10 Great TV Shows George R.R. Martin Says You Should Watch

George R.R. Martin, famous for his A Song of Ice and Fire book series, is also a long-time television writer. Before becoming a celebrated novelist, he spent years writing for TV, and still enjoys it when his schedule allows. He’s known for writing episodes of popular shows like Game of Thrones, as well as classics such as The Hitchhiker, Beauty and the Beast, and The Twilight Zone.

Having spent years immersed in the world of television production, I think George R.R. Martin really gets what makes a show work. He’s been sharing his thoughts on his website, GeorgerrMartin.com, and it’s fascinating to see what catches his eye. Honestly, I expected a lot of fantasy recommendations, but he’s surprisingly open to all sorts of genres. I guess after writing so much about magic and dragons, a little change of pace is a good thing – and he clearly appreciates it!

Here are the TV shows George R.R. Martin Recommends

‘The Sandman’ (2022 – 2025)

Drawing from the rich history of DC comics, The Sandman follows Morpheus (played by Tom Sturridge), also known as Dream. He’s a powerful being—the very embodiment of dreams and nightmares—and one of seven siblings known as the Endless (including Death, Desire, and Destiny). The story begins after Morpheus escapes a century-long imprisonment caused by a magical ritual in the early 1900s, and details his adventures following his release.

Neil Gaiman Doesn’t Disappoint

Martin, a longtime fan of Neil Gaiman, was thrilled with the adaptation of The Sandman. He found the show to be creatively rich, atmospheric, and beautiful to look at, praising its ability to stay true to the source material while also making necessary changes. He believes both fans of the original comics and newcomers will enjoy it, and highlights the stunning visual effects. Tom Sturridge’s performance is also a standout, bringing a compelling humanity to his otherworldly role.

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

The popular series The Queen’s Gambit is based on Walter Tevis’s well-regarded novel. It tells the story of Beth Harmon, a young chess prodigy who grows up in an orphanage in the 1960s and becomes a champion player. She first learns the game from the orphanage’s janitor, but her journey is complicated by self-doubt and a dependence on tranquilizers.

Chess In its Purest Form

Anya Taylor-Joy brilliantly portrays a character who is wild and spirited beneath a quiet surface, and she truly carries the show. The entire cast is excellent, but Taylor-Joy is particularly captivating. Author George R.R. Martin praised the show’s meticulous attention to detail, especially the accurate depiction of chess – something he notes is often wrong in other films and series. The miniseries was a huge success, winning 11 Emmy Awards and sparking a renewed public interest in the game of chess.

‘The Terror’ (2018 – 2019)

Inspired by true stories from the past, The Terror is a horror series that tells a new, chilling story each season. The first season focuses on the ill-fated 1845 Franklin Expedition, where the crew battled starvation and a terrifying, otherworldly creature. The second season is set in a World War II camp, where people are terrorized by a spirit seeking revenge.

The Best of Period Horror

At its heart, The Terror explores themes of isolation, trauma, and the will to survive. The show is particularly striking in how it shatters moments of calm for its characters – joyful or unsettling sounds are abruptly silenced by the approaching horror. Martin especially praises the first season, calling it both “brilliant” and “a masterpiece of historical horror.” He highlights the immersive setting, the excellent cast, and the consistently chilling atmosphere that pervades the entire season.

‘The Gilded Age’ (2022 – Present)

Louisa Jacobson shines as Marian Brook in The Gilded Age, a drama set in the late 1800s. Marian finds herself in the middle of a rivalry between the newly wealthy Russell family, who made their money in industry, and her established, old-money relatives, the van Rhijns and Brooks. These two families live next door to each other on a prestigious stretch of Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Game of Influence

Julian Fellowes is best known for creating the popular period drama Downton Abbey, but he’s recently produced another excellent series. One reviewer praises it as lavish, beautifully acted, and a captivating look at a significant period in American history, filled with the classic upstairs/downstairs dynamics Fellowes excels at. The story follows the Rhijn-Brooks family, who secretly dislike the ambitious and seemingly perfect Russels, and their efforts to sabotage them while rallying others in high society to question their status.

‘The Boys’ (2019 – Present)

The TV show The Boys, based on the comic book series, follows a group of vigilantes as they fight against superpowered individuals who misuse their abilities. These ‘Supes’ are controlled by Vought International, a powerful company that carefully shapes public opinion to make them appear heroic, even when they aren’t.

