The Best HBO Shows To Watch After Finishing House Of The Dragon

The Best HBO Shows To Watch After Finishing House Of The Dragon

Highlights

  • House of the Dragon
    , the prequel to
    Game of Thrones
    , continues the intense politicking and dragon warfare set 200 years before.
  • HBO’s high-quality shows like
    House of the Dragon
    showcase prestige TV elements that captivate audiences with drama and action.
  • Succession, The Sopranos,
    and
    Band of Brothers
    offer gripping storytelling and complex characters similar to those in
    House of the Dragon
    .

As a lover of historical dramas and a dedicated fan of House of the Dragon, I found myself drawn to these three shows – The Wire, The Gilded Age, and Rome – each offering a unique perspective on different eras and societies.


The second season of “House of the Dragon” has been a huge triumph for HBO, as the fantasy series builds on the success of its predecessor, “Game of Thrones.” As a prequel to HBO’s most popular show, “House of the Dragon” delves into the storyline known as the Dance of Dragons, which takes place 200 years before “Game of Thrones.” In this period, House Targaryen is shown tearing each other apart through intense political machinations and fierce dragon battles.

As season 2 draws to a close, viewers might find themselves pondering “which series to explore next“, given that HBO boasts an extensive collection of top-tier programs that have left indelible marks on popular culture. Notably, many outstanding aspects and elements of “House of the Dragon” can be found in numerous other HBO shows, solidifying the network’s reputation as the go-to destination for premium television content.

8 Game Of Thrones

Fantasy Epic And HBO’s Biggest Franchise

The Best HBO Shows To Watch After Finishing House Of The Dragon
Release April 17, 2011 – May 19, 2019
Genre(s) Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Cast Sean Bean, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Jason Momoa

When “Game of Thrones” debuted in 2011, few anticipated the extraordinary achievement and global acclaim that George R.R. Martin’s stories would garner on TV screens, effectively making Westeros a dominant force in premium television for nearly a decade.

In the widely acclaimed TV series known as “Game of Thrones,” an epic fantasy saga, numerous characters like Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister emerged, becoming cultural sensations due to their captivating stories, distinctive traits, and impactful actions. These individuals have become familiar names in households everywhere. The global popularity of “Game of Thrones” even led to the creation of its prequel, titled “House of the Dragon,” which attempts to emulate its success by incorporating many aspects from the original show.

7 Succession

Political Drama That Sees Family Fight For Control Of A Media Empire

The Best HBO Shows To Watch After Finishing House Of The Dragon
Release June 3, 2018 – May 28, 2023
Genre(s) Drama, Political, Black Comedy
Cast Jeremy Strong, Brian Cox, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Matthew Macfadyen

Following its last season in 2023, the acclaimed series “Succession” earned a spot among HBO’s most prestigious productions. The show centers around the power-struggles within the wealthy Roy family as they jockey for control of their colossal media empire, Waystar Royco. With engaging dialogue and a unique blend of dark wit, “Succession” stands out among TV shows for its exceptional balance of drama and humor.

In the show Succession, while there’s ongoing debate over who controls Waystar Royco, the core theme revolves around the complex dynamics within the Roy family. Their persistent rivalry and betrayal bear a striking resemblance to the political machinations seen in House of the Dragon.

6 The Sopranos

Mob Family Drama That Changed How TV Protagonists Are Viewed

The Best HBO Shows To Watch After Finishing House Of The Dragon
Release January 10, 1999 – June 10, 2007
Genre(s) Crime, Drama, Black Comedy
Cast James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Edie Falco, Joe Pantoliano, Steve Buscemi

One could say that The Sopranos, an iconic show on HBO, is often hailed as one of the best ever made. It revolutionized television programming as we know it. The story revolves around Tony Soprano, a mob boss, who seeks help from a therapist to manage his frequent panic attacks stemming from both personal and professional troubles.

One major reason behind the popularity of “The Sopranos” was its groundbreaking portrayal of an antihero in its lead character, Tony. Throughout the series, Tony is frequently depicted as a detrimental figure who causes distress and dread to other characters, keeping viewers hooked to witness his actions and understand his intentions. Beyond the show’s exceptional narrative and well-crafted characters, “The Sopranos” has significantly influenced modern television by delving into uncharted territories with its exploration of themes like mental health, sexuality, and race – topics that were rarely tackled in high-profile productions when it first aired.

