With just two seasons left, it is time to start preparing for a world without Game of Thrones. Sure, there are five potential spinoffs in the works, but it's unclear if any of them will move forward. Just in case, I've compiled a list of new TV shows for Game of Thrones fans, because with the great war looming over Westeros, now is the time to start looking for your next great TV love.
The good news is, thanks to the success of Game of Thrones, nearly every channel and streaming service is looking for their own epic fantasy series. Not all of these shows are worthy of your attention. If it was easy to replicate the unique mix of rich character drama, political intrigue, and fantasy adventures then the TV landscape would be overflowing with faux-Lannisters and sprawling fictional worlds.
There are a few shows out there that don't feel like pretenders to the Iron Throne though. These 11 new shows are perfect for Game of Thrones fans because while they feature many of the same themes, they are committed to doing their own thing. Sadly, even if one or more of the spinoffs happens, there will never be another Game of Thrones — but these quality shows can still capture your imagination.
1. American Gods
Inspired by Neil Gaiman's modern classic, this mythic road trip across America's heartland and into the strange world of forgotten gods is both clever and gorgeous. It has the scale of Westeros, complete with a bloody battle at its center, only this one is being waged for possession of the souls of every person living in the modern world.
2. The Handmaid's Tale
The women of Game of Thrones have fought to rise above the notion that they are lesser than men to become warriors, rulers, and their own saviors. A similar battle rages in The Handmaid's Tale. The dystopian nightmare will hit all too close to home, but it will also enthrall fans of Daenerys, Sansa, Cersei, Brienne, and Arya.
3. Westworld
HBO's robot theme park series is full of heady ideas about the nature of reality and freedom. Between its complex characters and fearless moral ambiguity, Game of Thrones fans should feel right at home.
4. Preacher
With Season 2 set to premiere in June, now is the perfect time to take a deep dive into the weird, violent world of Preacher. This is a show that marries its dense mythology with life and death stakes and enough gallows humor to make The Hound proud.
5. The White Princess
There's no fantasy here, just enough historical intrigue to keep anyone entranced by the machinations in King's Landing on the edge of their seat. The followup to The White Queen, focuses on the tumultuous marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York as they battle each other for the throne.
6. Legion
Is Bran your favorite Stark? Then have I got a show for you. FX's twisty series is set in the X-Men universe and it takes great pleasure in playing with perception, time, and the nature of reality. It also has high stakes and incredible performances at its center, making it the total TV package.
7. Twin Peaks
The influence Twin Peaks' first run had on genre television is legendary. Whether or not the 2017 continuation will recapture the mad brilliance of the first season remains to be seen, but there should be more than enough mystery and strangeness to keep Game of Thrones fans occupied until the Season 7 premiere.
8. The Hollow Crown: The Wars Of The Roses
Power plays, madness, and intricately choreographed battle scenes all play a part in this drama headed up by Benedict Cumberbatch.
9. Taboo
Tom Hardy's Taboo takes you on a strange journey, and thanks to its pulpy, family drama fueled storytelling, it's one fans of Game of Thrones shouldn't mind going on.
10. Frontier
Khal Drogo kicks all the butt in 1700s era Canada. You need this show in your life.
11. Wasted
And now for something completely different. This British comedy (available on Hulu) is nothing like the other shows on this list. However, it features Sean Bean playing guide to a stoner in full Ned Stark mode. It's irreverent and weird, and the perfect show to take a break with after tackling so many heavy dramas.
Game of Thrones may only have two seasons left, but these TV shows will make you believe there's life after Westeros.
