10 Shows Like ‘Game of Thrones’ That Might Surprise You

1. “Vikings”

One series most often compared to “Game of Thrones” is “Vikings.” It debuted on HISTORY two years after “Game of Thrones” and quickly became a hit as the channel’s first scripted series. Over six seasons, “Vikings” told the story of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his family’s exploits during Scandinavia’s Viking Age. The series comes packed with graphic violence and sexual situations. But it strings together a captivating tale that even spawned a Netflix sequel series, “Vikings: Valhalla.”

Stream “Vikings” on Amazon Prime Video or Peacock.

2. “The Last Kingdom”

If you’re looking for more large-scale battles and decapitated heads, “The Last Kingdom” is the way to go. Based on a series of novels by Bernard Cornwell, “The Last Kingdom” stars Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred. He’s a complicated man born to an Anglo-Saxon lord but captured as a child and raised by Danish Vikings. With such a complex backstory, Uhtred must navigate his loyalty during Alfred the Great’s plot to unite the kingdoms of England.

Stream “The Last Kingdom” on Netflix.

3. “The Wheel of Time”

In “The Wheel of Time,” Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) is an Aes Sedai agent, and Lan (Daniel Henney) is her Warder companion. They’re on a mission to find the reincarnation of a magic channeler known as the Dragon Reborn—but time isn’t on their side. The two must quickly locate the Dragon Reborn and bring them to the White Tower stronghold, where they can learn to use their ability and stand against the Dark One.

Stream “The Wheel of Time” on Amazon Prime Video.

4. “The Witcher”

Before becoming a hit Netflix original series, “The Witcher” was an acclaimed video game trilogy based on a book series by Andrzej Sapkowski. Actor and avid gamer Henry Cavill was such a fan of the games that he campaigned to play the lead character Geralt of Rivia. Fortunately, Cavill’s performance is one of the high points in this dark and sometimes confusing series.

Stream “The Witcher” on Netflix.

5. “Black Sails”

“Black Sails” is a “Treasure Island” prequel series that elevates Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel to new heights. Like “Game of Thrones,” the first season is slow to get going. But the story really sets sail around episode 5, once you’re more familiar with its scope. What makes “Black Sails” especially entertaining is how it depicts fictional characters like Captain Flint (Toby Stephens) and John Silver (Luke Arnold) against a historically accurate backdrop.

Stream “Black Sails” on STARZ.

6. “Rome”

“Rome” was one of the biggest television epics before “Game of Thrones.” During its two seasons, the show gave viewers a vibrant look at the collapse of the Roman Republic. Roman soldiers Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson) are the eyes and ears of the series, witnessing many significant events during a time of political instability. Unfortunately, the series didn’t last as long as the creators had planned. But it’s still worth watching, even 15 years later.

Stream “Rome” on Max.

7. “The Pillars of the Earth”

“The Pillars of the Earth” is an ambitious miniseries based on Ken Follett’s historical novel of the same name. Set during the England civil war known as the Anarchy, the series deals with the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. Prior Philip (Matthew Macfadyen) hopes the cathedral will rejuvenate Kingsbridge, but greedy forces will stop at nothing to gain total dominance.

Stream “The Pillars of the Earth” on STARZ.

8. “Medici”

“Medici” was an Italian historical drama starring some big names like “Succession”’s Brian Cox and “Game of Thrones”’ own Richard Madden. The show follows the wealthy Medici family, personal bankers to the Pope, and their expanding influence on Italy at the start of the Renaissance. The tales of the Medici family and their multi-generational reign, which include suspicious deaths and questions of succession after their patriarch, Giovanni (Dustin Hoffman), passes away, will certainly entertain “GOT” fans. (Having Richard Madden there helps, too.)

Stream “Medici” on Netflix.

9. “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”

This rec might be a bit obvious. Like “House of the Dragon,” “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is a prequel to “Game of Thrones.” However, unlike “HotD,” it just focuses on one humble guy: Ser Dunc, a wannabe knight trying to prove himself to the nobles of Westeros. Things still get pretty violent—the poor guy just can’t stop getting deeply concussed.

Stream “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” on HBO Max.

10. “His Dark Materials”

“His Dark Materials” (which you might know better as “The Golden Compass”) is a little like “Game of Thrones” for kids. Sure, it doesn’t include some of the more intense “GoT” themes, but it still gets dark. And its sprawling fantasy multiverse puts Westeros to shame. (Note: this is the sole opinion of CableTV.com entertainment writer Olivia Bono, who consulted on this page.)

Stream “His Dark Materials” on HBO Max.

• “The Borgias”
• “Merlin”
• “Outlander”
• “Reign”
• “Shadow and Bone”

• “The Shannara Chronicles”
• “Spartacus”
• “The Tudors”
• “The White Queen”

• “Alexander”
• “Braveheart”
• “Dragonslayer”
• “Elden Ring” (2028)
• “Gladiator”
• “Kingdom of Heaven”

• “The Lord of the Rings”
• “The Northman”
• “Pan’s Labyrinth”
• “Pirates of the Caribbean”
• “Troy”