The Wheel of Time is the latest of many great recent fantasy TV shows that were cut short before their time. The Wheel of Time‘s cancellation didn’t come as too big a shock, as it was an expensive project that was never as popular as other series. However, there are still plenty of fans who might be looking for another great fantasy project.
Unfortunately, even series with a lot of promise have suffered the same fate as The Wheel of Time. This makes it difficult to find a follow-up show with plenty of seasons and a complete story to invest in. However, there are some special titles that will scratch the same itch as the epic series written by Robert Jordan.
Watching fantasy shows with a full run after The Wheel of Time is the perfect antedote to the hole left by the series’ cancellation. While there are classics that would do the trick, or much older series that would be fun to enjoy, the best show to watch after The Wheel of Time is HBO’s His Dark Materials.
If You’re Bummed About The Wheel Of Time, His Dark Materials Is A 10/10 Fantasy Show Worth Watching
His Dark Materials Will Fill The Hole Left By The Wheel Of Time
The screen adaptation of Jordan’s epic fantasy saga might have been cut short, but His Dark Materials is just as easy to invest in. Based on Philip Pullman’s book trilogy, it follows the adventures of Lyra, who’s caught up in a battle for control of the universe’s magic. Portrayed by Dafne Keen, it’s thrilling to watch Lyra grow up onscreen.
His Dark Materials debuted when Game of Thrones ended, but never found the success of the landmark series. Despite this, it’s not too late to rediscover His Dark Materials today. Like the best additions to the genre, there’s a large ensemble of vivid characters, fantastic world-building, and a magic system that will amaze even the most discerning audience members.
Part of this is thanks to Pullman’s original work, but it’s also the way the adaptation unfolds onscreen. Audiences have high standards for the TV show iterations of their favorite written works, and His Dark Materials is an enduring piece of fiction that readers have loved for decades. This makes His Dark Materials even more impressive.
His Dark Materials Is Different From Wheel Of Time, But Has Similar Themes
The Fantasy Worlds Might Be Different, But Their Themes Are The Same
Though the themes present in both shows are standbys within the fantasy genre, it doesn’t change the fact that they connect the series. Touching upon the idea of destiny and whether the “chosen one” can alter this, His Dark Materials sees Lyra slowly embrace her role in the balance of her universe. Conversely, WOT sees the characters on the hunt to find the story’s hero.
Both environments are otherworldly enough to transport the audience to a faraway land that’s both aspirational and dangerous.
The setting and tone of His Dark Materials is closer to a steampunk reality, and the multiverse plotline sees the characters encounter our world. On the other hand, WOT takes place in a completely different universe from our own. However, both environments are otherworldly enough to transport the audience to a faraway land that’s both aspirational and dangerous.
|
Title |
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
|
His Dark Materials (2019–2022) |
84% |
82% |
Viewers Won’t Have To Worry About His Dark Materials Ending Early
The Series Completed Its Full Run
It’s exciting when a fantasy series isn’t canceled before it can reach the end of its narrative, especially when it’s based on a book. Each season of His Dark Materials follows the corresponding book, with the pressure and tension mounting in each installment. Watching Lyra and later Will (Amir Wilson) grow up before your eyes is one of the best parts of the show.
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HBO’s underrated fantasy TV show with 84% on Rotten Tomatoes already needed a sequel, but Dafne Keen’s series must continue after this new update.
The Wheel of Time will never get the chance to explore fully the arcs of all its characters, but that doesn’t mean that this is the case with all fantasy shows. When it comes to His Dark Materials, viewers can sit back and relax knowing the show won’t be canceled and that the entire story has been told.
The fact that The Wheel of Time isn’t coming back for season 4 will sting for a long time. While reading Jordan’s novels is a great way to continue the story, it’s not the only option. Diving into the world of His Dark Materials could prove to be just as satisfying.
