10 Fantasy TV Shows That Tried To Copy Game Of Thrones

There is no doubt that as soon as it debuted, Game of Thrones quickly became the model for fantasy television. Like all extremely popular and successful TV series, a number of copycat shows followed. Game of Thrones premiered, and fantasy television entered mainstream spheres once again. Television has always been a great place for speculative fiction, and Game of Thrones It was a reminder of that. for the 21st century. While the series is often defined by the sex and violence that punctuate so many episodes, the political intrigue and well-paced character arcs are equally critical.

One of the biggest criticisms Game of Thrones was that it was fantasy TV that wasted its potential. The last season of Game of Thrones was criticized by critics and audiences for failing its characters and narrative dynamics. However, that doesn’t change how influential the series was and is and how much contemporary projects owe to it. Not only did Game of Thrones pave the way for faithful and detailed adaptations of high fantasy books, but it also proved that fantasy has the potential to appeal to all audiences, not just longtime fans and niche groups.

10

His Dark Materials (2019–2022)

Although aimed at younger audiences, His Dark Materials has the depth of GOT

Your dark materials is a series of children’s fantasy books that adults love for a reason, as Philip Pullman’s novels are magical enough to transport the reader to another reality while delivering scathing critiques of world issues. Lyra, the protagonist, is similar to characters like Arya and Sansa, with a lot of courage, determination and a well-developed character arc. How do individuals in Game of ThronesLyra and her allies face some of the most insidious characters possible, but they are never one-dimensional.

There is no doubt that Game of Thrones is not for audiences of all ages, which means that series like Your dark materials perfect for younger viewers looking for complex fantasy shows. Although there are magical series for children, they sometimes underestimate the viewer’s ability to understand subtle characterization and world-building, but Your dark materials doesn’t do that. Additionally, Your dark materials can have more hope than Game of Thrones, but it’s not afraid to present some dark moments throughout the seasons.

9

The Witcher (2019 – present)

The Darkness and Brutality of The Witcher GOT Mirror

There are many powerful characters like Geralt found in Game of Thronesas both shows prioritize intensity, tragedy, and battle prowess in their characters. However, Not only is Geralt a force of nature on the battlefield, his experiences in The wizard push him to be a better person and become emotionally involved with the people around you. His connection to Ciri, the princess, sets him on the path to become involved in more politics and battles than he ever dreamed of.

Shows how The wizard I learned from Game of Thrones this flash and spectacle are not enough to keep the audience engaged. Although both series use a lot of explicit content, they are subverted by humor and calmer moments that the viewer can relate to. Also based on an intricate work of high fantasy, The wizard follows the story of Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, who is as committed to the expansion of his universe and its logic as the author of Game of ThronesGeorge R. R. Martin.

8

The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)

Historical facts are mixed with compelling fiction in The Last Kingdom

Exploring the conflicts between the Vikings and the Saxons during the 7th century, The Last Kingdom is based on The Saxon Stories novels by Bernard Cornwell. As Game of Thronesno one is safe in The Last Kingdom, with beloved characters falling left and right. The Last Kingdom isn’t too concerned with historical accuracy, giving it a universal feel and connecting it to the world of high fantasy. From the beginning, The Last Kingdom was compared with Game of Thrones because of the similar way conflicts are structured.

The Last Kingdom has some of the best battle scenes in TV shows throughout the seasons, with large, powerful armies fighting with plenty of blood and guts for the audience to enjoy. Viewers who tuned in Game of Thrones for blood and glory will find much to love The Last Kingdomwhich is the next logical step in the precedent set by Game of Thrones by violence on television. It can be argued that The Last Kingdom cannot separate from Game of Thronesbut takes the best parts of the seminal series for a reason.

7

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022 – Present)

This Lord of the Rings prequel struggles to stand out from other fantasy works

The Rings of Power was in a difficult position from the start of the show, as it would have to expand its beloved IP while distinguishing itself as a separate entity. JRR Tolkien The Lord of the Rings series is a definitive work of high fantasy, and the Game of Thrones Novels wouldn’t exist without him. However, programs like Game of Thrones created a niche for The Rings of Power to fill in and encouraged the increase in plot twists and unbelievable violence in the story world.

Game of Thrones deals with different houses and groups rather than other races such as elves, men, dwarves, etc., in The Rings of Powerbut both shows address how cultural clashes can turn into full-blown wars. However, The Rings of Power deals with a more concrete and obvious evil through Sauron, while Game of Thrones makes each of its characters more nuanced and morally uncertain. Despite this, it is clear that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is aware of success Game of Thrones and is trying to capture him.

6

House of the Dragon (2022 – present)

The spinoff series that took on a life of its own

The somewhat controversial prequel to Game of Thrones, Dragon HouseIt’s not a carbon copy, but it pays homage to the original show and draws great inspiration from it. Of course, this is almost always the case with a spinoff series, and Dragon House has struggled to escape the shadow of Game of Thrones since the series debut. Instead of following lots of different people across the Seven Kingdoms and the rest of the world, Dragon House focuses almost exclusively on Targaryens.

