His Dark Materials Is Better Than Game Of Thrones For One Reason

Game of Thrones is often cited as HBO’s greatest fantasy show, and it’s easy to understand why — though the network boasts another that maintains its quality all the way through. While Game of Thrones is one of the most influential fantasy shows of all time, inspiring many of the series that followed, it’s far from a perfect addition to the genre.

And although it’s incredibly underrated, HBO does have one 10/10 fantasy show under its belt. The category doesn’t have many series that remain strong from start to finish, especially when it comes to live-action projects. The fact that Dafne Keen’s HBO fantasy show accomplishes this gives it a leg up over Game of Thrones, even if the latter series gets more recognition.

Game Of Thrones Is Epic, But It’s Not Perfect

The Series Falters In Places, Especially Towards The End

Game of Thrones is one of the best fantasy shows of all time, and it will always have a powerful legacy. More than any other series, it demonstrated how far epic fantasy could go on television — and that, if done well, such projects could appeal to mainstream audiences.

Still, Game of Thrones has significant flaws, and they do taint its reputation in hindsight. For one, the series goes off the rails after departing from George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire books. Whether you’re still seething over seasons 7 and 8 or have come to accept them, it’s hard to deny that everything from its pacing to its character dynamics falters towards the end.

Those things contribute to Game of Thrones season 8’s poor reception, even if the HBO series’ problems started as early as season 5. And that’s not to mention some of the issues that are present throughout the show’s run, such as the gratuitous sexual violence often displayed on-screen and its treatment of BIPOC characters.

Such elements of Game of Thrones ensure it falls short of perfection, especially as the series ages. By contrast, another HBO fantasy show hits the mark from beginning to end, allowing it to surpass the earlier adaptation: His Dark Materials.

His Dark Materials Is Perfect From Start To Finish

HBO’s Later Fantasy Show Maintains Its Quality Throughout

His Dark Materials is often overlooked in discussions of modern fantasy shows, but the adaptation of Philip Pullman’s bestselling book series is a masterpiece — and it deserves to be regarded as such. His Dark Materials gets off to a strong start, with Lyra’s narrative drawing viewers in from the beginning.

It’s hard to put His Dark Materials season 1 down, with Keen’s heroine giving viewers someone to root for (and eventually, quite literally follow into Hell). Additionally, the series delivers on the books’ unique world-building, doing a great job presenting its concepts, from Daemons and Dust to the overarching conflict between good and evil.

His Dark Materials season 1’s ending drives home the series stakes, and things only get better from there. The storylines and characters get increasingly more complex, and the addition of Amir Wilson’s Will Parry only serves to get viewers more invested. There’s plenty of action and some great twists, with the HBO show maintaining its quality throughout.

What really puts His Dark Materials a peg above Game of Thrones — and secures its 10/10 status — is the fact that it has a rare perfect ending. Unlike many fantasy shows (and TV shows in general), the adaptation actually sticks the landing. Sure, it manages to leave viewers teary-eyed, but that’s just a sign of its emotional impact.

Unlike Game of Thrones, His Dark Materials also does a better job as an adaptation. While it’s not 100% faithful to the source material, it knows when to diverge and when to stick with Pullman’s vision. Unfortunately, with Game of Thrones running out of books to adapt, it has a harder time achieving that balance.

Why His Dark Material Is So Underrated

Game Of Thrones Comparisons & A Failed Movie Didn’t Help

Unfortunately, His Dark Materials’ proximity to Game of Thrones is likely the reason it’s so underrated — or, at least, it’s one of them. The fantasy masterpiece debuted the same year Game of Thrones ended, which ensured comparisons would be made. This was to the show’s detriment, as His Dark Materials delivered a very different fantasy story.

Although His Dark Materials isn’t devoid of realism — there are plenty of darker moments and themes to be found in the later HBO series — it isn’t gritty in the way that Game of Thrones is. It also places a smaller focus on politics, opting for religious and existential themes instead. And its fantastical elements are quite different.

Needless to say, anyone going into His Dark Materials expecting Game of Thrones isn’t going to be thrilled with the series. And thus, any Game of Thrones comparisons set the show up for failure. On its own, however, His Dark Materials really does stand out as a worthwhile watch.

Another reason the show may have been overlooked upon its debut is because the prior attempt to adapt Pullman’s books — 2007’s The Golden Compass movie — left a bad taste in viewers’ mouths. While those familiar with the source material knew that it deserved a better adaptation, the fantasy movie could have soured newcomers on the franchise’s potential.