After the overwhelming success ofGame of Thrones,many new fantasy shows were released and labeled “the nextGame of Thrones”,yet the best follow-up to the series doesn’t have anything to do with dragons. ThoughtheGame of Thronesbookswere published in the mid-1990s, the series didn’t really take off until its TV adaptation hit HBO in 2011.The show centers on two families, the Starks and the Lannisters, as they fight for control of the Iron Throne. With dragons, politics, and intense violence,Game of Thronesquickly became a pillar of modern American television.
After its finale in 2019,HBO and other streaming services were desperate to findthe nextGame of Thrones.Every platform wanted its own highly successful series, and reasonably, started pushing out shows that were similar in themes and content. For example,Netflix releasedThe Witcherand Amazon Prime Video premieredWheel of Time.All three shows had many elements in common. They were dark fantasy book-to-TV adaptations with complex plots and big casts. Yet, nothing could really compare to this other HBO show that was completely different fromGame of Thrones.
Succession Beat All The Other “New Game Of Thrones” As The Next Prestige Hit
How Succession Beat Out Other Major Franchises
In reality, the show that is most unexpectedly likeGame of ThronesisSuccession.Series likeThe Witcherwere definitely reminiscent ofGame of Thrones,with their medieval fantasy settings and horrifying monsters. However,it wasSuccessionthat was able to focus on what truly madeGame of Thronesso good: social politics. While the lore and worldbuilding ofGame of Thronesis definitely appealing, the best aspect of the show is the ways in which the characters interact. The betrayals, the allyships, and the dynamic conflicts madeGame of Thronesjuicy and captivating.
Successionran for four seasons from 2018 to 2023.
Ultimately,Successionused the same strategy. Despite being set in the real world and focusing onthe Roy family’smedia conglomerate,Succession’ssocial set-up is very similar toGame of Thrones.Each character has a stake in the prize (either the Iron Throne or the CEO position) and audiences are made to decide who is the best candidate. Then, they watch as every character constantly belittles and harms their peers to get what they want. Watching families fight, love, and compete seems to be the core of good television.
Succession Was A Reminder That Game Of Thrones’ Appeal Wasn’t Just The Fantasy
Good TV Doesn’t Follow One Formula
Succession’ssuccess proves where streaming platforms went wrong when trying to recreate the success ofGame of Thrones.The platforms made new fantasy shows, assuming that audiences wanted more dragons and more violence. Yet, what people really cared about were interesting characters in well-built worlds.BothGame of ThronesandSuccessionprovide amazing storytelling that is character-focusedand thorough. That is what Netflix and Prime Video should have been looking for.
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In the end,good TV never follows one simple formula. Although a certain genre or storyline may become popular at a certain time, using that genre or storyline is never a guarantee of success. The only way to really interest audiences is to create a world and a cast of characters that is riveting. By doing this, the genre and the special effects don’t really matter as much. To become the nextGame of Thrones,HBO needed a strong story, not more dragons.
Game Of Thrones
Cast
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
Succession
Succession is a Black Comedy and Satire television show created by Jesse Armstrong. It stars Hiam Abbass, Nicholas Braun, Brian Cox, and Kieran Culkin and follows the story of an aging conglomerate owner as he deals with his declining health and the sudden realization that one of his children will soon inherit his position and run his company.