However Dragon House isn’t a darker spinoff than the TV show it’s based on, it tackles a more unique tragedy in the world of Game of Thrones. The conflict between two powerful members of House Targaryen is explored in Dragon House, and the public can witness the consequences and losses in the wake of this war. Although this restricts the scope of Game of Thronesallows for even more complex character development and interrogates the history that led to the conflict in the original series.

5

Vikings (2013–2020)

Epic quests and struggles for control define Vikings

Based on folktales and Norse mythology, Vikings is a strong response to series like Game of Thrones and practically raises the stakes and tension of the explosive action sequences. However Vikings technically tells a period of real history, this is ancillary to the essence of the show, which are incredible and complex fight scenes. As Game of Thrones, Vikings follows many morally unscrupulous individuals who will do anything to gain power and influence.

The scale of Vikings is reminiscent of Game of Thronesas both series span countries and see their characters travel long distances to take part in wars and raids. Furthermore, in terms of longevity, Vikings came close to Game of Thrones run with six seasons in total and a spinoff series, Vikings: Valhalla. In terms of legacy, Vikings did not have the impact of Game of Thrones, as it follows a more simplistic path in communicating the characters and their motivations. However, that doesn’t make it any less fun and entertaining.

4

The Wheel of Time (2021 – Present)

Also based on an iconic fantasy book series, The Wheel of Time juggles intricate world-building

Shows how The Wheel of Time would not exist without Game of Thrones. The Wheel of Time it’s a good A Song of Ice and Fire replacement due to the many parallels. For many years, works such as those by Robert Jordan The Wheel of Time the novels were typically adapted into films with mixed results. It’s an ambitious literary work that requires a lot of careful exposition and world-building that becomes rushed or clumsy in the film format. However, on television, The Wheel of Time has found its balance and is filling the hole left by Game of Thrones.

Most high fantasy works have a lot in common. The fact that The Wheel of Time books were released before Game of Thrones talks about how interconnected and intertextual these TV shows are. Magical systems and fearsome orders from powerful people set the stage for The Wheel of Time, and trust only goes so far when so many deals and conspiracies go on behind the scenes. While The Wheel of Time did not reach the same heights as Game of Thrones still, the second season improved the show’s formula.

3

Shadow and Bone (2021–2023)

Based on the popular YA novels, this show attempted to restructure its narrative

When adapting Leigh Bardugo’s work for the screen, it’s clear that the team behind Shadow and Bone looked at Game of Thrones for inspiration. While Bardugo’s books mainly follow the perspective of Alina Starkov, the protagonist, Shadow and Bone adds additional characters from the companion series Six of Crows and jumps to multiple perspectives in each episode. Alina is still the center of attention, but instead of just learning about the events and backstories from her point of view, the audience gets insight into different facets of the story.

Game of Thrones is known for interweaving the narratives of many different characters and slowly foreshadowing their coming together to share information and align themselves or ultimately clash in an explosive fight. Additionally, Shadow and Bone He spends as much time on the works of kings and governments as he does on the magical system. Within the characterization and relationships between people, the moral ambiguity and darkness of the characters are similar to Game of Thrones.

2

The Winter King (2023)

King Arthur gets brutal and brave in this short-lived series

Although it only lasted one season, The Winter King It was an interesting take on the Arthurian legend based on the works of Bernard Cornwell. Rather than characterizing Arthur as a child learning from Merlin or a young prince struggling to establish himself as a future king, The Winter King makes Arthur a political and warrior figure who must fight to regain his throne. This type of struggle for power and succession is something that Game of Thrones rings strongly.

While Game of Thrones takes place in a fictional land, It’s clear that Westeros is an anglicized land and it is easily comparable to stories about Britain. It is highly likely that Martin was inspired by classic works of fantasy, such as the tales of King Arthur, when he initially wrote Game of Thrones. However, projects like this modern take on the Arthurian legend wouldn’t exist without the foundation for gritty fantasy that was laid by Game of Thrones.

1

Britânia (2018–2021)

The historic conflict between Britain and Rome is steeped in magic

Set in England during the Roman invasion of AD 43, Britannia imagine a spiritual and mystical version of history where the druid people talk to the gods and prophecies, which drive his actions against the Romans. Although there are some story elements interwoven throughout BritanniaFirstly, the series is a fantasy and relies on both its magical system and the character’s political machinations. Although not as serious as Game of Thrones,​​​​​​​ still causes violence and impact.

As Game of Thrones, Britannia revolves around conflicts over territory and the right to rule, with each camp fighting tooth and nail to assert its claim to the land. Additionally, Britannia leans heavily into the threat of violence and the intensity of its setting, but is even more explicit about the magic system from the start than Game of Thrones. However Britannia is set in the real world, it’s easy to get lost in its otherworldly elements and see how much the series borrows from its predecessors.