Game of Thronesis often cited as HBO’s greatestfantasyshow, and it’s easy to understand why — though the network boasts another that maintains its quality all the way through. WhileGame of Thronesis one of the most influential fantasy shows of all time, inspiring many of the series that followed, it’s far from a perfect addition to the genre.
And although it’s incredibly underrated, HBO does have one10/10 fantasy showunder its belt. The category doesn’t have many series that remain strong from start to finish, especially when it comes to live-action projects. The fact thatDafne Keen’s HBO fantasy showaccomplishes this gives it a leg up overGame of Thrones,even if the latter series gets more recognition.
Game Of Thrones Is Epic, But It’s Not Perfect
The Series Falters In Places, Especially Towards The End
Game of Thronesis one of thebest fantasy shows of all time, and it will always have a powerful legacy. More than any other series, it demonstrated how far epic fantasy could go on television — and that, if done well, such projects could appeal to mainstream audiences.
Still,Game of Throneshas significant flaws, and they do taint its reputation in hindsight. For one, the series goes off the rails after departing from George R.R. Martin’sSong of Ice and Firebooks. Whether you’re still seething over seasons 7 and 8 or have come to accept them, it’s hard to deny that everything from its pacing to its character dynamics falters towards the end.
Those things contribute toGame of Thronesseason 8’s poor reception, even if theHBO series' problems started as early as season 5. And that’s not to mention some of the issues that are present throughout the show’s run, such as the gratuitous sexual violence often displayed on-screen and its treatment of BIPOC characters.
Such elements ofGame of Thronesensure it falls short of perfection, especially as the series ages. By contrast, another HBO fantasy show hits the mark from beginning to end, allowing it to surpass the earlier adaptation:His Dark Materials.
His Dark Materials Is Perfect From Start To Finish
HBO’s Later Fantasy Show Maintains Its Quality Throughout
His Dark Materialsis often overlooked in discussions of modern fantasy shows, but the adaptation of Philip Pullman’s bestselling book series is a masterpiece — and it deserves to be regarded as such.His Dark Materialsgets off to a strong start, with Lyra’s narrative drawing viewers in from the beginning.
It’s hard to putHis Dark Materialsseason 1 down, with Keen’s heroine giving viewers someone to root for (and eventually, quite literally follow into Hell). Additionally, the series delivers on the books' unique world-building, doing a great job presenting its concepts, from Daemons and Dust to the overarching conflict between good and evil.
His Dark Materialsseason 1’s endingdrives home the series stakes, and things only get better from there. The storylines and characters get increasingly more complex, and the addition of Amir Wilson’s Will Parry only serves to get viewers more invested. There’s plenty of action and some great twists, with the HBO show maintaining its quality throughout.
What really putsHis Dark Materialsa peg aboveGame of Thrones— and secures its 10/10 status — is the fact that it has a rare perfect ending. Unlike many fantasy shows (and TV shows in general), the adaptation actually sticks the landing. Sure, it manages to leave viewers teary-eyed, but that’s just a sign of its emotional impact.
UnlikeGame of Thrones,His Dark Materialsalso does a better job as an adaptation. While it’s not 100% faithful to the source material, it knows when to diverge and when to stick with Pullman’s vision. Unfortunately, withGame of Thronesrunning out of books to adapt, it has a harder time achieving that balance.
Why His Dark Material Is So Underrated
Game Of Thrones Comparisons & A Failed Movie Didn’t Help
Unfortunately, His Dark Materials' proximity to Game of Thrones is likely the reason it’s so underrated — or, at least, it’s one of them. The fantasy masterpiecedebuted the same yearGame of Thronesended, which ensured comparisons would be made. This was to the show’s detriment, asHis Dark Materialsdelivered a very different fantasy story.
AlthoughHis Dark Materialsisn’t devoid of realism — there are plenty of darker moments and themes to be found in the later HBO series — it isn’t gritty in the way thatGame of Thronesis. It also places a smaller focus on politics, opting for religious and existential themes instead. And its fantastical elements are quite different.
Needless to say, anyone going intoHis Dark MaterialsexpectingGame of Thronesisn’t going to be thrilled with the series. And thus, anyGame of Thronescomparisons set the show upfor failure. On its own, however,His Dark Materialsreally does stand out as a worthwhile watch.
Another reason the show may have been overlooked upon its debut is because the prior attempt to adapt Pullman’s books — 2007’sThe Golden Compassmovie — left a bad taste in viewers' mouths. While those familiar with the source material knew that it deserved a better adaptation, thefantasymovie could have soured newcomers on the franchise’s potential.
Game Of Thrones
Cast
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
His Dark Materials
Based on author Philip Pullman’s beloved novel trilogy, His Dark Materials is a fantasy/drama television series that follows Lyra, a brave young woman from another world. Lyra’s quest to find her kidnapped friend leads her to uncover a sinister plot of a secret organization, encounter extraordinary beings, and protect dangerous secrets. Lyra will find that her life is inextricably linked with another as they discover they may be the ones to change the world.