5 Band Of Brothers

Limited Series That Tells Of The Horrors Of War

The Best HBO Shows To Watch After Finishing House Of The Dragon
Release September 9, 2001 – November 4, 2001
Genre(s) War, Action, Drama, Historical
Cast Damian Lewis, David Schwimmer, Ron Livingston

In terms of portrayals of war, “Band of Brothers” is widely recognized as one of the greatest and most haunting ever produced, as it vividly illustrates the harsh realities of combat from the perspective of Easy Company’s experiences.

Over a single season, the miniseries “Band of Brothers” offers an authentic portrayal of a true World War II tale. Its raw and captivating depiction is based on the narratives of American war veterans, showcasing their shared experiences in combat. In “Band of Brothers,” the actions of Easy Company during the conflict provide a startlingly realistic viewing experience, unlike anything previously shown on TV when it was first broadcasted.

4 The Last Of Us

Post-Apocalyptic America Caused By Zombie Infection

The Best HBO Shows To Watch After Finishing House Of The Dragon
Release January 15, 2023 – Present
Genre(s) Post-apocalyptic, Drama, Survival
Cast Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Nick Offerman

Drawing inspiration from the popular PlayStation and Naughty Dog video game series titled “The Last of Us“, this game has proven itself as a successful adaptation, with its HBO series swiftly establishing itself as one of the franchise’s marquee productions. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic America, where a zombie outbreak has left the remaining humans to scavenge and battle for survival. Joel, an experienced but troubled man, is tasked with escorting Ellie, a young girl, across the country in search of a cure for the epidemic.

In this gripping television series, the intricate connection between Joel and Ellie is compelling viewing, set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop similar to that seen in other HBO productions such as “House of the Dragon”.

3 The Wire

The War On Drugs Results In Many Casualties

The Best HBO Shows To Watch After Finishing House Of The Dragon
Release June 2, 2002 – March 9, 2008
Genre(s) Crime, Political, Drama
Cast Idris Elba, Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Michael K. Williams, Michael B. Jordan

Within HBO’s collection of timeless dramas, you can find “The Wire,” a gripping crime series that delves into the complex world of Baltimore’s drug wars, involving gangs, law enforcement, and city officials. Often praised as one of the best TV shows ever made, “The Wire” stands out due to its nuanced portrayal of various societal strata, from the highest echelons of politics down to those directly impacted by the drug trade – users, dealers, and everyone in between.

Watching The Wire offers an intense and authentic portrayal of urban conflicts, such as gang battles and drug trafficking, that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. This gripping series is sure to appeal to fans of House of the Dragon, who enjoy complex characters embroiled in power struggles and fierce competition for dominance.

2 The Gilded Age

A Period Drama That Explores The Class System In Late-1800s New York

The Best HBO Shows To Watch After Finishing House Of The Dragon
Release January 24, 2022 – Present
Genre(s) Period Drama, Historical
Cast Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson

Brimming with sharp banter, opulent scenery, elegant attire, and strong female characters, The Gilded Age is a captivating HBO series that shares several traits with shows such as House of the Dragon. This fresh HBO historical production delves into the life of its protagonist, Marian Brooks, as she navigates the glamorous world of New York high society in the late 1800s.

During “The Gilded Age,” various topics are explored as Marian moves through high society. Inequality, wealth, and influence are recurring elements that create an engaging and captivating narrative.

1 Rome

Historical Drama That Details The Roman Empire

The Best HBO Shows To Watch After Finishing House Of The Dragon
Release August 28, 2005 – March 25, 2007
Genre(s) Historical, Drama, Action
Cast Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker, Kerry Condon

The TV series, titled “Rome,” was jointly produced by HBO and BBC, offering a dramatic portrayal of the ascension of the Roman Empire. Significant historical personalities like Julius Caesar and Pompey played pivotal roles in this historical narrative.

Although it ran for only two seasons due to financial constraints, the show “Rome” was widely praised for its historical authenticity and grandeur, marking a significant milestone in television history as one of the pioneers in this category. Filled with awe-inspiring sets and captivating narratives, “Rome” offers an engrossing and distinctive viewing experience that fans of “House of the Dragon” will find familiar, with its depiction of warfare and entertainment.

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2024-08-06 16:05