Honestly, it’s been seven years since that controversial finale in King’s Landing, and we’re all still kinda chasing that high. You know the one. That specific mix of "oh my god they just killed the main character" and "how does the tax policy of this fictional kingdom actually work?"
The search for the best TV series similar to Game of Thrones usually leads people down two paths: you either want dragons and ice zombies, or you want the backstabbing, political maneuvering, and high-stakes drama that made the early seasons so legendary.
It's 2026. The landscape has changed. We’ve had big-budget swings and even bigger misses. But right now, there’s actually a solid lineup of shows that scratch that Westerosi itch without just being cheap knockoffs.
The current king: Shōgun and the 2026 update
If you haven't watched Shōgun yet, you’re basically missing out on what critics and fans have universally dubbed "Game of Thrones in feudal Japan." It swept the Emmys for a reason. It has that same DNA—factions vying for a title (Shōgun instead of King), intricate alliances that shift over a cup of tea, and a sense of mounting dread that actually pays off.
Production for Season 2 just kicked off this January in Vancouver.
Here’s the thing: Season 2 is going to be a massive leap. We’re looking at a 10-year time jump from the first season's finale. Hiroyuki Sanada is back as Toranaga, and Cosmo Jarvis is returning as Blackthorne, but the world will look different. They’ve added Masataka Kubota and Asami Kizukawa to the cast to fill out the new political vacuum. Since they’re filming right now, don’t expect to see it on Hulu or Disney+ until mid-2027, but the first season remains the gold standard for "Thrones-style" storytelling today.
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Why A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the show to watch right now
While we wait for House of the Dragon Season 3 (which Matt Smith recently hinted is eyeing an August 2026 return), we actually have a brand-new ticket back to Westeros.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiered just days ago on January 18, 2026.
It's different. Smaller. Honestly, it’s refreshing.
Based on George R.R. Martin’s "Dunk and Egg" novellas, it follows a massive hedge knight and his tiny, bald squire. There are no dragons here. No white walkers. It’s a ground-level look at the Seven Kingdoms about 90 years before Ned Stark lost his head. It feels more like a "buddy comedy" set in a world where everyone is still trying to kill you. HBO even moved it to the 10 PM slot, traditionally reserved for their tighter, more experimental shows. If you loved the "Arya and The Hound" or "Brienne and Jaime" road-trip vibes, this is your new obsession.
The fantasy heavyweights: What’s left?
The "streaming wars" tried to give us a dozen GoT replacements. Some survived. Some didn't.
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The Witcher's final stand
Netflix just confirmed that The Witcher will end with Season 5, which is currently in post-production and slated for a late 2026 release. It’s been a rocky road. Season 4, which dropped late last year, saw Liam Hemsworth take over as Geralt. Viewership took a 51% dive compared to the previous season, which is... not great. But if you’re a completionist, the final season aims to wrap up Ciri's prophecy. It’s got the grit, but it often lacks the tight political logic that made GoT work.
The Rings of Power: Season 3
Filming for Season 3 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power wrapped in December 2025. We're looking at a late 2026 release on Prime Video. This season is jumping forward several years to the height of the war between the Elves and Sauron. Expect way more action and significantly more CGI than its peers. It’s "Epic" with a capital E, even if it feels a bit more "Good vs. Evil" than the morally grey muck of Westeros.
The Wheel of Time: The end of the road?
If you were looking for The Wheel of Time Season 4, I have bad news. The show was effectively cancelled. While Season 3 was highly rated, Amazon apparently decided the cost-to-viewer ratio wasn't hitting the marks. If you want to finish Rand al'Thor's story, you're going to have to hit the library and tackle those 14 massive books.
Hidden gems and historical grit
Sometimes the best TV series similar to Game of Thrones isn't fantasy at all.
- The Last Kingdom (Netflix): If you want the "rightful heir reclaiming his home" plot, watch this. Uhtred of Bebbanburg is basically what would happen if Jon Snow had a sense of humor and better hair. The movie Seven Kings Must Die wrapped it up, but the whole series is a masterpiece of historical warfare.
- Black Sails (Starz/Netflix): This is literally "Game of Thrones with Pirates." I'm not joking. It has some of the best character arcs in television history. The first season is a bit slow, but Seasons 2 through 4 are flawless political thrillers.
- Succession (HBO): I know, it’s about a media mogul in New York. But tell me the Roy siblings aren't just the Lannisters in tailored suits. The "who will inherit the throne" energy is identical.
Actionable insights for your 2026 watchlist
Don't just scroll through Netflix for three hours.
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If you want high fantasy politics, start House of the Dragon (rewatch) or The Rings of Power.
If you want gritty realism and swords, go with The Last Kingdom or Shōgun.
If you want character-driven adventure in Westeros, watch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms right now—the first episodes are already airing.
The trick to finding a show like GoT is realizing that the "fantasy" was always the secondary draw. The real hook was the characters making impossible choices. Focus on the writing quality over the number of dragons on screen, and you'll find your next favorite binge much faster.
To get the most out of the current season, you should check your Max subscription status for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and clear your schedule for Sunday nights again. For the deep-lore fans, re-reading the "Dunk and Egg" stories will give you a massive leg up on the foreshadowing happening in the new series.