in just its first season. It also has incredible acting from across the cast, especially Paddy Considine, Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith, and Milly Alcock.

"House of the Dragon" is streaming on Max.

Summary: Set thousands of years before "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of The Rings," "The Rings of Power" covers major events in Middle-earth history that led to the creation of the One Ring that rules them all, and the battle against Sauron.

Why you'll like it: The series is a stunning and in-depth portrayal of the early kingdoms and races of Middle-earth, ranging from a race called the Harfoots to the vibrant Dwarven kingdom of Khazad-dûm. The grand battle scenes feel tonally similar to Peter Jackson's hit "Lord of the Rings" movies.

"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is streaming on Prime Video.

Summary: "Shadow and Bone" is another fantasy novel series adaptation, though this one is Russian-themed and has a lot more magic. A long time ago, a powerful shadow-summoning Grisha, a magic user, created a giant shadow barrier in the middle of Ravka. Now, the country is in constant war with kingdoms above and below it, and struggles to get the resources it needs through the barrier.

Why you'll like it: While the main focus of the series is Alina, a sun-summoning Grisha, you'll stay for the story of the Crows, a rag-tag group of street urchins who accomplish near-impossible heists.

"Shadow and Bone" is streaming on Netflix.

Summary: "The Witcher" follows Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) on his adventures on the fictional Continent. The Continent is filled with elves, dwarves, monsters, magicians, and Witchers, huntsmen who have put their bodies through near-lethal trials.

While on his journey, Geralt is tied to a girl named Ciri (Freya Allen), a former princess who is being targeted by several parties across the Continent.

Why you'll like it: If you are a fan of the violence, fighting, and gore of fantasy shows, "The Witcher" will be a fun watch. The series is also filled with morally grey characters, making it unclear who Geralt can trust, which is similar to what the heroes in "The Wheel of Time" deal with.

"The Witcher" is streaming on Netflix.

Summary: "His Dark Materials" is a multiversal story based on a book series of the same name. It follows an orphan called Lyra (Dafne Keen) who searches for a missing friend but instead unlocks a prophecy and discovers a major conspiracy.

Why you'll like it: "His Dark Materials" is a lot more faithful to its source material than the previous adaptation, "The Golden Compass." If you are looking for a show that is as visually stunning as "The Wheel of Time," this show is perfect.

"His Dark Materials" is streaming on Max.

Summary: After years of obsession with magic and a magical world from his favorite childhood book, Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph) discovers that magic actually exists when he enrolls in Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy. As Quentin begins his training, he discovers that magic and magical worlds are a lot more dangerous than he initially thought.

Why you'll like it: "The Magicians" is a more realistic and mature depiction of what it would be like to suddenly find out you're a wizard. Across five seasons, the show doesn't pull back from the darkness of magic, but also contains a lot of levity.

"The Magicians" is streaming on Netflix.

Summary: "Arcane" is based on the video game "League of Legends." The steam-punk fantasy story follows two sisters, Vi and Jinx, who grow up in the slums outside the utopian city of Piltover.

After a tragedy occurs, the sisters are forced on opposite sides of the growing conflict between the slums and the rich, as new weapons and inventions are created by both sides.

Why you'll like it: With a raw and moving story, breathtaking animation, and vibrant characters that are easy to get attached to, "Arcane" is a must-watch for everyone.

"Arcane" is streaming on Netflix.

Summary: Loosely based on Arthurian mythology, the show follows a young magician called Merlin (Colin Morgan) who learns a prophecy that he must protect Prince Arthur (Bradley James). However, due to magic being banned in Camelot, Merlin poses as Arthur's manservant so he can protect him, only using his abilities in secret.

Why you'll like it: Come for the original and engaging take on the legend of King Arthur, but stay for the incredible chemistry between Morgan and James that will move you until the final episode.

"Merlin" is streaming on Peacock and Prime Video.