Game of Thrones: House of Dragon – 7 shows to binge before prequel

Vikings is a smash-hit series following the real-life stories of the Norse people who managed to invade and capture a large amount of Europe.

But amid all that was a series of power plays and leaders who were all trying to gain control… and most of them were family, which causes even more complications.

The series is led by Ragnar Lothbrok, who rises up the ranks from peasant to King thanks to his abilities as a warrior, but there are plenty ready to tear him down.

Season six is going to be the show’s last, with the first half already airing on Prime Video.

Vikings has built a huge cult following thanks to its intricate characters, attention to detail and gripping plot as they navigate love and war.

Sounds the perfect filler for the Game Of Thrones hole in our hearts.

The Witcher

Based on a novel and computer game of the same name, The Witcher is a fantasy series that tracks the adventures of Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill).

With run ins with the mysterious and beautiful Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra), and with lute-playing sidekick Jaskier (Joey Batey) by his side, warrior Geralt is tasked with finding and protecting the Princess Ciri (Freya Allen).

Oh, and Geralt also happens to be a superhuman monster hunter for good measure.

Season two is now in production, so now’s as good a time as any to get involved in the hyped-up show.

Outlander

Outlander made stars of Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe, and there’s five whole seasons for you to get addicted to. 

The show tracks World War II-era Claire Randall, who is transported through time back to 1743 Scotland. 

While there, she becomes attached to a group of Highlanders, falling in love and marrying Jamie Fraser in the process during the rising of the Jacobites. 

Crossing multiple landmark moments in history, Outlander is again based on a book collection by Diana Gabaldon. 

It has bloody battles, saucy sex scenes, and an intense love story you can’t help but get invested in.

It will also make you want a Scottish accent really bad.

The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom is based on Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories, and is set all the way back in 9 AD. 

Set in the Kingdom of Wessex, one of England’s last remaining kingdoms at the time, the story is led by Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who becomes enslaved in Northumbria after the death of his father. 

Being taken in by Earl Ragnar before his untimely demise, Uhtred makes vengeance his mission in a bid to save what he calls a home from the Vikings takeover. 

The show runs for four seasons – and it gets complicated as the importance of birthright, loyalty and heritage is tested.

Black Sails

If battles at sea and fantasy adventures is the side of Game Of Thrones you like the most, then Black Sails might be the story for you. 

Like House Of The Dragon, Black Sails is a prequel series, set 20 years before Robert Louis Stevenson classic Treasure Island. 

With a cast including Toby Stephens, Luke Arnold, and Tom Hopper (The Umbrella Academy), we’re introduced to the pirates in 1715 as they wreak havoc on the high seas. 

Wreaking havoc on any who cross their paths, the enemies of the state prove to be more than formidable opponents, but it’s what’s going on below deck that’s really going to keep you hooked. 

The Tudors

Based in 16th century England, The Tudors focuses on the reign of King Henry VIII – including his complicated love life, short temper and formation of his own church. 

With a reigning dynasty to live up to, Jonathan Rhy Meyers leads the sexy series as political and personal betrayal, battle for world dominance and paranoia begins to set in on him. 

The series is definitely an elaborated version of the real-life historical figures, but we have to admit – it’s addictive as hell. 

And there’s four whole seasons to get obsessed over.

Game Of Thrones

This may be cheating a little, but come on… you’re gonna need a rewatch of the OG series before the prequel drops.

In the series, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) is the last of her name, and is hellbent on reclaiming the Iron Throne she thinks was unfairly taken from her family.

We’ll leave you to watch what happens to her (though we suspect you have watched already and know).