Fifteen new shows that could fill the Game of Thrones void

3. The Kingkiller Chronicle (Showtime)

This new Showtime series could be huge. It’s set in the same world as an unfinished fantasy trilogy by author Patrick Rothfuss, whose books have enjoyed both fan and critical acclaim. The world is full of magic, music and wonder. The Kingkiller Chronicle will be perfect for those who crave some quality world-building.

Pros

Kingkiller shares some key elements with Game of Thrones. Obviously it’ll appeal to fantasy fans, assuming they’re willing to add a Showtime subscription on top of their HBO account.

Another major draw is the project’s connections to Hamilton writer Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda is set to serve as executive producer and will write music for the series. He’s incredibly popular right now, so that connection could serve the show well.

Cons

The first book in The Kingkiller Chronicle, The Name of the Wind, was a New York Times best-seller, and the passionate fanbase has had over a decade since the first book’s release to imagine exactly how this world should look and feel. Get it right, and Showtime could have their undying gratitude. Get it wrong, and the fans will never let them forget it.

And Showtime will have to find its own way to some extent, because this show isn’t a straight adaptation of Rothfuss’ books (there are movies in the works for that), but rather a prequel with different characters. Will fans be willing to settle for this?