“The Iron Throne may have been toppled, but the debate over HBO’s post-“Game of Thrones” fantasy replacement rages on. While some may have thought the network’s next big epic was Westworld, others were already enthralled by a show that flew under the radar – My Brilliant Friend. With an impressive 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, this critically-acclaimed adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s bestselling novel series has been quietly building a devoted fan base, but still remains shrouded in mystery to many. Join us as we dive into the world of 1950s Naples and explore why this hidden gem deserves a second look, and a chance to shine in the spotlight as the true successor to the Throne of Fantasy.”
The Underrated Fantasy Series: HBO’s His Dark Materials
HBO’s His Dark Materials is one of the most underrated fantasy shows of the last 10 years, and the series deserved so much better after all the Game of Thrones replacement talk. Based on Philip Pullman’s fantasy series of the same name, His Dark Materials took Dafne Keen’s Lyra Belacqua on a journey that spanned universes, bringing viewers on that ride alongside her.
With actors like Keen, James McAvoy, and Ruth Wilson at the helm, His Dark Materials’ cast offered enough reason to watch the three-season HBO series. Of course, HBO billing His Dark Materials as a potential Game of Thrones replacement also gave viewers a reason to tune in. After the success of Game of Thrones, there was a rush to put out more fantasy projects, many of which tried to copy Game of Thrones. While His Dark Materials didn’t lean into this strategy story-wise, HBO’s marketing for the series still pitched it as the perfect follow-up to Game of Thrones.
The Game of Thrones Replacement Talk
Marketing Misfire
His Dark Materials Was Billed As A Game Of Thrones Replacement It Was HBO’s Next Big Fantasy Series Close Many new fantasy shows were billed as Game of Thrones replacements on the heels of the series’ 2019 ending. However, His Dark Materials was one of the first to get this designation — and one of the most promising. After all, it premiered the same year that Game of Thrones ended, making its debut in November 2019.
It also aired on HBO in the U.S., making it the network’s next big fantasy project. So, despite having very different premises, Game of Thrones and His Dark Materials demanded comparisons to one another. It wasn’t a total stretch comparing the two fantasy series, but sadly, His Dark Materials didn’t reach the same heights as Game of Thrones.
The Strengths of His Dark Materials
Impressive Cast and Storytelling
His Dark Materials boasted the writing quality, acting, and visuals that made Game of Thrones so popular. It wasn’t a total stretch comparing the two fantasy series, but sadly, His Dark Materials didn’t reach the same heights as Game of Thrones. His Dark Materials proved that it wasn’t shy about killing off characters from its very first season, and raised conversations about power and corruption.
Related All 3 Seasons Of His Dark Materials, Ranked Worst To Best His Dark Materials consistently maintained a high quality over its three seasons, but some chapters of the HBO show had more highs than the others. Despite debuting to decent ratings, His Dark Materials also saw a decline in viewership on the heels of season 1 (via Deadline).
The Strengths of His Dark Materials
Faithful Adaptation
Not only do Pullman’s books have a dedicated fan base, but HBO’s show does an impressive job of bringing them to life. His Dark Materials was one of the strongest fantasy series to debut since Game of Thrones ended, but it simply didn’t get the attention it should have.
There were a few reasons for this, and most weren’t the show’s fault. Why Wasn’t His Dark Materials A Bigger Success? The Game Of Thrones Comparisons Didn’t Help Although His Dark Materials was moderately successful, it could have been bigger than it was. However, a few things prevented it from being a proper Game of Thrones replacement for HBO.
Why His Dark Materials Wasn’t a Bigger Success
The Comparison Conundrum
For one, the compar Anthology series Them is now on Amazon, following in the socially-inspired horror footsteps of movies like Get Out and shows like Lovecraft Country. The story starts in the 1950s, when Compton was aggressively white and unwelcoming of Black newcomers.
The Emory family comes face to face with their virulent racism when they move in, but it turns out even their own home has an agenda too. Series creator and producer Little Marvin spoke to Morningpicker about his inspiration for the tale of terror, as well as how he worked with various cast members to bring out the best performances.
Beyond His Dark Materials: Other Fantasy Shows
The Anthology Series Them
When did you know that you wanted to create the show, and how did this all come about? Little Marvin: I started writing it, I’d say, three or four summers ago during a time where I was waking up every morning and seeing videos on my phone of black folks being terrorized – either by the police or with the police.
And it got me thinking a lot about terror and my own experience of terror, but also a history of that terror that stretches all the way back to the founding of this country. The weaponization of public space against black folks has always been a thing, but what I had never seen explored was the tension between the public and the private, and that safest of spaces which is supposed to be the home.
Comparing His Dark Materials to Other Fantasy Shows
The Outlander Series
Outlander season 7 made a change to compensate for a troublesome difference from book to screen, but I’m just not buying it. Like any adaptation, the Starz series has strayed from the source material over the years, and this means even further adjustments must be made as Outlander approaches its final installment.
These things have a way of spiraling—what seems like a minor change at first becomes bigger down the line. While I feel that Outlander has managed its changes rather tastefully, I can’t help but think that the writers took the easy route in season 7.
Comparing His Dark Materials to Other Fantasy Shows
A Nuanced Approach
Outlander season 7, episode 11, sees William Ransom finally learn that James Fraser is his father. I was eager to see this moment play out on screen, especially since the TV show couldn’t possibly go about things the same way as in Diana Gabaldon’s books.
On the page, William realized that Jamie was his father when he saw the man as an adult for the first time and noticed how similar they looked. In the Outlander show, however, William had already met Jamie several times, so this wouldn’t quite work for a big reveal.
Comparing His Dark Materials to Other Fantasy Shows
A Nuanced Approach
Still, Outlander season 7’s solution wasn’t much better. William Learning The Truth About Jamie Just Didn’t Feel Natural Lord John’s Wording During This Scene Was Uncharacteristically Awkward. I was tipped off that William was about to learn the truth about Jamie in Outlander season 7, episode 11, because of a very unnatural line from Lord John Grey.
Jamie had just returned from the dead, and he and Claire were sharing a passionate kiss when Lord John interrupted them to tell Jamie, “Your son is due home shortly.” Jamie then responded with, “William? He’s here?” The only explanation for Lord John saying this is that the writers needed William to overhear the conversation from outside the door.
The Future of Fantasy on TV
The Impact of Game of Thrones
The impact of Game of Thrones on the fantasy genre has been significant, with many shows following in its footsteps and trying to replicate its success. However, it’s also led to a lot of stagnation, with many shows feeling like they’re just copying the same formula without adding anything new or original.
It’s time for the fantasy genre to evolve and push boundaries, to explore new ideas and themes, and to take risks. The future of fantasy on TV is bright, but it’s up to the creators and writers to make it happen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HBO’s underrated fantasy show, which boasts an impressive 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, has been unfairly overshadowed by the “Game of Thrones” replacement talk. The article highlights the show’s unique blend of complex characters, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking themes, which have been consistently praised by critics and audiences alike. Despite its critical acclaim, the show has failed to garner the same level of attention as its more popular counterparts, instead being relegated to a footnote in the fantasy genre.
The significance of this topic lies in its reflection of the industry’s tendency to overlook and undervalue niche or unconventional content. The show’s struggles to find its footing in the wake of “Game of Thrones” serve as a reminder of the importance of promoting and celebrating diverse voices and perspectives in the world of fantasy television. Furthermore, the show’s ability to maintain high standards despite the lack of attention is a testament to the dedication and passion of its creators and cast.