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You’ve probably already watched every episode of Game of Thrones and now you need a new show to start binging over the holidays. Well, I’ve got you covered with the list of TV shows like Game of Thrones! Here you have 20 series to choose from (the list is in no particular order)!
How would you rate Game of Thrones out of 5 stars?
1. Spartacus
If you like watching captivating and compelling bloody TV shows with a lot of violent scenes and nudity–both male and female–and you think you would like a series about the Roman history, then you should watch Spartacus. The American TV series is loosely based on the tale of heroic Thracian gladiator, who led a slave uprising against the Roman Republic. It is filled with jaw-dropping action and emotional moments. So, if you are a fan of visually great historical drama series, check out the first season (titled Spartacus: Blood and Sand), a six-episode prequel miniseries Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, and also two more seasons: Spartacus: Vengeance and Spartacus: War of the Damned.
2. The Tudors
The Tudors retells the life of King Henry VIII: his reign and marriages. This series introduces viewers a young Henry – he is hunky and lustful. Though it does tells us about England’s 16th-century royal court, the production is mostly a cut down version of history, playing loose with facts to tell a dramatic tale of intrigue and tragedy. If you don’t expect the show to bring you a perfect history lesson and want episodes to keep you at the edge of your seat, you should give this one a chance.
3. Da Vinci's Demons
This historical fantasy series follows Leonardo Da Vinci’s early years in Renaissance Florence. We are told the story of the artist, inventor, dreamer and idealist, lover, swordsman and simply a genius in his mid 20’s, whose name would know not just Florence but the whole Italy.
Though Da Vinci’s Demons does follow historical facts, one must remember that there are many productions of fantasy too (like in any other non-documentary TV show). So it’s better not to start complaining about historical inaccuracy and just enjoy the episodes. I would definitely recommend it for those who love Game of Thrones.
4. The Borgias
The Borgias is centered on the life of the infamous crime family that controlled all power in 15th-century Italy. Rodrigo Borgia tries to secure his position as Pope Alexander VI with the help of his several sons, marriage alliances, through murder and intrigue. So, if you are looking for a show focused on power, family, religion, and affairs of both the heart and state, you shouldn’t miss out on this one.
5. The White Queen
And here’s one more historical drama about court intrigue, murder, romance, and seduction. The White Queen is a portrayal of a war-torn 15th-century England. The story follows three different but equally relentless women who will stop at nothing on their way onto the English throne. This ten episode miniseries provides a gripping storyline that will have you riveted to the screen.
So, if you need to binge-watch some entertaining historical drama, you should give it a go. But keep in mind that it's historical fiction, not a documentary.
6. The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom is an adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s book series The Saxon Tales. The TV show is set in the 872, when England is divided into various kingdoms, lands of which are gradually attacked, plundered and ruled by Vikings. The story follows Untred, a Saxon whose parents have been killed by the invading Vikings; he was captured as a boy and raised as one of them. From there, the story revolves around his struggle with his two identities.
Watching this series, you will see not only all its glorious fight scenes, fantastical story and breathtaking photography but also notice there’s a great attention paid to every character. If you’re at a loss because you can’t find a series similar to Game of Thrones you like, The Last Kingdom should be your best bet.
7. Knightfall
Rome Hbo
Knightfall chronicles the fall of the Knights Templar, a military group of the Middle Ages who protected Christianity’s most precious relics. The series primarily focuses on the Templar’s leader, Landry, who is on his quest to find the Holy Grail. From the battles in the Holy Land to the betrayal that would lead to their dissolution on Friday the 13th – the most cursed day in the calendar – where everything is fated to go wrong.
If you enjoy swordplay and some politic in the castle, give this courtly drama a go.
8. Vikings
Vikings tells us about a Viking warrior and farmer who explores and raids the distant shores across the ocean. The original Canadian-Irish series has been originally planned as a miniseries but after the tremendous support it got from fans and critics, more than five seasons have been released! If you are a true fan of Game of Thrones, it would be a mistake to ignore Vikings.
