House of the Dragonexpertly blends high fantasy, political intrigue, and familial drama — andthe combination of all those things makes it difficult to find similar TV shows. TheGame of Thronesspinoffhas yet to reach the heights of its predecessor, but it boasts many of the same strengths as the original HBO series. Its balance of personal and political stakes is impressive over the course of its first two seasons, and things promise to get even more tense between themembers of House TargaryeninHouse of the Dragonseason 3.
Unfortunately,it could be a while before the next season ofHouse of the Dragonpremieres, especially if the show repeats the two-year gap between seasons 1 and 2. This may leave viewers wondering what to watch in the meantime. While there aren’t many shows exactly likeHouse of the Dragon,there are some great series that feature similar elements and themes. From fellow fantasy shows to more realistic family dramas, there’s something to capture every one ofHOTD’s strengths.
Succession
Cast
Succession is a Black Comedy and Satire television show created by Jesse Armstrong. It stars Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, and Kieran Culkin and follows the story of an aging conglomerate owner as he deals with his declining health and the sudden realization that one of his children will soon inherit his position and run his company.
Successiondoesn’t fall into the fantasy genre likeHouse of the Dragon,but it’s similar tonally to theGame of Thronesprequel.LikeHouse of the Dragon, Successionfollows a family that’s fighting for power— though the Roys are vying to become CEO of Waystar Royco instead of the king of the Seven Kingdoms. Despite the different titles and vastly different settings, the ruthless power struggles in both series feel very much alike.
Needless to say,those watchingHouse of the Dragonfor the intense family drama will appreciateSuccession.Thecharacters inSuccessionare all pretty unlikable, but they feel incredibly realistic — another thing the show has in common withHouse of the DragonandGame of Thrones.The series also has many slow but tense moments that will grip viewers despite their lack of action, giving it a similar feel to HBO’s shows.Successionhas more humor thanHouse of the Dragon,but it remains a decent follow-up. The only thing missing is the dragons.
The Crown
The Crown is a Netflix Historical Drama created by Peter Morgan and starring Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton. The series follows the life of ruler Queen Elizabeth II, outlining different points in her life.
Another series set in the real world but boasting similar themes toHouse of the DragonisThe Crown.The Netflix show features the court politics and family dramathatHouse of the Dragonis known for. However, it tackles these themes by fictionalizing the history of Britain’s royal family.The Crownis set during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, and it explores real-world events of this time by dramatizing them. The writers take creative liberties with everything that unfolds, and their interpretations of certain narratives mirror those ofHouse of the Dragon.
10 Best TV Shows Like The Crown To Watch After The Final Season
Even though the final season of The Crown has concluded, many other great TV shows have similar themes and stories as the beloved series.
At their cores,bothHouse of the DragonandThe Crownexplore what it’s like to rule— and both shows go beyond the quarrels within the royal families, though those take center stage.The CrownandHouse of the Dragonalso dig into the optics of ruling, examining how public sentiment affects a person’s reign. The two series send surprisingly similar messages, even though one is more grounded in reality than the other.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
Those looking for shows set in complex fantasy worlds like Westeros should visit Middle-earth throughThe Rings of Power.The Amazon series is arguablyHouse of the Dragon’s biggest competitor, with both shows debuting within a month of one another back in 2022.The Rings of Powertakes place in a much different world thanHouse of the Dragon,as J.R.R. Tolkien’s stories tend to be more hopeful than George R.R. Martin’s. However, withThe Rings of Powerchronicling Sauron’s first rise to power, things get dark enough to winGOTandHOTDfans over.
The Rings of Poweroffers complex characters and builds out Tolkien’s world, making it a must-watch for fantasy lovers — and a great follow-up toHouse of the Dragon.
Sauron’s scheming leads to more political intrigue than there is inThe Lord of the Rings,and his quest for power could appeal to those interested in the fight for the Iron Throne — even if most of his opponents are more well-meaning thanHouse of the Dragon’smajor players. Even so,The Rings of Poweroffers complex characters and builds out Tolkien’s world, making it a must-watch for fantasy lovers — and a great follow-up toHouse of the Dragon.
