In a lot of ways, Game of Thrones has changed the game, or contributed to the changing game on television right now. However, there are some 2000s shows that also paved the way in terms of mythology and production value. If I were to pick one, I'd say that Game of Thrones fans should watch Battlestar Galactica and delve into a new/old obsession before the HBO series returns for Season 7.
I know, I know, BSG is a science fiction show — not a fantasy. You can always watch The Tudors or Merlin if you want fictionalized medieval fiction and/or a straight fantasy. There's never a bad time to start Buffy The Vampire Slayer or find out what Xena: Warrior Princess is all about. But why not mix it up, genre-wise? Game of Thrones attracts a lot of audience members who wouldn't typically watch fantasy, and Battlestar Galactica can do that for science fiction.
I mean sure, you could always do what I'm doing and watch various Star Trek shows during the break. Join me! However, while Gene Roddenberry's universe is progressive and tells human stories in a science fiction universe the same way Game of Thrones is more about family than dragons, it's lacking the sex and intrigue that abounds in Westeros. The 2004 series Battlestar Galactica will give that, plus robots and space travel. Finally, Ronald D. Moore is currently the showrunner of Outlander, so you know he's trustworthy.
Battlestar Galactica takes place in outer space and is centered around the survivors of a nuclear attack by the Cylons — evil robots and androids who can look just like you or me. Without a planetary system, they are in search of a new home to colonize. There is a lot of political tension (and otherwise) between William Adama, the military commander of the fleet holding the survivors and Laura Roslin, the newly elected President who was Secretary of Education before the attack.
The show has a diverse cast with tons of complex female characters that are heroes, villains, and sometimes something in between. There's also a lot of religious imagery and new religions to explore in the universe that will satisfy your obsession with Melisandre, the High Sparrow, and the Faceless Men.
So, whether you like Game of Thrones for the world-building, the dynamic characters, or the adult take on a genre that you loved as a kid, Battlestar Galactica is the thing to watch before GoT returns for Season 7. Unfortunately, only the original 1978 series is available to stream on Netflix — but it is available to stream on Hulu Plus.
If you aren't subscribed to Hulu, I would ask around in your friend group — since this show came out in the 2000s, a lot of people bought the seasons on DVD. Who knows, you can probably find DVDs (and the show's underrated but short-lived prequel, Caprica, as well) at your local library! Trade Cersei and the White Walkers for Starbuck and the frackin' toasters, then Game of Thrones will be before you know it!
Image: courtesy of HBO; Giphy (2)