9. Reign
This historical drama tells the tale of a 15-year-old Mary, Queen of Scots, as she arrives in France to marry to Prince Francis. Here’s when the teenage girl faces political and sexual intrigue of the court. Parents of the Prince want to delay the arranged marriage, while Francis’ half-brother also develops romantic feelings for Mary. If you want to binge watch some entertaining historical drama, Reign is worth a try.
10. Black Sails
Black Sails was created as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island: the series tells the story of Captain Flint with his pirates twenty years prior to when novel’s actions took place. Maybe you are looking for a decent pirate show? With its intriguing, extremely compelling storyline, it definitely has to get your attention.
11. Merlin
Merlin is a servant to young Prince Arthur on the royal court of Camelot, whose destiny is to be the greatest king in history, while the destiny of Merlin is to protect the Prince. The magic is outlawed, so the powers have to be used in secret… But the show differs from traditional versions of the Arthurian legends. There are 5 seasons released with a total of 65 episodes!
12. Rome
Rome has also been originally planned as a TV miniseries, but we know that great series should become actual TV shows, right? In this historical drama, the transition from Roman republic to autocratic empire is told from the viewpoint of Julius Caesar, his family, his successor Octavian Augustus, and also from the viewpoint of some ordinary soldiers and their families. If you feel like you would like to watch the TV series that doesn’t attempt to hide the dirty aspects of the Roman Empire, try this one!
13. Outlander
Outlander is based on the historical time travel novels by Diana Gabaldon. The plot of the story centers on a married World War II nurse, Claire, who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1740th Scotland. Her heart tears between two totally different men in two irreconcilable lives, not to mention the fact that Scotland people think she might be an English spy…
If you still are looking for a series that has the look and feel of Game of Thrones: filled with romance, violence and intrigue, Outlander should be in your must-watch list!
14. Marco Polo
The first season of this TV series tells us about the adventures of Venetian explorer Marco Polo in 13th-century China. After he is taken prisoner by Kublai Khan, Marco must learn how to navigate through the culture of life in the court.
The expensive production definitely shines in many aspects. The colorful sets and breathtaking outdoor scenes will really pull you in within the first several minutes of watching!
Other TV Shows Like Game of Thrones
'The Shannara Chronicles', 'The Walking Dead', 'Outcast', 'Westworld', 'Black Death', 'Into the Badlands' are some other TV shows similar to Game of Thrones.
You May Also Like:
- 10 Best Historical TV Shows Like 'Vikings'
Here's the list of TV shows similar to Vikings and Game of Thrones. These series have everything to keep you hooked: action, adventures, battles, suspense, and thrilling elements.
- I am a very big fan of Vikings, knightfall and the last kingdom I like the historical fiction so much
- Love you more Tiaquanius p Seay
- I'm a huge fan of medieval/historical fantasy but living in Japan we don't get any western TV shows beyond what's showing on Netflix. I love the look of White Queen; anything with 'Queen' in the title tends to capture my attention immediately. This is a great list!
The popular book and television series, Game of Thrones, portrays a world rich with magic, adventure, romance, and history. While most fans of the series thoroughly enjoy the refreshing originality of the series; others would say that Game of Thrones is simply a fantastical interpretation of actual historic events and themes. In this post, I will attempt to analyze some of these historic references that may be obvious or not so obvious. While it is known that a majority of the history that Game of Thrones is based on is much later than Ancient Rome (1400′s or later); I would argue that there are several examples from Ancient Rome that relate to this series.
DISCLAIMER:If you are new to the series and are not up to date on the HBO series’ episodes, I should warn you that there are spoilers ahead! I will not be discussing any events that lie beyond the current HBO series (OathKeeper;Episode S4E4) as I do not wish to deter those who have not read the books from this post. Any quote from the books will not reveal any spoilers or new information.