A Different Approach to a Popular Genre

George R.R. Martin calls The Boys a clever, shocking, and funny take on the typical superhero story, and admits it’s not for everyone. Despite its graphic violence, the Prime Video series has gained a dedicated fanbase thanks to its compelling characters. The show portrays superheroes as childish and dangerous, highlighting the struggle to control them, and constantly shifting between heroic acts and explosive outbursts of anger and helplessness.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023 – Present)

A sense of sadness hangs over the world of The Last of Us. The story begins in the early 2000s with a devastating pandemic caused by a mutated fungus that turns people into zombie-like creatures. Twenty years later, civilization has fallen apart. Joel (Pedro Pascal), a smuggler living in a heavily guarded quarantine zone in Boston run by the Federal Disaster Response Agency, finds himself facing new threats.

A Masterpiece From PlayStation Productions

Adapted from the popular video game, The Last of Us is a captivating show that skillfully blends emotional drama, thrilling action, and thoughtful social themes. The opening scene, featuring Joel’s desperate attempt to save his daughter, is particularly powerful and remains stunning even after multiple viewings. Beyond that incredible moment, the show offers many other compelling scenes and outstanding performances. Even George R.R. Martin praises it, calling the writing and acting superb and declaring it the best video game adaptation ever, and one of the best shows currently on television.

‘The Expanse’ (2015 – 2022)

In the world of The Expanse, humans have spread throughout our solar system. Now, Earth’s United Nations, the Martian Congressional Republic, and the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) are the major powers, but tensions are rising between them. Things get even more complicated when James Holden, an officer on an ice-hauling ship, discovers a dangerous secret.

As Detailed as Sci-Fi Shows Get

If you’re looking for a science fiction show that’s both intellectually stimulating and action-packed, this one delivers. It’s also visually stunning, winning awards for its impressive effects. Author George R.R. Martin, known for A Song of Ice and Fire, calls the first season the best sci-fi show in a decade – even comparing it favorably to Battlestar Galactica – and believes the second season is even better. He praises the cast and visuals, and ultimately declares it the best space opera since the original Star Wars. That’s high praise indeed!

‘The Witcher’ (2019 – Present)

It’s no wonder George R.R. Martin enjoys The Witcher, a show once compared to Game of Thrones. Based on the fantasy novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, the series centers on Geralt of Rivia (played by Henry Cavill and later Liam Hemsworth), a skilled monster hunter. He often finds himself protecting a princess from those who want to use her power for their own selfish purposes.

Best Monster-of-the-Week Fantasy Show

Similar to Game of Thrones, The Witcher is visually stunning and cleverly explores the many ways power can be used and abused. The acting is consistently strong, and many viewers wish Henry Cavill hadn’t left the show. Author George R.R. Martin himself praised Cavill’s performance as Geralt of Rivia, saying he was “great.” Martin also noted that the show’s detailed world and blend of self-contained monster hunts with an overarching story are effective.

‘Andor’ (2022 – 2025)

Before the story of Rogue One, Andor follows Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) as he transforms from a thief into a spy. The series shows how Andor gets involved in the growing rebellion against the powerful and controlling Galactic Empire, and how his beliefs become more extreme. It also depicts the early stages of the Rebel Alliance forming and becoming stronger.

More Star Talks than ‘Star Wars’

As a fan, I’ve always felt like Andor is different from other Star Wars shows. It feels more real and focuses more on the characters and their stories, kind of like a spy thriller. Yes, there’s action, but it’s more about understanding the bigger picture. Martin really hit the nail on the head when he called it the best Star Wars spin-off by far. He’s right – it just looks amazing, Diego Luna is fantastic, and it has this tension and realism that a lot of the other shows were missing.

‘Murderbot’ (2025)

The series The Murderbot Diaries begins with All Systems Red, which has now been adapted into a show starring Alexander Skarsgård. The show features Murderbot, a security unit built from human tissue and machines, who has broken free from its programming and developed a unique personality. Despite its newfound independence, Murderbot tries to hide its autonomy while completing assigned tasks, all while enjoying a good soap opera binge.

A Perfect Show for the AI Age

The Murderbot series is consistently enjoyable, and the TV adaptation did it well, according to the author, who is eager for a second season. Watching the robot’s adventures is exciting, and its actions promise to dramatically change the lives of those around it. Alexander Skarsgård delivers a standout performance, arguably even better than his work in True Blood and Succession, leading some to wonder why he hasn’t received more awards. Just like with George R.R. Martin’s work, you’ll be left wanting more after Season 1.

2025-10-25 21:38