The Wheel of Time
The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organization Aes Sedai, as she leads a perilous quest with five young individuals. Moiraine suspects one among them could be the prophesized reincarnation of a mighty figure destined to either save or doom humanity.
IfThe Rings of Powerisn’t up your alley,another fantasy series to check out beforeHouse of the Dragonseason 3 is Amazon’sWheel of Time. Based on Robert Jordan’s fantasy series,The Wheel of Timeintroduces viewers to a world that’s just as vast and politically complex as Westeros — though its magic is more involved and intriguing.The Wheel of Timefeatures a stellar ensemble cast, with multiple storylines converging to fuel the main narrative. This feels in line with the structure ofGOTandHOTD, even if the good vs. evil plot isn’t present in the HBO shows.
Additionally,The Wheel of Timeseason 3 is likely to arrive before eitherHouse of the DragonorThe Rings of Powerseason 3debut. AsThe Wheel of Time’s sophomore season dropped in 2023, it has a head start when it comes to returning. This will give viewers plenty of great fantasy content to tide them over until the Targaryen civil war rages on (something that likely won’t happen until at least 2026).
My Lady Jane
My Lady Jane is a Prime Video original series created by Gemma Burgess. The story is a “what if” style story of English royal history where King Henry VIII’s son Edward, Lady Jane Grey, and her husband Guildford all survive their real-life deaths. In the retelling of history, Jane Grey takes center stage, becoming queen and immediately finding herself facing nefarious villains.
My Lady Janeis more optimistic and romantic thanHouse of the Dragon,butAmazon’s historical fantasy series has a few noteworthy things in common with the HBO show. For one, there’s the heavy emphasis on court politics, withMy Lady Janealso featuring a confrontation for a throne. That conflict also unfolds around two powerful queens, something fans ofHouse of the Dragon’s compelling female leads will appreciate. AndMy Lady Janechallenges the patriarchal values associated with power, albeit in a much more hopeful way thanHouse of the Dragon.
If all the similarities between the series don’t convinceHouse of the Dragonfans to pick upMy Lady Jane,Martin’s positive comments should.
With all that in mind,My Lady Janeis the perfect series to binge in between seasons ofHOTD.Sadly,Amazon didn’t renewMy Lady Janefor season 2, so there’s not much content to tide viewers over until season 3. However,George R.R. Martin himself praised the show, writing on hisNot a Blogthat it “deserved more.” If all the similarities between the series don’t convinceHouse of the Dragonfans to pick upMy Lady Jane,Martin’s positive comments should.
Shogun
Shōgun, released in 2024, is set in Japan during 1600 at the onset of a significant civil war. It follows Lord Yoshii Toranaga as he battles political adversaries on the Council of Regents, while a European ship mysteriously appears in a nearby fishing village, complicating the tides of power.
Another prestigious TV show that will appeal to fans of theGame of Thronesfranchise is FX’sShōgun. While the historical drama has no fantasy elements to speak of,its themes, characters, and storytelling style mirror those ofGame of ThronesandHouse of the Dragon.Set in feudal Japan,Shōgunchronicles Yoshii Toranaga’s efforts to become shogun — a journey that’s wrought with political scheming, bloodshed, and betrayal.
Shōgunwill appeal toHouse of the Dragonfans for those reasons, but its epic storytelling style also feels reminiscent ofGame of Thrones’prequel and its predecessor.Shōgunis full of quiet moments that build tension, which eventually culminate in grander action sequences and revelations. Those who enjoy both the slow-paced simmer ofHouse of the Dragon’s political storylines and the fast-paced action moments would do well to check out the FX series.
The Tudors
The Tudors is a historical drama television series that chronicles the reign of King Henry VIII of England, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers. The show explores his tumultuous relationships, including his marriages to Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, while delving into the intrigue, politics, and drama of the Tudor court.
Perhaps it’s the extensive fictional history surrounding the Targaryen dynasty, butHouse of the Dragonhas a lot in common with many historical dramas.This includes the 2000s seriesThe Tudors,which is set in England during King Henry VIII’s reign. The show explores Henry’s interpersonal relationships, offering plenty of familial drama for those interested in that element ofHouse of the Dragon.It also digs into the king’s relations with the church and his court, delivering on the political components of HBO’s fantasy series.
