January is proving to be a very rewarding month in 2026, especially for Game of Thrones enthusiasts. Even years after the finale aired, HBO’s game-changing fantasy epic not only dominates the industry but also helps to define what viewers find to be the ultimate viewing experience.
Of course, just in time for this month, several new shows are directly feeding off that demand. This comes in the form of ones that are either furthering the world of Game of Thrones itself or include returning characters in that world.
4. Steal (Prime Video – January 21)
Headlining the series Steal is Sophie Turner in a six-part series that finds her playing a London finance professional caught up in a live-action game of wits during a hostage heist. It’s a world that’s a far cry from the intrigue of a Lannister-driven Winterfell, yet for Sophie Turner, it also presents an opportunity to continue growing as a rising star.
3. Ponies (Peacock – January 15)
Emilia Clarke is once again going against expectations in Ponies, which is a Cold War-era spy drama from 1977. The actress, along with Haley Lu Richardson, portrays the widowed wives of American spies living in Moscow. Both are recruited by the CIA after the passing of their husbands. The spy thriller is filled with action, intrigue, and excellent character interactions. It is an excellent start to the acting career of Emilia Clarke.
2. Industry Season 4 (HBO Max – January 11)
Though it’s not a fantasy series, Industry embodies the cutthroat ambition and shifting power dynamics that Game of Thrones addicts love. Kit Harington brings a darker, more unpredictable quality to the tech mogul Sir Henry Muck than he ever showed in Game of Thrones as Jon Snow. Industry’s financial fights and power politics all seem distinctively familiar—just replace the swords and thrones.
1. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO Max – January 18)
This is definitely a must-watch series. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is based on George Martin’s series of short stories, and it’s another prequel to Game of Thrones, but it’s based decades earlier than the show. It’s based on the period during which the House of Targaryen is still ruling, but it’s weaker than it used to be since it doesn’t have dragons to back it up.
Regardless of whether you are coming back to Westeros or joining its stars on a journey to new lands, January 2026 has much in store for fans of Game of Thrones.
