More Godly Picks
Ragnarok presents a blend of Norse mythology wrapped up with teen drama, angst and environmental issues. If you’ve finished watching this one and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks for alternate viewing. To keep things simple for skim-readers we’ve added what similarities these have. Of course for all the shows we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that series and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with. So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet the appetite when you’ve finished streaming Ragnarok.
American Gods
Similarities – Worldbuilding & Mythology
American Gods depicts a world where human and God live side by side. Hiding in plain sight, a war is brewing between the new Gods of technology and media against the conventional Gods of old. At the centre of this hedonist trip lies Shadow Moon, a man fresh out of jail and ready to start a new life after the death of his wife. That same wife, it’s worth noting, that cheated on Shadow with his best friend during the time he was incarcerated. When a mysterious stranger called Wednesday recruits Shadow as his bodyguard, what ensues is a hunt across America to recruit Old Gods for the upcoming battle against the New Gods. With multiple showrunners, ideas and visual flair, American Gods is definitely the rockiest ride on the list but has a uniqueness that many should take to nonetheless. You can read our thoughts on American Gods in our full season review here!
Blood of Zeus
Similarities – Fantasy
When it comes to world-building, Blood Of Zeus takes the foundational work of Greek mythology and distorts it to produce something both instantly recognizable and wholly original too. There’s some distinct changes to certain historical figures but the main concept remains the same. The delicious political drama with the Gods consumes much of the story, essentially acting as the catalyst to what comes to pass across the season. The first couple of episodes serve as expository-heavy introductions to this world. In this alt-history, a demonic army has risen and it’s up to Alexia and her armies to thwart their threat. It soon becomes clear though that young Heron more than holds his own in this fight, especially when a demon rocks up in town. Predictably, Heron finds himself thrust into an epic fight between both sides that eventually sees the Gods interfere and get involved. Toward the end, all hell breaks loose as fantasy clashes with the supernatural, culminating in a couple of action-packed episodes to see this finale off. You can read our thoughts on Blood Of Zeus in our full season review here!
Vikings
Similarities – Violence & Expansive Story
Following the journey of Ragnar Lothbrok, Vikings is a fascinating and often violent look into the lives of the first Norsemen in history. Full of dramatic tension and leaning (mostly) toward historical accuracy, Vikings does a great job blending fact and fiction. In doing so, it produces a methodically paced, interesting journey through the lives of the infamous warriors of the North. While the later seasons do take some liberties with that realism and the plot does run out of steam before its final season limps over the finish line, there’s enough here to enjoy nonetheless. You can read our thoughts on Vikings in our full season reviews here!
Good Omens
Similarities – Gods & Mystery
With a tasteful amount of religious humour and a story that builds to a climactic showdown at the end, Good Omens blends a mythological story involving Gods and Christianity around some trademark Pratchett humour. Oh, and it also features a pretty stacked cast too! While tonally different to American Gods and Ragnarok, the compelling story should be enough to keep you sticking around for more. You can read our thoughts on Good Omens in our full season reviews here!
Invisible City
Similarities – Gods & Hidden World
Invisible City is a tightly written, fast-paced fantasy drama that will leave you wanting more when the final credits roll. In its simplest form, this Brazilian Netflix Original feels like a hedonistic blend of Grimm, Green Frontier and American Gods. The story revolves around an environmental officer called Eric who’s thrown head-first into the world of myths and legends when his wife Gabriela is inexplicably killed in the forest by a fire. With no leads and the cause of the fire unknown, Eric is frustrated when the case is closed as unresolved. When a pink river dolphin washes up on shore though, Eric is thrown headfirst into a mystery that sees him team up (and duel against) numerous colorful characters that inhabit this fantasy world. Invisible City is a fast-paced, well written deep dive into Brazilian folklore – a definite must-watch. You can read our thoughts on Invisible City in our full season reviews here!
Misfits
Similarities – Banter & Characters
When it comes to a tight-knit group of teenagers forming an unlikely group, British series Misfits fits the bill perfectly. It’s a smartly written series that balances a combination of laugh out loud moments with much more profound bouts of drama. The story here revolves around a group of young offenders out doing community service. When they’re struck by lightning during a storm, each of these misfits start to develop superpowers. What follows is a nicely paced and well written adventure that’s perhaps darker than many many be expecting. However, it’s undeniably well written.
The Umbrella Academy
Similarities – Action & Family Dynamic
The Umbrella Academy is really the full package. Slick action, a great ensemble of characters and some excellent story beats make this superhero story one of the best Netflix Originals on the platform. Both seasons build up nicely with a decent amount of time dedicated to fleshing out every character and giving them a compelling arc. While the world-ending cataclysmic event is still here, it’s handled in a pretty smart and original way. The action sequences are well shot and the simple story surrounding this misfit group of child-heroes teaming up to save the world is as engrossing as it is watchable. It’s also one of the better examples of a show outdoing itself in the second season. A must watch. You can read our thoughts on The Umbrella Academy in our full season reviews here!
The Nevers
Similarities – Mystery
The Nevers is Joss Whedon’s latest supernatural series, taking place deep in the heart of Victorian England – but with a twist. Here, the story centers on a central group of women who find themselves sporting unusual abilities. Of course, xenophobia begins to rise up from the patriarchs in charge of the city, leading to a seismic shift in power that threatens to explode at any moment. With the series split into two parts, The Nevers’ first six episodes set the scene nicely for what’s to follow, with some good characterization and intriguing ideas peppered in along the way. You can read our thoughts on The Nevers in our episode recaps here!
The OA
Similarities – Mystery
Speaking of cancellations, The OA’s chop caused quite the stir online. That alone should tell you all you need to know about the power and quality surrounding this utterly bizarre Netflix Original. The OA is undeniably weird and its mystery does so well to keep you glued to find out what happens next. The main story revolves around a missing blind girl called Prairie returning home. Now in her twenties, she suddenly has her sight restored and no one seems to know why. From here, the show grows and piles on more mystery, delivering two seasons of utterly compelling TV. Unfortunately, the final episode of season 2 does end on a cliffhanger which could make or break the experience for you. However, in terms of atmosphere and riveting mystery, The OA absolutely nails it. You can read our thoughts on The OA in our full season reviews here!
Penny Dreadful
Similarities – Eclectic Characters & Mythology
Set in Victoria London, Penny Dreadful combines blood-soaked horror and mystery beautifully into one atmospheric series. The story essentially sees explorer Sir Malcolm Murray, American gunslinger Ethan Chandler, scientist Victor Frankenstein and medium Vanessa Ives uniting to combat supernatural threats together. It’s a simple enough premise but where this show excels is in its storytelling and acting. Everything about Penny Dreadful oozes charisma and despite a slightly slow start during season 1, it quickly grows into a real powerhouse on the horror circuit. It’s beautifully produced too, with some lavishly dressed sets and some well-rounded characters. This one is well worth checking out. So there we have it, our 10 TV show alternatives to watch when you’re finished watching Ragnarok on Netflix. What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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