HBO’s “Game of Thrones” is done for another year, and now suddenly your Sunday nights have a big gaping hole in them. How do you deal with the withdrawals? Here are some shows to get “Thrones” fans through the offseason.
For those who still need appointment TV on Sunday nights: “Preacher”
Network: AMC
While “GoT” was grabbing everyone’s attention, AMC brought out a new show based on Garth Ennis’ cult hit comic book series. The show follows Jesse Custer, a Texas preacher who teams up with his hitman ex and an Irish vampire to find God in a world of religious madness.
Word of warning: “Preacher” is proving to be a slow burn. After the frantic pace of “Thrones,” switching over to this series may require patience.
For those who like social commentary with their fantasy: “The Legend of Korra”
Network: Nickelodeon
A sequel to the critically acclaimed “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” “The Legend of Korra” became a masterpiece in its own right with its gorgeous animation, strong characters and a final scene that pushed the boundaries of LGBT depiction in children’s TV. The first two seasons are available on Nick.com.
For those who like power struggles: “Rome”
Network: HBO
This historical drama was canceled after two seasons for its mammoth budget, but the 22 episodes we did get are satisfying enough. The first season follows the rise and fall of Julius Caesar, while the second depicts the struggle to fill the power vacuum Caesar left behind.
It’s all told from the perspectives of the soldiers who fought for Rome during this turmoil. The show can be streamed on HBO Go and Amazon.
For those who like GoT’s gruesome carnage: “Penny Dreadful”
Network: Showtime
This gothic horror series came to an end after three seasons, but you can still watch it on Hulu. The show features an all-star collection of Victorian horror icons played by an all-star cast of British actors including Timothy Dalton, Eva Green and Billie Piper. It’s ghastly, gory drama that’s impossible to look away from.
For fans of the Free Folk and the North: “Vikings”
Network: History
Since it airs on History rather than HBO, “Vikings” isn’t as explicit with the sex and violence as “GoT” but has a much tighter story arc.
It follows the rise of Ragnar Lothbrok from simple farmer to King of Denmark, becoming the scourge of the Franks and Saxons along the way. The series is available on Netflix.
For those who need someone to hate now that Ramsay’s dead: “Jessica Jones”
Network: Netflix
There is no villain more depraved and monstrous in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe than Jessica Jones’ nemesis, Kilgrave. With the ability to force people to do things against their will, he has traumatized everyone who has crossed paths with him. He’s also played by David Tennant, who sheds his “Doctor Who” reputation and further proves why he’s one of the U.K.’s best actors.
For those who need more Natalie Dormer: “The Tudors”
Network: Showtime
Before she played Margaery Tyrell, Dormer graced TV screens as Anne Boleyn on “The Tudors.” The show completely threw historical accuracy to the wind, leaving in its place an Anne Boleyn who shares Queen Margaery’s shrewdness and charm.
For fans of Bronn and Tyrion’s jokes: “Better Call Saul”
Network: AMC
As Peter Dinklage proved, the fastest way to achieve stardom on TV these days is to be a smartass. Memes and Twitter adulation will soon follow.
Just ask Bob Odenkirk, who turned a supporting role on “Breaking Bad” into a spinoff that makes Jimmy McGill’s transformation into Saul Goodman as riveting as Walter White’s transformation into Heisenberg.
For those who want to watch the show that made “GoT” possible: “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
More than any other show, “Buffy” took genre TV and proved that it could be a smash hit. Whether it’s comic book series, “Doctor Who” or “Game of Thrones,” all these shows have enjoyed success from the cult fanbase mentality and long story arcs that “Buffy” popularized. The series is available on Netflix.
For anyone who won’t accept any substitute for “Game of Thrones”: Go Outside
It’s summer, you addicts. Enjoy it while you can. Winter is coming.
