5 Political Period Dramas to Watch While You Wait for House of the Dragon Season 3

Coming off the raving success of its predecessor, HBO’s biggest hit ever Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon has quickly become a new favorite among fans of ruthless political dramas.

Despite all the backlash that the series has received ever since its first season was released back in 2022, House of the Dragon is still a compelling watch that tempts even those who have long considered it an audacious attempt to reimagine George Martin ’s Fire & Blood.

While there’s still more than a year before the show’s next instalment will arrive on streaming, House of the Dragon’s fans might want to fill the void with some other similar series that delve into the matter of harsh political games and epic historical events.

Mayfair Witches (2023 — )

Starring Alexandra Daddario in the leading role, the show is based on Anne Rice’s book of the same name and has many things that House of the Dragon’s fans might find familiar after finishing the latter’s two seasons.

Mayfair Witches explores themes of sibling rivalry, struggles for ultimate power and family complex relationships, following Daddario’s Neurosurgeon Dr. Rowan Fielding who finds out about her connection to the Mayfair dynasty of witches.

Those About To Die (2024 — )

The Anthony Hopkins-led historical drama with some Gladiator vibe, Those About To Die is another great option for George Martin’s fans at least because the show stars Game of Thrones’ actor Iwan Rheon.

Additionally, the series adapts the same atmosphere of cruel competition unfolding in the Roman Empire where everyone has to fight their way to social and political benefits.

Those About To Die came as a life saver for those who weren’t really impressed by House of the Dragon’s season 2, so many have high hopes for the show’s second instalment which might arrive on streaming at some point.

Vikings ( 2013 — 2020)

Inspired by the sagas about Ragnar Lothbrok, one of the most famous Norse heroes, the show follows the eponymous character’s adventures as he seeks some uncharted lands further in the west.

However, when Ragnar’s mission wraps with success, his village’s chieftain Earl Haraldson confronts him, and the outcome of their mutual disagreement is only seen on the battlefield where the two will eventually collide.

Just like House of the Dragon, Vikings is all about its characters striving for power in the new lands, which is why the show might be a perfect fit to dive deep into after finishing House of the Dragon’s second season.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power ( 2022 — )

With its events unfolding thousands of years before The Lord of the Rings picks the story up, The Rings of Power serves as a brilliantly made prequel to the famous franchise, captivating fans with its attention to the original source’s details and storylines.

The show primarily focuses on peace times in Middle-earth and then jumps to some key events, with the Rings of Power appearing and the Dark Lord Sauron commencing his way towards the ultimate power.

With two seasons released so far, The Rings of Power is an even more expensive TV project than House of the Dragon, as its budget is estimated as $1 billion.

The Last Kingdom (2015 — 2022)

An English story with House of the Dragon’s vibe, The Last Kingdom follows Uhtred, a Saxon raised by the Danes, who years later have to see his second family’s death when his home is set on fire.

Seeking ways to avenge his adoptive father Earl Ragnar’s tragic passing, Uhtred embarks on a double mission to bring his family’s killers down and reclaim his homeland by the birthright; the only problem is that at some point he must choose whether he wants to save his birth country or foreign people who rescued and then raised him.

The Last Kingdom is still considered one of the best medieval-themes series of modern times and can become a great watch for those who love to explore the inner world of such shows’ compelling characters.