Game of Thrones is a series that changed the fantasy genre forever, but viewers are desperately in need of a proper replacement. After all, Game of Thrones‘ impact on fantasy television wasn’t all positive. While there were many good things about Game of Thrones‘ massive success, including the fact that it made fantasy shows more mainstream, there was a downside.
On the heels of the HBO series, just about every network and streamer wanted to recreate its formula. Although that led to many new fantasy shows being produced, it also meant that all of them were striving to be the “next” Game of Thrones. Such a lofty goal set many similar series up for failure, and it also made the genre feel oversaturated with the same types of stories.
This could be one reason why there’s been such a shift to sci-fi in the streaming world as of late, but it also highlights the need for a proper Game of Thrones replacement. Many shows have attempted to make the same impact on the genre, but thus far, none have managed it.
Game Of Thrones Changed Fantasy Television Forever, But Few Shows Have Lived Up To It
The Wheel Of Time, The Rings Of Power, & The Witcher All Had Potential
As Game of Thrones was adapted from George R.R. Martin’s bestselling books, it made sense for streamers to pursue fantasy adaptations based on already-popular IP in its wake. This is why some of the most promising follow-ups to the HBO series were based on books: The Rings of Power, The Wheel of Time, and The Witcher all had the potential to reach Game of Thrones’ heights.
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10 Best Fantasy TV Shows Based On Books, Ranked
From Game of Thrones to The Vampire Diaries, some of the very best fantasy TV shows of all time are based on a single book, or even a whole series.
Unfortunately, none of these series ever succeeded in that endeavor, nor did any other fantasy shows. The Rings of Power still has more seasons to boost its legacy, but it’s been a divisive take on J.R.R. Tolkien’s work overall. The Wheel of Time had a similarly split response, and Prime Video canceled it after season 3 — just as the reception and quality were turning around.
The Witcher was another show that could have replaced Game of Thrones, given the success of Andrzej Sapkowski’s books and the games. However, changes made to the source material soured viewers on the Netflix series, and Henry Cavill’s departure hasn’t helped its reputation.
House of the Dragon is probably the closest fantasy television has gotten to replicating Game of Thrones.
House of the Dragon is probably the closest fantasy television has gotten to replicating Game of Thrones, and even the Targaryen prequel series pales in comparison. For one, the scope of the conflict feels much smaller than that of Game of Thrones. It also hasn’t drawn mainstream audiences, and certain decisions have alienated book fans and even George R.R. Martin himself.
The Fantasy Genre Has A Long Way To Go, Even With The HBO Show’s Success
Hollywood Must Overcome Its Fantasy Problems
With even the biggest fantasy IP struggling to land on television, it’s obvious the genre has a long way to go, even after Game of Thrones‘ success. It was never a matter of simply churning out more fantasy stories and having them land as well as HBO’s. Television, and streaming in particular, need to address the obstacles holding their fantasy projects back. This is the way to get full runs and better responses.
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Brandon Sanderson Gives A Harsh Reminder Of Hollywood’s Epic Fantasy Problem After Wheel of Time Cancellation
Brandon Sanderson recently commented on The Wheel of Time’s cancellation, and his point applies to the broader fantasy genre in Hollywood.
Brandon Sanderson’s analysis of fantasy on streaming offers some insight, as it does seem like Hollywood is attempting to fit these projects into an episodic model that doesn’t quite work. Budgetary constraints may also factor in, though studios continue to pick up the rights to fantasy stories despite this. Perhaps if they were given a chance to thrive, they’d eventually prove financially fruitful.
This is where a proper Game of Thrones replacement could come in handy, as it could rejuvenate companies’ hopes in the genre.
This is where a proper Game of Thrones replacement could come in handy, as it could rejuvenate companies’ hopes in the genre. Right now, it feels like streamers and networks are trying to capitalize on the success of fantasy without having any real faith in it. If a season doesn’t land as well as they hope, they cancel it without further ado, even after investing time and money into it.
Fantasy Television Badly Needs A Game Of Thrones Replacement
Another Successful Fantasy Show Could Make The Genre A Priority Again
Fantasy shows need more of a chance in this era of streaming, and another series as successful as Game of Thrones could earn the genre more grace. The category was a huge priority on the heels of the HBO series’ success, but it seems like streamers are accepting that it’s too difficult to replicate it. But one huge success could change the bleak outlook for fantasy shows, proving that they deserve a greater investment.
The catch is that a proper Game of Thrones replacement probably shouldn’t feel too similar to the fantasy hit at all; it will need to be its own thing, with its appeal feeling organic rather than based on prior financial gains. Hopefully, something that reaches the same audience as Game of Thrones and feels as groundbreaking emerges soon. The genre is badly in need of it.
Game Of Thrones
10/10
- Release Date
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2011 – 2019-00-00
- Showrunner
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David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
- Directors
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David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff
