7 TV Shows To Binge If You’re Missing Game Of Thrones
In the aftermath of eight seasons of Game of Thrones, many people are wanting the same thing: Shows to binge will the void of their favourite one ending. While it’s difficult to capture the cinematic brilliance and legacy that is Game of Thrones, these are seven shows to binge with similar setting, Emmy potential, and lengthy episodes.
1. Chernobyl
Chernobyl has been all the buzz in the media after breaking IMDB records, including those set by Game of Thrones, for the highest-rated television program in history, and it’s only in its first season.
Produced by the same network as GOT (HBO, or Sky in the UK), Chernobyl is based on the infamous nuclear disaster in Ukraine and is written from the perspectives of the scientists, diplomats, and townspeople who live there at the time. The episodes are about one-hour long and, though we know the history today, they are just as riveting as the fictional Westeros dramas.
There are only a few episodes out, but considering its excellent ratings that have already outranked GOT, it’s safe to say that this will be one of the shows to binge now so you can jump on the bandwagon and watch it live for (hopefully!) seasons to come.
2. Hanna
Hanna was recently released on Amazon Prime and there are eight episodes out now, so if you’re looking for shows to binge which are of similar quality and action to Game of Thrones, this is your show.
Based on the film with Saoirse Ronan and Eric Bana, Hanna follows a young girl who has spent her entire adolescence in a remote Polish forest and, after she and her father are tracked down by the CIA, Hanna begins to explore the real world for the first time and discover the true identity of her father and mother.
It’s an action-packed adventure that keeps you on your toes, and it will have you on your toes just as Game of Thrones often did. It was also renewed for a second season in April 2019, so now is a great time to binge this so you’re ready when more episodes are released.
3. The OA
Netflix’s The OA is part-mystery, part- sci-fi, and part-drama, reminiscent of the film Interstellar or show Black Mirror. The pilot episode follows the return of a missing girl, who disappeared blind and has been found now with sight, and has no memory of where she has been for the last 7 years of her disappearance. It’s one of Netflix’s best-produced shows in terms of its production quality and acting, and it should not go missed by GOT fans that enjoy sci-fi.
There are two seasons, or 16 episodes, on Netflix now, and it is definitely one of the more dangerous shows to binge on the list as every episode ends with a cliff-hanger and leaving you needing to know more.
4. The Handmaid’s Tale
Imagery from The Handmaid’s Tale has been seen most recently in the news with protests against new American abortion laws, but if you haven’t heard of it through this, you may have also read the novel by Margaret Atwood, a trait it shares with the literary success of Game of Thrones before its TV adaptation.
The Handmaid’s Tale is set in the dystopian future and centred around a second American civil war that results in a society where fertile women are designated as “Handmaids” and forced to spend their lives bearing children, not being allowed to work, own property, handle money, or read. Though GOT is set in the fictional past and The Handmaid’s Tale in the fictional future, their settings do feel similar in their shared themes of injustice, aristocracy, and dictatorial power.
If you’re looking for shows to binge this summer, it currently has 23 episodes, or 2 seasons, on Hulu with season 3 beginning on 5 June 2019, and it will no doubt be a show of the summer with its return.
5. Outlander
Sharing many of its filming locations with Game of Thrones, Outlander is one of the top shows to binge for fans of GOT. Along with similar filming locations in the UK, particularly Scotland, the script is based off the 9-book series by Diana Gabaldon.
The show takes place in a fictional past with action, drama, love, and redemption. While enjoying her honeymoon in Scotland, the show’s protagonist, Claire Randall, touches a rock and is suddenly transported to 1743 Scotland, where her freedom and life become threatened.
For those looking for new shows to binge on Netflix, all four seasons, with 55 hour-long episodes, are available on Netflix at your leisure this summer.
6. The Crown
In the hiatuses of Game of Thrones, many fans turned to The Crown to fill the void, and with two new seasons on their way this year, this is one of the best shows to binge now.
The Crown is a fictional adaptation of the historical events concerning the British crown, particularly from the start of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and onwards. It has love, drama, death, and political tension, all of which are familiar to Game of Thrones fans. Critics have also praised the show for its cinematic quality, with each episode like a small film in scale, and will be appreciated by GOT lovers.
You can watch the first two seasons (2o episodes) on Netflix now, with the next season expected later this year.
7. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
For those who appreciated the historical-like atmosphere of Game of Thrones, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is sure to fill that period-piece void. Set in the late 1950s, the show follows Midge, or Mrs. Maisel, who seeks to escape her life as a homemaker and doting wife to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian in New York City.
Though it does differ from GOT in its urban setting and comedic tone, each episode is sure to amaze in its production, music, and acting, and it has competed with Game of Thrones since its first season was released in 2017.
You can stream the show’s two seasons (18 episodes) on Amazon Prime, and the third season is expected later this year.
