Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2 has been a massive success forHBO, with the fantasy epiccontinuing the success of its predecessor,Game of Thrones. As the prequel to HBO’s biggest hit,House of the Dragonfollows the story of the Dance of Dragons, set 200 years beforeGame of Thrones, with House Targaryen destroying each other through intense politicking and dragon warfare.
With season 2 coming to an end, audiences may wonderwhat series to start next, with HBO having a wide variety of high-quality shows that have made their mark on pop culture. Many of the best aspects and elements ofHouse of the Dragonappear in several of HBO’s shows, with the iconic network making itself the destination for prestige television.
Cast
Sean Bean, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Emilia Clarke, Jason Momoa
WhenGame of Throneswas released in 2011, no one could have foreseen the success and worldwide popularity of George R.R. Martin’s worki in television form, with Westeros becoming the home of prestige television for almost a decade.
The fantasy epic that spawned eight seasons saw the battle for the Iron Throne cultivate many victims while the danger from the North started to emerge. InGame of Thrones, characters such as Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Tyrion Lannister became some of the most iconic characters in television and pop culture, with their journeys, personalities, and actions making them household names.Game of Thrones’international fame was enough to createHouse of the Dragonas its prequel, with the show taking many elements ofGame of Thronesto try and replicate its success.
Jeremy Strong, Brian Cox, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Matthew Macfadyen
Fresh off its final season in 2023,Successionentered the pantheon of elite HBO shows, with the drama focusing on the Roy family and their plans for the succession of their multi-billion dollar media company, Waystar Royco. Filled with enthralling dialogue and dark humor unlike anything on television,Successionis one of the few shows in television history with the perfect blend of drama and comedy.
Despite the control of Waystar Royco being in constant discussion, the crux ofSuccessioncomes down to the Roy family and its members, with the constant rivalry and backstabbing being an aspect that mirrorsHouse of the Dragon.
James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Edie Falco, Joe Pantoliano, Steve Buscemi
The Sopranosis considered one of the greatest shows of all time, with the HBO classic transforming the medium of television programming. The series followsTony Soprano, a mob boss, who begins talkingto a therapist to help deal with recurring panic attacks caused by family issues and work affairs
One of the most significant factors inThe Sopranos’success was that it was one of the first shows to have its main character be an antihero. In the show, Tony is often shown to be a toxic individual who inflicts pain and horror onto other characters, with audiences following the character’s every move to see his behavior and motives. BesidesThe Sopranos’masterful storytelling and excellent cast of characters, the show has inspired much of current television, withThe Sopranosexploring themes and content such as mental health, sexuality, and race, which was a first for a high-profile show when it was airing.
Damian Lewis, David Schwimmer, Ron Livingston
When it comes to depictions of war,Band of Brothersranks among the best and most chilling of all time, with the show depicting the brutality of war through the eyes of a Easy Company’s retelling of events.
Lasting only one season,Band of Brothers’realistic portrayal of a real-life story from World War 2is visceral and compelling, with the limited series using the accounts of American war veterans to depict their experiences alongside their comrades. InBand of Brothers, Easy Company’s exploits during the war make for shocking viewing, unlike anything shown on television when it aired.
Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Nick Offerman
Based on the successful video game seriesby PlayStation and Naughty Dog,The Last Of Usis an example of a successful video game adaptation, with the HBO series instantly becoming one of its flagship shows. Set in a post-apocalyptic America where a zombie infection has left human survivors to scavenge and fight for their survival, an experienced but troubled man named Joel must take Ellie, a young girl, across the country to find a cure for the zombie epidemic.
In this riveting drama, the relationship dynamic between Joel and Ellie makes for must-see TV, with their complex bond taking place in a disfigured world reminiscent of other HBO shows likeHouse of the Dragon.
Crime, Political, Drama
Idris Elba, Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Michael K. Williams, Michael B. Jordan
Among HBO’s catalog of classic dramas isThe Wire, a crime drama that seesgangs, police, and politiciansnavigate the drug wars in Baltimore. Acclaimed as one of the greatest television shows of all time,The Wire’sstrengths lie in its exploration of the different sectors of society, ranging from the elites of politics to the users and gang members affected by the drug trade.
The Wire’svivid and realistic storytelling of gang warfare and the trade of narcotics make for a captivating and harrowing watch, with its gang violence and turf wars being engrossing for fans ofHouse of the Dragon, who seek a variety of characters engaged in conflict and a fight for control.
Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson
Filled with snappy dialogue, luscious sets, exquisite costumes, and powerful women,The Gilded Ageis an HBO showthat has many similarities to series likeHouse of the Dragon. The new HBO period drama follows the main character, Marian Brooks, who becomes part of the high life of New York society during the late-1800s.
The Gilded Agetouches on many subjects while Marian traverses the social scene, with class, money, and power all being themes present throughout the show, leading to a riveting and intoxicating drama.
Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker, Kerry Condon
Romewas an HBO and BBC production focused on the rise of the Roman Empire, with historical figures such as Julius Caesar and Pompey being prominent characters in the historical drama.
Despite ending after just two seasons for budgeting reasons,Romewas highly acclaimed for its historical accuracy and scale, with the show being a TV epic, one of the first of its kind. Filled with jaw-dropping set pieces and enthralling drama,Romeis an immersive and unique series that brings an element of warfare and entertainmentthatHouse of the Dragonfans know and love.