Tyrion Lannister vs. Emperor Claudius
http://youtu.be/-OkUUBf8Vpo(As always, please excuse any language- it is after all Game of Thrones)
These two figures represent the black sheep of their families. Both Tyrion and Claudius are born into prestigious families of power, and both are ridiculed and belittled for their physical abnormalities. However, none of their physical traits interfere with their witty minds and capability to lead (in Tyrion’s case: into battle a few times and in Claudius’ case: ruling Rome and into Britain). I, of course, refer to the Emperor Claudius that many people know from Robert Grave’s series “I, Claudius.” In which, Claudius has the good sense to “play the fool” in order to be overlooked in the chaos and murders of those wishing to be emperor. Tyrion unfortunately does not have this reticent talent. From the “I, Claudius” series:
Livia: Tiberius wants to be loved, at least after his death if not before. And the best way to insure that… [in reference to Caligula becoming emperor]
Claudius: …is to have someone worse to follow him. Yes, naturally. He’s certainly no fool.
Livia: He’s the biggest fool in my family. I’ve always thought that that was you. But I think now… I was wrong.
Claudius: [Claudius pauses, crafting a response] Grandmother, after all these years you didn’t invite me to dinner just to tell me this.
Livia: Wine has made you bold, hasn’t it.
Claudius: You said you kept in with Caligula because he was to be the next emperor.
Livia: Lost your stutter too I see.
Claudius: But if by then you’re dead, what difference can it make to you?
Livia: Oh, it makes a lot of difference. And that’s really why you’re here.
[Pleadingly]
Livia: I want to be a goddess, Claudius.
Claudius: …is to have someone worse to follow him. Yes, naturally. He’s certainly no fool.
Livia: He’s the biggest fool in my family. I’ve always thought that that was you. But I think now… I was wrong.
Claudius: [Claudius pauses, crafting a response] Grandmother, after all these years you didn’t invite me to dinner just to tell me this.
Livia: Wine has made you bold, hasn’t it.
Claudius: You said you kept in with Caligula because he was to be the next emperor.
Livia: Lost your stutter too I see.
Claudius: But if by then you’re dead, what difference can it make to you?
Livia: Oh, it makes a lot of difference. And that’s really why you’re here.
[Pleadingly]
Livia: I want to be a goddess, Claudius.
Kingsguard vs. Praetorian Guard
These two guards of the highest degree and class are sworn to protect their king and/or emperor. They are usually loyal, but are loyal (more so) to those with the large coffer . While the Kingsguard swear their lives to their king and forsake women and children; the Roman praetorian guards are body guards who were allowed to have a family. Furthermore, the Kingsguard is used as a political tool by various characters to promote their allies and give power. While the praetorian guard is both a political tool, but at the same time it becomes its own political body. They were even able to claim Claudius as emperor of Rome.
Proclaiming Claudius Emperor, by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, oil on canvas, c. 1867. According to one version of the story of Claudius’ ascension to the role of Emperor, members of the Praetorian Guard found him hiding behind a curtain in the aftermath of the murder of Caligula in 41, and proclaimed him emperor.
Joffrey Baratheon vs. Caligula
Look like any we know from Game of Thrones? Bust of Caligula at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum in Copenhagen Courtesy of Louis le Grand & WikiCommons.
For a Great Comparison Picture- view it here.
Perhaps it is madness or cruelty that is the common thread between these two individuals. In regards to Caligula: “Some scholars have suggested that an illness made him come unhinged—possibly temporal lobe epilepsy, hyperthyroidism or Wilson’s disease, an inherited disorder that can cause mental instability.” (Cohen; History Lists) If you are unfamiliar with all the crazy and “mad” actions of this Roman Emperor; read on:
He went out of his way to humiliate the senate (Suetonius says that he intended to make his horse consul), and encouraged treason trials for his own financial benefit. He also insisted on being treated as a god (in contrast to the wiser policy of Augustus). Excavations in the Roman forum in the summer of 2003 confirmed that he incorporated the ancient Temple of Castor and Pollux within his palace – a sacrilege reversed by his successor Claudius I.
Gaius had three sisters, with whom he was alleged to have committed incest, and they were given unprecedented public honors, being included in the soldiers’ oath of allegiance.
Joffrey’s cruelty and madness can be accredited to his parent’s incestuous relationship and thus producing his abnormal genetics (i.e. mind). However, George R.R. Martin neither mentions nor confirms this hypothesis. However, it should be noted that George R.R. Martin is familiar with Emperor Caligula’s exploits, because he named one of his deviant cats: Caligula.
