Medieval mania

Winter has arrived for GoT fans and the wait for another season has begun. During this long interval, we have just the remedy to keep you busy!

The latest season of Game Of Thrones had us at the edge of our seats — and now that the season is over — the wait for the new installation is long and full of terrors. We’d love to help you out during this dark time, so here’s a list of drama, fantasy and period shows that could help fill this direwolf-sized void.

The Shannara Chronicles An ongoing American fantasy-drama, The Shannara Chronicles is the new kid on the block that you should give a shot. The series is based on the Shannara books by Terry Brooks. It is set in the fictional Four Lands where demons have started escaping to a place called the Forbidding. The land is protected by the ancient tree Elicrys and Wil, Amberle and Eretria must journey there to save the tree from dying. The second season is in the making and we can’t wait!

Outlander If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Outlander. If neither stands true, you need to watch the show now! It is a period drama based on the books of the same name. What’s even better is that it involves a whole lot of time travel! Married World War II nurse Claire Randall gets transported through time to Scotland in 1743 where she meets a Highland warrior, Jamie. So you can expect a lot of romance coupled with war during the Jacobite uprising.

The Tudors If Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the lead isn’t enough to make you give the show a shot, then maybe the plotline well. The reign of King Henry VII of England is closely followed through the series, as it is tested constantly by conflicts and intrigues. The show is replete with drama, scandal and a lot of betrayal. It turned out to be one of the most successful series to air on Showtime and rightly so. Watch for the impeccable acting by the entire cast and to take a journey into what it takes to rule a kingdom.

Spartacus The show is inspired by the legendary Thracian gladiator Spartacus who led a slave uprising against the Roman Republic. And with all the gore, action and drama — this show might just be your next favourite. The show ran for three successful seasons and followed Spartacus from his beginnings to the historical figure he is now. It may not have the dragons but it has beautifully executed fight sequences that will make the biggest GoT snobs take note.

Vikings The famed Vikings of Norse folklore will capture your hearts and minds with this series. Rognar Lothbrok was one of the most well-known and feared heroes of that time. The series will take you through his journey from being a poor farmer who gains recognition with raids in England, and eventually becomes a Scandinavian king. Supported by friends and family, he manages to reach the pinnacle of success and the best part — the series just got renewed for its fourth season!

Rome The historical drama series ran for two seasons and what adrenaline-filled seasons they were! The show follows the transition of Ancient Rome, from a Republic to the Empire it was famously known for in the 1st century BC. Although the humongous cast is filled with real historical figures we know, the lead characters are a pair of soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo. The show garnered success for HBO and received several awards. There were also rumours that a movie was in the making, but there has been no announcement till date.