If you’re a die-hard “Game of Thrones” fan, it probably doesn’t matter – you’ll watch “House of the Dragon” and will probably love it (or love to complain about it). And of course, maybe “House of the Dragon” will be better than “Game of Thrones”. George RR Martin, author of the series on which the shows are based, looks optimistic. There are indications that the franchise is try to respond to criticism of sexism and lack of diversity. The lesson was probably learned in the chaotic and explosive context of “Game of Thrones”. “
But I’m not the only one who feels a bit “meh” about the prospect of this new show, even if considering it will trigger some FOMO (fear of missing out). One of the things that “Game of Thrones” has achieved is that it stays in the mainstream week after week. It’s a must-see feeling for people who aspire to be cross-cultural (like “becoming great” in high school – but for adults). And you have to watch it quickly, lest the summaries and memes spoil it for you along the way.
But in some important ways, the television landscape is different now than it was in 2011, when the original “Game of Thrones” premiered. Since then, the popularity of streaming and binge-watching has toppled the cultural dominance of high-end cable. Then the pandemic changed our viewing habits once again. We’ve become content geeks, gobbling up show after show, dropping them off as we start new ones, gobbling them up, and going on with Pac Man-like intensity.
And perhaps in part due to the huge financial success of “Game of Thrones,” there are plenty of other series that also itch for mystical beasts, bras, and political conspiracies. The most direct competitor will be JRR Tolkien’s new prequel, “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”. “The Lord of the Rings of Amazon PrimeS” The spinoff will deliver the British Ye Olde pitfalls, serious battles, and massive production budget that “Thrones” fans love. It will also face the challenge of meeting fan expectations, in this case those outlined in Tolkien’s books and Peter Jackson’s dazzling epic films – but at least it doesn’t. comes with the baggage of the “Game of Thrones” universe.
If what you’re craving is sublime fantasy, nothing beats Netflix audience and critic, “The Sandman,” based on Neil Gaiman’s genius comic book series. If you like your spells and spells without the vaguely medieval style, you have three seasons of the American fantasy thriller “Locke & Key” to check out, or I can recommend a series. “American Gods” heavy movie? If violent witchcraft is your thing, turn to Netflix’s “Witcher.” Dragon lovers may enjoy “Stranger Things” for its spooky creature horror.
Beyond the fantasy genre there are also worthy contenders. If you’re coming to Westeros for family cruelty and backstabbing, there’s no better show than HBO’s “The Succession.” And some of the most stunning world-building on TV is in HBO’s spectacular weird workplace drama “The Quit”.