*** “EUREKA” MOMENT: I say that Tyrion is like Claudius and Joffrey is like Caligula; just as Claudius and Caligula were Uncle and Nephew-so are Tyrion and Joffrey.
War of the Five Kings vs. Year of the Five Emperors
In both cases, kings and emperors claim power when they have none or seek to take power where they see weakness. But unlike the War of the Five Kings, the Year of the Five Emperors features the succession and death (assassination) of five different emperors within a year. The War of the Five Kings is the fight and struggle of five men fighting each other within several years.
“The Seven Kingdoms are at war with one another… false kings destroying the country… the Usurper is dead. The Starks fight the Lannisters, the Baratheons fight each other.“ ―Daenerys Targaryen to Ser Jorah Mormont
The Year of the Five Emperors refers to the year 193, in which there were five claimants for the title of Roman Emperor. The five were Pertinax, Didius Julianus, Pescennius Niger, Clodius Albinus and Septimius Severus. All these “emperors” fought, plotted, and bribed their way to power. You can read about the crazy year of 193; here.
In Game of Thrones, the War of the Five Kings includes Robb Stark, Joffrey Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon, and Balon Greyjoy; all of whom are contending for the Iron Throne after Robert Baratheon’s death.
The following video is from the episode “The Lion and the Rose” in which Joffrey has a performance of the War of the Five Kings shown to his guest:
http://youtu.be/ImkVFnvOEvoThe Mad King vs. Emperor Nero
Robert Baratheon: “What about Aerys Targaryen? What did the Mad King say when you stabbed him in the back? I never asked. Did he call you a traitor? Did he plead for a reprieve?”
Jaime Lannister: “He said the same thing he’d been saying for hours… “Burn them all.””
— The Mad King’s last words.
The Mad King, also known as Aerys II Targaryen, was known for his madness and his obsession with fire and burning people alive. His madness is often attributed to the incestual relationships his family, the Targaryens, were known for having. Jaime Lannister, also known as the King Slayer, reveals exactly how mad the Mad King was (WARNING-there may be some language):
http://youtu.be/z4QM25dfHpgThe reason I pair the Mad King to Nero is due to the infamous phrase “Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned.” This phrase that portrays this emperor as uncaring and slightly delusional. First, I should state that the phrase itself is anachronism. There were no fiddles during the Great of Fire ( 64 CE). Nero thus played a fiddle-like instrument known as the lyre. Suetonius records Nero’s singing and playing in his “Life of the Twelve Caesars:”
For six days and seven nights destruction raged, while the people were driven for shelter to monuments and tombs…Viewing the conflagration from the tower of Maecenas and exulting, as he said, in “the beauty of the flames,” he sang the whole of the “Sack of Ilium,” in his regular stage costume. Kingdom hearts pc download.
Artwork depicting the Great Fire of Rome. Courtesy of WikiCommons, Hubert Robert, & Mattes.
Thus, I feel as if their love for fire and mad attitude render them worthy comparisons.
How can the answer be improved? Nature immunology instruction to authors.
Roman Empire vs. Map of Westeros
My final point is to illustrate the remarkable resemblance between Westeros and the Ancient Roman empire in maps. Here is Westeros:
A cleaner more precise map; can be found here in an interactive map (like google maps).
Ancient Rome
Roman Empire Trajan 117AD . Courtesy of WikiCommons & Tataryn77.
As you can see, the capital (Rome or King’s Landing) is in the southern realm of the map, the Wall (Hadrian or Night’s Watch) is north, the East is exotic and unfamiliar (like Egypt, Ancient Near East, etc.) and so on. The climates are quite similar to the ancient world with northern being colder and southern being more Mediterranean. Here is a behind-the-scenes look on how the HBO production staff handled the realms, worlds, and sets. And you will be able to see how the makers of Game of Thrones pulled from history (and the real world) to create the HBO series.
Thank you for reading! Please feel free to comment below for questions or themes you wish for me to explore in next week’s post or the following weeks!