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8 shows to watch next if you loved ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2

August 5, 20240
Kit Harington stars as Jon Snow in “Game of Thrones.”

HBO

“House of the Dragon” is a prequel to “Game of Thrones,” meaning most fans have watched both. But if you missed “Game of Thrones,” you should check it out.

Though George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” novel series was popular before “Game of Thrones” premiered in 2011, the TV adaptation made the franchise a global hit. “Game of Thrones” has a similar tone to “House of the Dragon,” an incredible cast, and an interesting story arc that kept audiences hooked for eight years.

Plus, “Game of Thrones” wraps up a very important storyline that’s part of “House of the Dragon.” In season one, Viserys Targaryen first brings up the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy — a warning that an evil being will try to destroy Westeros unless a special hero, the Prince that was Promised, unites the realm to defeat the enemy.

This prophecy pushes Rhaenyra and Daemon to fight in the war, believing only their families can save the world. But the prophecy is not fulfilled until the final season of “Game of Thrones,” set hundreds of years after “House of the Dragon.”

All eight seasons of “Game of Thrones” are available to stream on Max.

“Succession” may be set in modern-day America, but it is very similar to “House of the Dragon.”
Hiroyuki Sanada stars as one of the three leads in “Shōgun.”

Colin Bentley/FX

Since “Game of Thrones” became a global hit, every streaming company has been looking to recreate its success. Disney+ may have succeeded this year with their new show, “Shōgun.”

The series, based on a novel of the same name, follows John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), an English sailor who gets shipwrecked in Japan as a civil war is about to begin. John ends up allying with Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada), a powerful daimyo (the equivalent of a Lord) who is at odds with multiple political rivals in the land.

John can help Lord Toranaga, but they can only communicate through a translator, Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai), who is trying to prove her worth.

“Shōgun” was praised for its complex, thrilling storyline, and attempt to depict 17th-century Japan authentically.

But don’t take our word for it: “Shōgun” is the most nominated show for this year’s Emmy Awards, with 25 nominations.

Season one of “Shōgun” is available to stream on Disney+.

“Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power” is another prequel based on a beloved fantasy series.
Henry Cavill plays Geralt in the first three seasons of “The Witcher.”

Netflix

“The Witcher” novels were already popular due to the multiple “Witcher” games. But in 2019, Netflix tried its hand at turning the novels into a prestige TV series.

The series follows Geralt of Rivia, a special warrior called a Witcher, as he goes on a quest to protect a princess who holds an incredible power that she doesn’t know how to control.

If you love the fantasy setting of “House of the Dragon” but wish there was more action, “The Witcher” should be next on your list.

The first three seasons of “The Witcher” are available to stream on Netflix.

“The Expanse” is a political thriller like “House of the Dragon.”
Eliza Taylor stars as Clarke, Lindsey Morgan as Raven, and Paige Turco as Abby in “The 100.”

Dean Buscher/The CW

“House of the Dragon” is exciting because almost every lead character is a nuanced, morally dubious person. Regardless of their motivations, everyone backstabs or plans cunning plots to gain the upper hand over their enemy. “The 100” is the same.

The postapocalyptic series, based on a book series of the same name, follows a group of human survivors who live in a space station — the Ark — after Earth is destroyed in a nuclear war. Nearly a century after the war, resources are low on the Arc, so the station decides to send a group of teen criminals down to Earth to see if it’s habitable.

From there, “The 100” storyline spirals with a new mission or threat almost every season, and the need for survival pushes virtually every character to make immoral choices.

If you’re looking for a faster-paced, high-energy drama, “The 100” is the one to watch.

All seven seasons of “The 100” are available to stream on Netflix.

If you wish “House of the Dragon” had more sea battles, check out “Black Sails.”
Hannah New, Luke Roberts, and Chris Larkin are lead characters in “Black Sails.”

Starz

If you enjoy the historical aspects of “House of the Dragon” — though it is a fantasy series, the story is loosely based on the Anarchy, a 12th-century English civil war — try “Black Sails” next.

Swapping out knights and dragons for pirates, “Black Sails” focuses on the golden age of piracy and is a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous book, “Treasure Island.”

The three-time Emmy-winning series has a slow start but is worth powering through for its beautiful visuals and well-rounded characters. Like “Game of Thrones,” it has gratuitous sex and violence.

If you don’t like “Black Sails,” “The Last Kingdom,” “Vikings,” and “Vikings: Valhalla” are great historical fictions about the Anglo-Saxon and Viking eras.

All four seasons of “Black Sails” are available on Netflix and Starz.