The best shows to fill the void after ‘The Wheel of Time’
The best shows to fill the void after ‘The Wheel of Time’
If you’re not ready to leave the world of magic, prophecy, and epic battles, these shows will keep you going.
I started watching “The Wheel of Time” as a way to fill the “Game of Thrones”–shaped hole in my life, and honestly? It worked. What started as a solid Thrones substitute quickly found its own rhythm — with layered mythology, big battles, and a world that feels just as vast and dangerous. Now, with the Season 3 finale set for Thursday, April 17, it’s time to start thinking about what’s next. Whether you’re chasing more magic, more power struggles, or just more epic storytelling, here are four shows that’ll keep your fantasy streak going strong.
The Wheel of Time
The lives of five young villagers change forever when a strange and powerful woman arrives, claiming one of them is the child of an ancient prophecy with the power to tip the balance between Light and Dark forever. They must choose whether to trust this stranger – and each other – with the fate of the world before the Dark One breaks out of His prison, and the Last Battle begins.
Loved ‘The Wheel of Time’? Watch: ‘Game of Thrones’
I know — it’s the obvious pick. But if, in some alternate universe, you haven’t watched “Game of Thrones,” I’m genuinely jealous. Experiencing this show for the first time is a gift. Like “The Wheel of Time,” it drops you into a massive, richly detailed world full of ancient prophecies, powerful factions, and characters you’ll love (and love to hate).
Both series start with multiple storylines that feel disconnected but slowly start to intertwine in ways that are super satisfying. And while “Wheel of Time” leans into magic and destiny, “Game of Thrones” builds tension around politics, betrayal, and raw human ambition.
That said, “Thrones” is definitely darker and way more brutal. This isn’t a good-vs-evil fantasy — it’s more like good-ish vs. awful, with a lot of grey in between. The people whom you think are safe? They’re not. The people whom you think are the worst? Sometimes they get worse. It’s violent, intense, and at times deeply cynical, but it’s also completely gripping. The scale of the world, the twists, the dragons — it’s a full-on epic. So yeah, if you’re still in fantasy mode post-“Wheel of Time,” this one’s essential viewing.
Game of Thrones
Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the farthest north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night’s Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and icy horrors beyond.
Check out ‘The Witcher’
If what pulled you into “The Wheel of Time” was the magic, the monster lore, and the feeling that danger could strike at any moment, then “The Witcher” is right up your alley. It’s got that same sprawling fantasy vibe, with different kingdoms, powerful sorcerers, and mysterious prophecies in play. Plus, Geralt of Rivia — played by a very grumbly but very charismatic Henry Cavill — has that reluctant hero energy that fans of Rand will definitely appreciate. There’s even a chosen one storyline that bubbles up as the show goes on, along with some wild magical battles and political schemes.
The big difference? “The Witcher” is messier — in a good way. It leans harder into creature-hunting action and gritty side quests that feel pulled straight out of an RPG. It’s less about destiny on a grand scale and more about surviving one bad situation at a time. The tone is also darker and more sarcastic, especially early on, and the timeline jumps in Season 1 can be a bit confusing (so don’t feel bad if you have to Google what’s going on). But once it locks in, it’s a super fun, super violent ride through a brutal world full of cursed monsters, haunted forests, and complicated characters. If you like your fantasy a little bloodier and a lot snarkier, this one’s a must.
The Witcher
Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster-hunter for hire, journeys toward his destiny in a turbulent world where people often prove more wicked than beasts.
Don’t miss ‘See’
If “The Wheel of Time” got you hooked with its warrior clans, prophetic children, and world-on-the-brink stakes, then “See” might surprise you. Set in a brutal future where nearly everyone has lost the ability to see, this show builds a fantasy world that feels just as epic and lived-in — but with a post-apocalyptic twist. Jason Momoa stars as Baba Voss, a fierce tribal leader who’ll do anything to protect his family, especially when it turns out his adopted children can do the unthinkable: they can see. That gift, in a world that fears it, makes them targets, and suddenly Baba is fighting not just for survival, but for the future of humanity.
Where “Wheel of Time” leans into magic and ancient forces, “See” is all about raw instinct, close-quarter battles, and survival strategy. It’s less spellcasting, more smashing skulls with a homemade war hammer. But the emotional arcs still hit, especially around family, sacrifice, and legacy. It also looks amazing — the world-building is super detailed, with forest fortresses, underground cities, and rival factions with their own cultures and beliefs. If you’re into fantasy but want something a little grittier and more grounded, this is a great detour.
See
A virus has decimated humankind. Those who survived emerged blind. Centuries later when twins are born with the mythic ability to see, their father must protect his tribe against a threatened queen.
One more: ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’
“The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” feels like it was built just for “Wheel of Time” fans. It’s got the same sweeping landscapes, the same deep mythology, and that same feeling that something ancient and dangerous is slowly waking up. The show is set way before Frodo and the Ring — back when elves, dwarves, and men were still trying to figure out how to live in the same world without burning it down. It’s all about rising evil, reluctant heroes, and the kind of epic stakes that make even quiet moments feel charged.
Where “Wheel of Time” leans more into character prophecy and magic systems, “Rings of Power” is broader and more about the rise and fall of entire civilizations. It’s slower in pace and a bit more poetic — lots of big speeches and moody stares — but if you like lore, this show delivers. It’s also one of the best-looking shows ever made. The visuals are wild, like, “pause it just to stare” levels of pretty. It’s not as action-heavy as some of the others on this list, but if you want more high-fantasy world-building with major end-of-the-world energy, this one should be in your queue.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Beginning in a time of relative peace, we follow an ensemble cast of characters as they confront the re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.
More to watch after finishing ‘The Wheel of Time’
‘Shadow and Bone’ | Netflix
Shadow and Bone
In a world cleaved in two by a massive barrier of perpetual darkness, a young soldier uncovers a power that might finally unite her country. But as she struggles to hone her power, dangerous forces plot against her. Thugs, thieves, assassins and saints are at war now, and it will take more than magic to survive.
‘His Dark Materials’ | Max
His Dark Materials
Lyra is an orphan who lives in a parallel universe in which science, theology and magic are entwined. Her search for a kidnapped friend uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen children and turns into a quest to understand a mysterious phenomenon called Dust. She is later joined on her journey by Will, a boy who possesses a knife that can cut windows between worlds. As she learns the truth about her parents and her prophesied destiny, the two young people are caught up in a war against celestial powers that ranges across many worlds.
‘Foundation’ | Apple TV+
Foundation
Follow a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.
‘House of the Dragon’ | Max
House of the Dragon
The Targaryen dynasty is at the absolute apex of its power, with more than 15 dragons under their yoke. Most empires crumble from such heights. In the case of the Targaryens, their slow fall begins when King Viserys breaks with a century of tradition by naming his daughter Rhaenyra heir to the Iron Throne. But when Viserys later fathers a son, the court is shocked when Rhaenyra retains her status as his heir, and seeds of division sow friction across the realm.
‘The Last Kingdom’ | Netflix
The Last Kingdom
A show of heroic deeds and epic battles with a thematic depth that embraces politics, religion, warfare, courage, love, loyalty and our universal search for identity. Combining real historical figures and events with fictional characters, it is the story of how a people combined their strength under one of the most iconic kings of history in order to reclaim their land for themselves and build a place they call home.
‘The Mandalorian’ | Disney+
The Mandalorian
After the fall of the Galactic Empire, lawlessness has spread throughout the galaxy. A lone gunfighter makes his way through the outer reaches, earning his keep as a bounty hunter.