10 TV Series to Watch If You Like Game of Thrones

There are different ways by which awesomeness can be measured. While series such as Game of Thrones can be described as awesome going by its scope and grandiosity, Breaking Bad scores a high point on the awesomeness chart by virtue of its plot intensity. Although Starz Da Vinci's Demons may not be in the same wheelhouse as GOT, Breaking Bad, Vikings or Spartacus, it still scores a point for its gleeful and nonchalant-ness. To enjoy the series you have to put aside everything you know about the historical Da Vinci and embrace the series leather-jacketed bad boy, who, although is a genius, has an unrelenting habit of bedding babes and smoking pot. Da Vinci's wealth of unrealized sketches is used as a starting point to portray a genius inventor turned black ops commando working at the behest of the Florentine Medici family against the evil manipulation of the Pope in Rome.

Although American Gods faced a lot of challenges during production, it is something worthy to watch for any fan of Game of Thrones. The series is based on Neil Gaiman's fantasy novel where old gods and modern gods battle over the control of the world. The ancient gods (Norse ruler Odin and African trickster Anansi) wander the Earth and derive their powers from just a few remaining believers, while the modern gods ruled over things like pop culture and technology. Caught in the middle of the strife between the gods is ex-con Shadow Moon and his recently deceased wife, Laura.

One thing Taboo is certain to be is divisive. While some people will be turned off by it, others will regard it a wee bit too far. But in reality, it is a brilliant drama. It tells the story of the adventurer James Keziah Delaney who returns to London in 1814 after 10 years in Africa to inherit what is left of his father's shipping empire and to also build a life for himself. Delaney soon finds himself at crosshairs with several business partners who want him dead by all means. He has to navigate through treacherous waters of betrayal, murder, and treachery.

It may not have the fantastical element that characterized Game of Thrones and other top sword fighting series, but The Last Kingdom enjoys great production values, compelling characters, and strong writing. This TV series tells the story of Uthred, the son of a Saxon nobleman, who was captured after Vikings (led by Ragnar) raided his homeland (Northumbria) and killed his father. Trained by the Vikings, Uthred would grow up to be a powerful warrior, but he finds himself at a crossroad where he is neither accepted as Saxon nor Dane. His loyalties are questioned when he seeks alignment with King Alfred of Wessex.

This HBO series may seem a bit heady for some viewers, but if you give it enough time and open your mind to it, you will come to love it. Based on Michael Crichton's novel, Westworld is a theme park that is populated by humanoids (robotic humans). Human customers visit the park to live out fantasies they can't possibly practice in the real world, which include having sex or killing the local cyborgs. At the end of the holiday the cyborgs are repaired, blood cleaned, and the narrative is re-booted, waiting for the next wave of visitors.

Outlander is one of the most unusual and intriguing series out there. It is somewhat difficult to define as it swerves between different genres and tones, however, it's based on the time travel romance book series by Diana Gabaldon. This, for some people, adds to the Starz series' appeal. Outlander tells the story of an English nurse named Claire post-WWII, who was transported back in time from 1945 to 1743. Although she struggles to get back to the present, she falls in love with Jamie in the past.

Black Sails is another sword and sand series that would be a delight to watch for any Game of Thrones fan. Black Sails is packed filled with high sea adventure, gory battles to the death, and quests for treasures, elements typical of pirate life. The central protagonist is Captain Flint, played by Toby Stephens. The captain is extremely obsessed over a gold-laden ship called the Urca de Lima. His obsession almost pushes his crew to the verge of mutiny. It is a highly acclaimed series worth watching.

Produced also by HBO, Rome opens in 52 B.C. and chronicles the political manipulations that brought Gaius Julius Caesar into power. Although there are many characters in the series that could be classified as main, the two central protagonists are Roman soldiers Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus, veterans of Caesar's 13th Legion. While Vorenus is a stalwart man who holds his family in his value, Pullo is a thug who lives by the moment and seeks carnal pleasure whenever he is not fighting. Belonging to the lower class, both men are helpless to affect the historic events happening around them but they are nonetheless affected by it.

This is by far one of GoT fans' favourite. Although some have described it as Game of Thrones lite, this is a very erroneous review. Vikings occupy its own space and it is a show that must be reckoned with and has created just as great following. The storyline centres around one family rather than the dozens and tells the story of a Viking, Ragnar Lothbrok, whose high ambitions cause him to venture out to discover new civilizations and conquer new lands.

Peaky Blinders is a gritty, character-driven crime drama set in post–World War I Birmingham, where power is earned through violence, loyalty, and ruthless ambition. At its centre is Thomas Shelby, the cunning and charismatic leader of the Peaky Blinders gang, whose calculated rise through the criminal underworld mirrors the political manoeuvring and morally grey leadership fans loved in Game of Thrones. With its atmospheric period setting, intense family dynamics, and slow-burning power struggles, Peaky Blinders earns its place in the 10 TV Series to Watch If You Like Game of Thrones collection as a gripping tale of empire-building — without dragons, but with just as much fire.