Shows to Tide You Over Until the Return of Game of Thrones

"Fantasy" shoot with Sarah, we tried to be Game of Thrones-y

Are you anxiously awaiting the seventh season of Game of Thrones? Do you have heart palpitations because you've had to wait longer than usual for this season to begin? If so, I have some recommendations for TV shows  that might help calm the nerves whilst waiting for this much anticipated season.

1. The White Queen, STARZ
This show, based on the book of the same name by Philippa Gregory, is a fictionalized telling of the War of the Roses. It is gripping, violent, romantic, and eerie. It is told through the eyes of the women, so the Queen, her ladies, her enemies. The story begins just before Elizabeth Woodville marries King Edward of York, and ends just before the Battle of Bosworth. It has all the political intrigue of Game of Thrones, but you'll be learning a little history while you're trying to wrap your mind around each and every episode. The acting is superb, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the story is incredibly addicting. I dare you to not be hooked by this show.

2. The White Princess, STARZ
Once you've finished The White Queen and are dying to find out what happens after the Battle of Bosworth, watch the series surrounding Elizabeth Woodville's daughter. The first season of this show just ended, so it is extremely binge-able. It is very similar to The White Queen, but it has possibly even more intrigue. Added plus to watching this, it has quite a few actors from Game of Thrones who are no longer on the show because their characters have died. Once again, the acting is wonderful, costumes are beautiful, and the story is rather heartbreaking.

3. Outlander, STARZ
Outlander, based on the books of Diana Gabaldon, follows a WWII nurse as she falls through time and finds herself in 1743 Scotland. She is swept into clan life and finds herself drawn to Jamie Fraser, a man on the run from the British. The story follows these two as they run from the British, plot with Bonnie Prince Charlie, and sail across oceans.  It is full of bloody battles, addicting romance, betrayal, Scottish accents, and the beautiful landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. If you like men in kilts, strong women, and lots of action, Outlander is for you.

4. The Borgias, Showtime
This show, available on Netflix, is very binge-worthy. I think I watched all three of its seasons in about a weekend. It is definitely more bloody than the other three shows, so if you love the battles of Game of Thrones this is for you. The story follows Rodrigo Borgias, Pope Alexander VI, and his children Lucrezia, Cesare, and Giovanni (Juan). It is very dark, very dramatic, and very amusing. There is some wonderful character development, especially for Lucrezia and Cesare, that will make you want to click 'next episode' until you run out of episodes. That's what I did.

5. The Magicians, Sci Fi
The Magicians is also on Netflix, and is based on the series by Levi Grossman. The tv series is hilarious, whimsical, dark, and violent. It follows Quentin Coldwater as he enters a school that is similar to Hogwarts, but for American grad students. It's kind of like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, but for adults. The second season really has more of a Game of Thrones feel, but the first season is just as fun. There are gods, demons, magical libraries, immortal puppies, what more could you want from a tv show?

6. Vikings, History Channel
Vikings is just like Game of Thrones, just without the dragons. It follows Ragnar Lothbrok and his Viking adventures. There are a lot of bad-ass ladies, hunky men, and crazy battle scenes, so basically Game of Thrones. The landscape is absolutely gorgeous, and there are some truly breathtaking scenes. There are also quite a few very loveable characters that make even the 'boring' episodes worth watching. Sometimes Game of Thrones can't even do that.


So there ya go! A bunch of shows to tide you over while you wait for Game of Thrones season seven to begin. Enjoy the binge!!!