The 12 Best Shows Like 'House of the Dragon' (That Are Not 'Game of Thrones')

Over the course of eight years, fans have journeyed to the lands of Westeros in HBO's groundbreaking fantasy series, Game of Thrones. And now, they can dive into the history of the Targaryen dynasty with HBO’s equally brilliant prequel, House of the Dragon—complete with Easter eggs and jaw-dropping twists. 

Perhaps you’re drawn to the nuanced female characters, or maybe it’s the drama and political intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Lucky for you, there are several shows like House of the Dragon that tackle similar themes, from Tudors to Vikings: Valhalla. Keep reading for 12 binge-worthy series to keep you occupied as you wait for House of the Dragon season two. 

• Cast: Jeremy Irons, François Arnaud, Holliday Grainger
• Rating: TV-MA

If you live for those the surprise twists that George R.R. Martin is famous for, then you’ll love The Borgias. Set in Renaissance-era Italy, the historical drama follows Rodrigo Borgia and his family as they plot and scheme in their quest for money and power, with Rodrigo ultimately becoming the pope. There’s no shortage of political themes and the characters are compelling, but it’s the storytelling that’ll keep you watching.

• Cast: Alexander Dreymon, Rutger Hauer, David Dawson
• Rating: 18+

Set in 9th- to 10th-century England, this captivating historical series depicts the birth of England through the lens of a warrior named Uhtred Ragnarsson, who embarks on a mission to reclaim his birthright. But as it turns out, he’s torn between two cultural identities. Fans of House of the Dragon will undoubtedly be drawn to the violence and power politics throughout the show.

• Cast: Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Gabriel Byrne, Clive Standen, Gustaf Skarsgard
• Rating: TV-14

Want to brush up on your history? Follow the story of legendary Viking Ragnar Lodbrok, who starts off as a farmer and then rises to become a Scandinavian king after raiding England. We’ll admit, it’s not 100 percent historically accurate, but like House of the Dragon, it deals with rivalry, family dynamics and power. Even better? The performances are phenomenal.

• Cast: Sam Corlett, Leo Suter, Frida Gustavsson
• Rating: TV-MA

As soon as you get through Vikings, do yourself a favor and start watching this sequel. The drama series, which takes place a century after the events of its predecessor, focuses on Leif Eriksson's conquests during the Viking Age. Aside from the bloody violence, this show also features strong and complex female characters—like Rhaenyra’s personality twin, Emma of Normandy.

• Cast: Lee Jones, Katey Sagal, Stephen Moyer
• Rating: TV-MA

In 14th-century Wales, a Welsh knight named Wilkin Brattle decides to lay down his sword and lead a peaceful life as a farmer after seeing a divine apparition. Unfortunately, the violence from his past continues to follow him wherever he goes, forcing him to return to the bloody sword and lead a double life.

• Cast: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Henry Cavill, Anthony Brophy
• Rating: TV-MA

The Tudors follows the reign of King Henry VIII in 16th-century England, as well as his complicated love life and close-knit relationship with his advisor, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. It’s worth noting that the series took a lot of creative licenses with the facts, but they make for one intriguing series, with soap opera-worthy drama that gets juicier with each episode.

• Cast: Polly Walker, Ciaran Hinds, James Purefoy
• Rating: 18+

Get a more intimate look at the final days of the Roman Republic in this riveting HBO drama, which tells the story of Rome's transition into an autocratic empire. While it features prominent figures like Julius Caesar and Pompey Magnus, the series focuses on Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo—two soldiers whose lives are changed dramatically during this period.

• Cast: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan
• Rating: TV-MA

Cavill shines as the infamous Witcher, a skilled monster hunter who makes a living by hunting down magical creatures. Sure, the plot isn't very similar to House of the Dragon, but there’s plenty of action and fantasy. Plus, it explores the fascinating question of whether humans are worse than beasts, diving into themes like war, politics and prejudice.

• Cast: Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney
• Rating: 16+

If you really enjoyed the fantasy elements in House of the Dragon, then you can count on Wheel of Time to help fill that void. Based on Robert Jordan’s namesake novel, the series revolves around Moiraine Damodred, a woman who can access magic. As the dark one sets out to control the planet, she searches for the "Dragon Reborn,” a powerful legend who might be the key to saving the world.

• Cast: Morfydd Clark, Lenny Henry, Markella Kavenagh, Dylan Smith
• Rating: TV-14

Given that both House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power are inspired by massively successful franchises, it comes as no surprise that critics have made comparisons between the two. In case you’re unfamiliar with the LOTR spin-off, it depicts the major events of Middle-Earth's Second Age, including the forging of the Rings of Power. Expect all the swords, dragons and fearless heroines.

• Cast: Jessica Parker Kennedy, Tom Hopper, Zach McGowan
• Rating: TV-MA

Think House of the Dragon, but with less fantasy elements and way more pirates. The historical adventure series follows Captain Flint and his pirates as they hunt for treasure and fight to defend the New Providence Island during the 18th-century.

• Cast: Elizabeth Gillies, Grant Show, Rafael De La Fuente
• Rating: TV-14

In this remake of the ’80s soap opera, two uber-rich families go head-to-head in a quest for fame and power. Opulent castles, high society fashion and gasp-worthy scandals are just a few reasons why you’ll become an avid watcher.