9 Epic Medieval TV Shows to Watch While Waiting for House of the Dragon Next Episode

We finally got the second season of House of the Dragon, but each episode will be released once a week – which can be a real torture for fans.

To make the wait a little easier, we have chosen nine projects that are not only similar to House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, but were even pioneers on the path that these two projects later took.

1. The Hollow Crown, 2012-2016

If it weren't for the Wars of the Roses, which shook the English kingdom in the 15th century, and William Shakespeare's striking (though far from reliable) description of it, there would be no Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon.

Shakespeare's plays have been filmed many times, but in 2012 the BBC decided on a new, large-scale and modern adaptation of five works under one title The Hollow Crown. The creators tried to show the period as authentically as possible, so the costumes, sets and production are not much inferior to House of the Dragon.

But the main advantage of The Hollow Crown is of course the cast. The series brought together the best actors of British cinema: Patrick Stewart, David Suchet, Ben Whishaw, Judi Dench, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

2. Rome, 2005-2007

Ancient Rome, 52 B.C., the climax of the transition from the Roman Republic to an autocratic empire. Rome is a large-scale historical epic that reveals both the conflicts of ancient Rome's politicians and the characters of these legendary figures.

At the center of events are Caesar, who returns triumphant after eight years of war in Gaul, Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and Brutus, who plans to seize power from Julius.

In this case, it is not Rome similar to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, it is they are similar to Rome. This project was released on HBO years earlier and became a pioneer in the depiction of cruelty and sexual scenes on air. It was Rome that showed the network's management that the viewers' interest in the struggle for power does not cease to be relevant.

3. The White Queen, 2013

There are many outstanding women in English history, but Elizabeth Woodville stands out from the crowd. The young widow of a provincial baron so charmed King Edward IV that he decided to marry not an overseas princess, as had been expected, but an aristocrat of not the bluest blood.

Naturally, this arrangement did not suit the monarch's mother or the political schemer Earl of Warwick, who had placed Edward on the throne to further his own ends. But Elizabeth proved that even in a place as dangerous as the English court, one can maintain honor and outwit everyone. Lady Woodville, played by Rebecca Ferguson, proved to be sophisticated but determined and even a little crazy.

4. Spartacus: Blood and Sand, 2010-2013

Spartacus was created before Game of Thrones came out, so it was free of any obligation to imitate it. The writers had other sources of inspiration – HBO's iconic Rome and Zack Snyder's equally iconic 300. From the latter, the series borrowed the slow motion in every battle and the rivers of blood. From Rome, the screenwriters took the plot lines, which come together in a tangled ball.

While the gladiator Spartacus prepares a rebellion, his master Batiatus tries to break into the upper circles of the empire, for which he weaves one intrigue after another. The series is worth watching at least for the best role of Lucy Lawless. Xena the Warrior Princess is certainly an icon of geek culture, but Lucretia from Spartacus can even compete with Cersei Lannister in cunning and ruthlessness.

5. Domina, 2021-2023

There aren't many projects about the Roman Empire, and until recently there weren't any that presented a female perspective on the history of the great empire. This injustice has been corrected by the series Domina.

The project tells the story of Livia Drusilla, the wife of Emperor Octavian Augustus, who became the second person in the state. Just like in House of the Dragon, in Domina we see the main character at first young, headstrong, but still with pure thoughts, and then we move forward ten years and see what she had to become in order to survive.

6. Merlin, 2008-2012

The young warlock Merlin arrives in Camelot and learns that King Uther Pendragon has banned the use of magic under penalty of death. Later, Merlin meets the last dragon, imprisoned in the palace dungeon, and the magical creature assures Merlin that his primary purpose is to protect Prince Arthur.

The British fantasy series is based on the Arthurian legends. Merlin is an interesting mix of a legendary, myth-filled story and a modern interpretation of a long-known plot. The warlock and the future king are very young, not wise in experience and capable of being true friends. Over the five seasons of its existence, the series has been loved for its British humor, exciting adventures and chemistry between the characters.

7. The Last Kingdom, 2015-2022

The plot revolves around Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Soon after the boy's birth, his lord father is killed in battle and he is taken by Earl Ragnar and raised as his son. Uhtred grows up to be a true Viking and forms an alliance with the king of independent Essex, Alfred, to reclaim Bebbanburg and help unite all the kingdoms into one – England.

The Last Kingdom is an adaptation of the popular book series The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell. The plot is balanced between real stories and fictional fascinating tales. Constantly changing events, epic battles, many brutal murders and political intrigues – all this did not let the viewers get bored for five seasons.

8. Black Sails, 2014-2017

Nassau, 1715, the golden age of piracy. Ambitious pirates led by Captain Flint, who has the most sinister reputation, have decided to create their own independent republic on the island of New Providence.

Together with Eleanor Guthrie, Flint devises a plan to capture the Spanish galleon Urca de Lima, which is carrying treasures. They soon assemble a crew, and by chance, a young sailor named John Silver joins them.

Black Sails is a prequel to the famous Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. In it, fictional characters coexist with real pirates. Black Sails is a real gem for those who want to see Game of Thrones on the water and miss Pirates of the Caribbean.

9. Borgia, 2011-2014

Italy, late 15th century. The plot revolves around the infamous Borgia family. Everyone knows they are greedy for power, carnal pleasures, and wealth. When the Pope dies, Rodrigo Borgia sees the throne as a gold mine. Through bribery and blackmail, he becomes the new Pope, gaining unlimited power over kings and empires, and the Church under him becomes a concentration of immorality and corruption.

The series is filled with the same ingredients that make Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon so beloved: scenes of violence, beautiful costumes, and cunning conspiracies. Only in the case of Borgia, the plot tells the story of a real family. The real Rodrigo Borgia was a cruel and cunning man, which did not contradict his innate talent for political intrigue.