What The Tudors' Cast Has Done Since The Show Ended
Some of the cast of Showtime’s hit historical drama The Tudors have gone on to play characters in the DCEU, Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, and more.
The Tudorsis mature likeHouse of the Dragon,as it doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, violence, nudity, or sexual moments. It also boasts a standout cast, including well-known fantasy stars likeThe Witcheralum Henry Cavill andGame of Thronesactor Natalie Dormer. Needless to say, it’s a fitting way to followHouse of the Dragonseason 2. The series is also completed, so viewers can power right on through it.
The Winter King
Based on Bernard Cornwell’s book series, The Winter King is a historical fiction series that covers the first novel’s events. The series retreads the tale of King Arthur with a new imagining; Arthur has been exiled, with the Saxons now in control of Camelot’s throne, with Merlin nowhere to be found.
Another short-lived fantasy series,The Winter Kingwon’t be getting a season 2— butHouse of the Dragonfans who can get past that disappointing reality should keep it on their radars. A historical fantasy series reimagining Arthurian legend,The Winter Kingis heavy on politics and drama while keeping its extraordinary elements in the background. It has this in common with shows likeGame of ThronesandHouse of the Dragon,so viewers looking for a similar balance will find it here.
The Winter Kingalso offers a more mature fantasy story, leaning into dark and gritty storytelling, violent action sequences, and morally dubious characters — all things HBO’sGame of Thronesfranchise is known for. Unfortunately, the show won’t be able to deliver on all these things without more seasons. However, it’s still an entertaining watch, and it will keep viewers engaged untilHouse of the Dragonseason 3 comes out.
The Last Kingdom
Based on the Saxon Stories novel series by Bernard Cornwell, The Last Kingdom tells the story of a man who seeks to reclaim his birthright. Set in 872, the kingdoms that makeup England have come under Dane rule, with Wessex the last one standing under King Alfred. The protagonist, Uhtred, is born of noble descent but is captured by the Danes and raised to be one. As he ages, he must choose between his ancestral home or the family that caught but raised him. Uhted will wrestle with his loyalties as he battles between his Saxon and Dane lineages.
While shows likeMy Lady JaneandThe Winter Kingmake for fast watches beforeHouse of the Dragonseason 3,The Last Kingdomgives viewers a lengthy series to dig into. All fiveseasons ofThe Last Kingdomare available to stream on Netflix, as is the 2023 movie,Seven Kings Must Die.The Last Kingdommay not have dragons or fantasy elements likeHouse of the Dragon,but it compensates for that with its engaging action sequences. Those who enjoy that aspect ofHOTDandGOTwill have fun watching this bloody series.
The Last Kingdom: Every Character Based On Real Life Figures
Many fans of the medieval series wonder, “Is The Last Kingdom a true story?”, and indeed, many characters are based on real historical figures.
Of course,The Last Kingdomisn’t all action and gore. Like many other greatHouse of the Dragonfollow-ups, it also benefits from its complex relationships and the characters' constant power moves. There’s plenty to love about the Netflix series, and it’s a testament to its quality that it lasted for five seasons on the platform. It’s well worth picking up for viewers waiting forHouse of the Dragon’s return.
Game Of Thrones
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
Game of Thronesmay be an obvious recommendation forHouse of the Dragonfans, but it really is the closest thing viewers will find to the fantasy series — and it makes for a great rewatch.Game of Thronesboasts all the political drama, world-building, and well-crafted characters ofHOTD,but its conflict takes place on a grander scale. Daenerys Targaryen’s story also gives more meaning toHouse of the Dragon’s central plot, and judging by season 2, it seems like the prequel is drawing connections to the White Walkers and Song of Ice and Fire prophecy as well.
It’s common to pick up on new things when rewatchingGame of Thrones,and some of the details viewers notice might connect toHouse of the Dragon.
With that in mind, rewatchingGame of ThronesbeforeHouse of the Dragonseason 3 may not be a bad idea. WhileGame of Thronesspoils Rhaenyra Targaryen’s fatein the prequel series, it also adds context to her story. It’s common to pick up on new things when rewatchingGame of Thrones,and some of the details viewers notice might connect toHouse of the Dragon.
