Game of Thrones ended having changed the way we watch TV, opening the door for other fantasy TV show masterpieces that might have been considered too ambitious under different circumstances. However, while several shows have been presented as Game of Thrones replacements, none have come close to matching the cultural phenomenon, as any replacement must be more than a copy.
Game of Thrones had groundbreaking visual effects and exciting characters, but it was more than just spectacle, combining political intrigue with shocking moments that sparked fan theories throughout the show’s run. There are plenty of fantasy series that fit this description, but one of these could become the best fantasy TV show of all time if it were not trapped in development hell.
The Kingkiller Chronicle Would Be The Perfect Game Of Thrones Replacement
The book covers for The Kingkiller Chronicle so far
If Patrick Rothfuss’ The Kingkiller Chronicle novels were adapted for TV, the show would easily be the best contender as a Game of Thrones replacement. Taking place in several locations, with a compelling but deeply flawed hero, major character deaths, and a central theme of magic that is grounded in science, The Kingkiller Chronicle shares themes with Game of Thrones while being a unique creation.
The Kingkiller Chronicle could be a cultural phenomenon. As the lead character is a musician, the soundtrack would be central to the show, and the visual effects must be as good as Game of Thrones, as the story travels from gritty backstreets to the Fae world. Many fantasy TV shows have great action scenes, and The Kingkiller Chronicle has both epic battles and fistfights.
One of the harsh realities of watching Game of Thrones is the lack of diversity in a show depicting characters from several very different lands. On the other hand, The Kingkiller Chronicle features many locations with different customs and philosophies while explicitly depicting the characters as being from varied ethnic groups. This would provide a much-needed opportunity for diverse casting in fantasy.
A Kingkiller Chronicle Show Would Risk Repeating Game Of Thrones’ Biggest Problem
Arya and the Hound Game of Thrones
While Rothfuss has several books set in the same world, there are only two books in The Kingkiller Chronicle trilogy so far. This has been a source of frustration to readers, who have been waiting for the third book in the trilogy since 2011. While Rothfuss is reportedly committed to finishing the novel, titled The Doors of Stone, pressure and tragedy slowed his progress.
The Kingkiller Chronicle fantasy TV show is in development hell, after the adaptation was announced in 2015 with Lin-Manuel Miranda as executive producer. While no reason has been given for the delay, it is likely due to similar issues suffered by Game of Thrones. Adapting an unfinished series comes with major challenges, including the series overtaking the source material.
Game of Thrones ran into problems when it overtook George R. R. Martin’s books, and The Kingkiller Chronicle would do the same if it were made before Rothfuss finished the trilogy. The books are full of hidden clues that we might know are significant, yet the pacing is crucial, and the bigger picture can only be seen when looking at the finished story.
Release Date
2011 – 2019-00-00
Showrunner
David Benioff, D.B. Weiss
Directors
David Nutter, Alan Taylor, D.B. Weiss, David Benioff