I love Game of Thrones as much as the next guy and so it pains me when I have to wait months before I’ll get to watch another new Game of Thrones episode. A mortal can only take it so much! Arguably, patience is not my best quality and so I take it upon myself to seek out alternatives that will tie me over until Game of Thrones season 7, episode 1 drops.
I figured there must be more people like me out there that are desperately seeking to quench their thirst by divulging in some quality television series.
While it’s true that nothing can quite compete with the level of cinematic brilliance that Game of Thrones brings every season, there are some seriously amazing, fun, and just as sexy shows that deserve our attention. All the shows that I recommend in this post have a couple of things in common: High quality production coupled with very interesting story lines that showcase strong narratives.
Sit back and watch these next but be careful for you don’t want to finish them up too quickly!
- The Last Kingdom
What is it about: Travel back in time to the year 872 in England and delve into the world of Danish warriors and desperate kings of broken kingdoms.
Why you should watch it: What happens when a young son of a Saxon is captured and raised by the ungodly Danes? Uhtred happens. Our main hero in this brilliant newish series is perpetually stuck between staying loyal to his country of his birth and honoring the people of his upbringing. After all these years, is he still a Saxon or a Dane? Uhtred must carefully play both sides as he plans to reclaim the kingdom and power that is his birthright.
- Vikings
What is it about: We follow Ragnar, a low class farmer who rises to the ultimate power as the King of Denmark in this medieval period in Scandinavia.
Why you should watch it: It has got it all – glory, dope battles, and compelling protagonists. The story lines are very intense and you very quickly lose yourself in the lives of these Viking heroes and heroines. Who doesn’t love Vikings?
- The Borgias
What is it about: Set in Italy and based on the real life Borgias family, this fantastic gem is all about family, corruption, greed, and power.
Why you should watch it: If you are a fan of the politics that Lannisters seem to be so masterful at, you’ll love this family even more. You’ll immerse yourself in the gritty world of Popes and ministers. Borgias offers plenty of backstabbings and assignations. Hell, it even has an incestuous story line if that floats your boat.
- Rome
What is it about: If you tend to geek out about the lives of powerful political figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony or if you are simply curious about the lives in one of the greatest civilizations, Rome will be right up your alley.
Why you should watch it: Rome is Game of Thrones without the dragons. It beautifully tells the tales of assassinations, wars, and gruesome political struggles. It has all the core Game of Thrones elements – houses, plotting, and backstabbing. It even shares some of the actors with Game of Thrones!
- The Tudors
What is it about: Based on king Henry VIII’s reign over England and the exuberant life of the ruling class. Tudors is gripping, complex, and has beautiful visuals.
Why you should watch it: Similar to Game of Thrones, Tudors is all about politics and the hunger for increased control and power. It promptly features Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell) and Henry Cavill (current Superman) and was greatly responsible for launching their Hollywood careers. While parts of the story lines exercise creative freedom (read: show is not historically accurate), it is still immensely enjoyable and will certainly aid in filling the void left at the conclusion of this season of Game of Thrones.
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