Game of Thrones was an epic, groundbreaking series that captured the hearts and minds of so many people! Everyone was hoping to find the "next Game of Thrones," as streaming platforms scrambled to fill that massive void.
The Search for The Next Game of Thrones
And you would think a "dragon" filled fantasy adventure might just be what the doctor ordered, but for many who tried, there was an almost endless stream of "dragon" centered, fantasy-filled series! They just didn't have the same appeal.
Everyone tried to mimic "Game of Thrones," bringing similar characters to life in a new medieval fantasy, but one HBO Max series that has surpassed all others, is not set in a medieval fantasy world but, one about a powerful and intense family drama that looks at a different kind of power struggle and some pretty intricate social dynamics that audiences around the world loved.
And what happened when that was delivered, audiences showed that it could be as entertaining! This powerful, and very successful, series was called "Succession!" The new series managed to out-perform those with dragons! Even critics loved it. "Succession," managed to earn a super high 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, it shows you how powerful and well-crafted it truly was.
What Made Game of Thrones So Special
Game of Thrones had an interesting story, and many enjoyed it, but the main element that made the show incredibly compelling is the social dynamics! If you watched this you'll know! The cast, the characters. They played roles as powerful political figures and each time they tried to navigate this dynamic world the characters always surprised the audience with what came next! In addition to an elaborate set design, and all of its other characteristics! "Game of Thrones is more about those big characters and the choices that they made, especially their social relations with the many characters within that world. You also had those twists, and of course, that epic and beautiful set design as well.
A New Kind of Family
Fans were all searching for something that looked similar. You can see it everywhere with Netflix with "The Witcher" and "Amazon Prime" with "Wheel of Time." They really tried to emulate "Game of Thrones", including the big ensemble cast.
But no one got it quite right like "Succession.", which is an exciting tale of the Roy family. This amazing series tells about one family's complex social landscape and the power struggles for a big corporation!
And what makes it truly remarkable is, despite its differences it has that similar structure!
- It was also set in a "real-world." and focused on the ways the family navigated their dynamic. The Roy family is focused on building an empire, in this story, their media empire!
- The goal for this group is always the same. They are on a quest for ultimate control! Much like the Iron Throne in "Game of Thrones"!
A World with its Own Power Plays
Each of these individuals from "Succession," like those from "Game of Thrones," fought to get power, no matter what the consequences might be!
If that weren't enough "Succession", like "Game of Thrones," has its share of memorable twists and the compelling drama that brought both series so much love from critics!
While those who really wanted the fantasy elements to continue, it doesn't really appear to be something the audience really wanted. That was a missed opportunity. Those on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video got things wrong with these assumptions that fantasy stories with "dragons" were going to keep those fans captivated. In reality, it's the ability to show compelling storylines with a strong sense of the characters.
The stories themselves gave people all of those "in-between the scenes" and kept people interested with strong social dynamic plots!
Fans who haven't seen it, yet. There is plenty of "Succession to get caught up on with four fantastic seasons. Even for those who are looking for some additional insight. Both of these incredible shows remind everyone.
And what really matters the most. The cast that makes the characters jump off the screen and give people an interesting perspective. What these series have shown everyone. That is the way that these talented artists put those dynamic elements together to bring out those characters! "Succession" proved that it is truly about these special performances that HBO managed to really hit the mark! This also means the "next "Game of Thrones", can be a whole different breed and the creative ways that TV networks put a new spin on their most memorable series.