These past few weeks have featured several giant finale moments in pop culture. Avengers: Endgame arrived to mark a turning point in the MCU, The Big Bang Theory came to an end after 12 seasons, and, now Game of Thrones is saying its own goodbye.
After you take the time to mourn the loss of this massive HBO hit (as well as, most likely, several of your favorite characters), you’re going to have to move on and fill that GoT-shaped hole in your heart. These are some of the best shows (new and old) to fill that void.
If your favorite moments involve Khaleesi
If you’re in it for the badass women (who, sadly, haven’t always received the best treatment on Game of Thrones, but I digress…), there’s good news: This definitely isn’t the first time a badass queen (or female warrior) has taken center stage. There are quite a few examples out there, but here are some of the best:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003): A teenage girl discovers she has mystical powers of strength, which she uses to fight fantasy creatures, along with the help of her friends. All seven seasons are on Hulu.
Wynonna Earp (2016-present?): The descendant of Wyatt Earp discovers it is her birthright to fight off all of the demons that invade her hometown. She, too, is assisted by a ragtag group. The first two seasons are on Netflix, which, after viewing, will persuade you to join the fight to keep the series afloat.
Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001): A warrior living in ancient Greece on a path of redemption. Like the others, she has makes some friends (and enemies) along the way. All six seasons are available to watch on NBC.com or the NBC app with a TV provider login.
If it’s all about the dragons for you
Maybe it’s not about the human characters at all for you. Fantasy as a genre is pretty expansive, so if you’re into GoT for the dragons and similar creatures, there are plenty of other series you can check out.
Once Upon a Time (2011-2018): A woman discovers her life is a real-life fairy tale. Basically, every Disney movie you’ve ever seen comes to life here. All seven seasons are available to stream on Netflix.
Supernatural (2005-present): Two brothers are tasked with hunting down demons, monsters, and anything else you’ve ever been told doesn’t exist. The final season will air during the 2019-2020 TV season on the CW, but if you want to catch up before then, the previous 14 (!!) are on Netflix now.
The Magicians (2015-present): Magic is very real, and there’s even a school that will help you master it. No, I’m not talking about Hogwarts. The first three seasons of this fantasy series are currently streaming on Netflix.
If you’re really into the medieval look
No, Westeros is not a real place, and yet much of the GoT style is taken from the (very real) Middle Ages. This is a time period a lot of people are interested in, so there’s no shortage of medieval series you can take in.
Knightfall (2017-present): For those looking for more historical accuracy, this History Channel series about the Knights Templar should do the trick. Unfortunately, only the first season in on Netflix right now, but that should change.
Merlin (2008-2012): The old Arthurian legends come to life in this British series named for one of literature’s most popular warlocks. All five seasons are available for streaming on Netflix.
The Last Kingdom (2015-present): This BBC series was so good that Netflix snatched it right up, turning it into an original for the streaming service. It features more Vikings than you might think, but expect to enjoy a similar dramatic tone to GoT.
If you just enjoy some old-fashioned blood and gore
For some viewers, it’s not about the time period, or the characters, or even the genre, really. Their focus is all on how violent things can get. GoT has become famously gory, but not to worry — there are many other options now that it’s gone.
Lucifer (2016-present): Imagine the devil became a cop — no, I mean, the literal Devil himself. Obviously, he’d end up in Los Angeles, which is where the fun begins. All four seasons are on Netflix.
Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014): Maybe if the GoT characters lived in the modern day, they’d form a biker gang. Get ready for crime, mystery, drugs, sex, and violence — you know, all the fun stuff. You can watch all seven seasons on Hulu.
Dexter (2006-2013): The people on GoT are twisted, but at least they usually have some kind of legitimate excuse. When it comes to Miami forensic analyst Dexter Morgan, his murderous tendencies date back to the death of his mother, and it’s all he can do to keep them in check. Watch him struggle over eight seasons, all on Netflix now.
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