5 reasons why Chief of War seems like the perfect replacement for Game of Thrones

Chief of War finally seems to be filling the void left by Game of Thrones. It has been years since GOT concluded, and ever since, fans of the fantasy drama have been waiting for a show that focuses on political games, epic battles, and morally complex characters.

Chief of War seems to be a perfect blend of all these themes and more. The Apple TV+ series, created by and starring Jason Momoa, is set in the 18th century and revolves around the war between four major Hawaiian kingdoms.

The show brings the same excitement, mystery, and emotional depth that made Game of Thrones popular. The fact that it is based on real events makes the series even more exciting. Here are 5 reasons why the show is being compared to GOT.

Why Chief of War is the perfect replacement for Game of Thrones

1. Jason Momoa is back in his element

Jason Momoa’s role as Khal Drogo was one of the reasons behind Game of Thrones’ early success. The character remains memorable for his fierce and brave personality. In Chief of War, Momoa plays an equally bold character, but with more emotion and vulnerability.

He stars as Ka‘iana, a famous Hawaiian warrior who is torn between loyalty, survival, and his conscience. Not only does he showcase some brutal battle skills, but he also portrays a man who is longing for peace despite the violent circumstances.

2. A politically charged setting

Part of what made Game of Thrones special was how every fight was connected to political goals and betrayals. The Apple TV+ series does the same, but instead of Westeros’ castles, it is set on the islands of 18th-century Hawaii.

Each island has its own ruler, and alliances change like the tide. Ka‘iana gets involved in his uncle King Kahekili’s campaign but later sees the bloody side of the victory. Meanwhile, American and British ships also arrive on the islands, bringing foreign politics into the story.

3. Epic battle sequences

From Blackwater to The Battle of the Bastards, Game of Thrones set high standards for battle scenes. Chief of War matches the power of those sequences in its unique style.

The fights showcase Hawaiian martial arts, with spears, machetes, and handmade weapons. The show does not shy away from portraying the brutality that took place in the 18th-century wars, which makes it feel authentic and real.

4. Cultural authenticity in storytelling

While Game of Thrones drew inspiration from medieval European politics, Chief of War is based on Hawaiian history and culture. Momoa spent a decade bringing this project to life, as he was determined to tell the story from a Native perspective.

The show is filmed with a predominantly Polynesian cast, who often speak in Hawaiian. It features costumes, canoes, and armor crafted to match the period. It is the kind of immersive world-building that GOT fans love, but at the same time, the show represents real history that has rarely been told on this scale.

5. A mix of drama and shock value

Like Game of Thrones, Chief of War has surprise betrayals, shifting alliances, and moments where characters must choose between ambition and morality. There is violence, mystery, and emotional moments about family, loss, and inner conflict. The characters are not simply good or bad; they are complex and have various shades, just like the main characters of Game of Thrones.