After Game of Thrones: Will You Still Subscribe to HBO?

Thank you for asking. After the recent conclusion of Game of Thrones, many viewers, like myself, are reevaluating their subscriptions to HBO. As we move past the beloved fantasy series, here are the perspectives from various subscribers and my own thinking on whether to keep the subscription.

Concerns and Disappointment

It's clear that Game of Thrones won't be replaced by the likes of HBO's other series anytime soon. Many fans are left disappointed with the quality of the show's later seasons, and it's understandable to feel a sense of loss with its conclusion. I, too, was let down by the direction the series took, but I personally didn't subscribe to HBO mainly for Game of Thrones. I subscribe because I trust them to create compelling content over time. Additionally, I find it challenging to cancel the service and try to find other content to keep me interested.

Subscribing for Other Series

My friend who also paid for HBO for Game of Thrones had a slightly different perspective. He stayed for the upcoming Season 2 of Big Little Lies. This shows that sometimes, a quality series can keep viewers engaged. For her, the main reason for subscribing was to watch Game of Thrones, and she might explore other content on the platform once it's over.

Quality Content Beyond Game of Thrones

Regardless of the outcome, HBO remains a strong player in the streaming market with a large portfolio of original content. Here are just a few highlights:

Succession: A gripping drama about the merger of two powerfully influential American families, offering deep insights into the corporate world. Gentleman Jack: A beautifully acted series based on the life of the pioneering lesbian writer and activist series, Marsha Berenbaum Johnson, making her a central figure in the LGBTQ movement. Westworld: A modern take on the philosophical themes of robotic consciousness and human nature, offering profound and thought-provoking storylines. Chernobyl: A chilling and well-crafted miniseries based on the catastrophic nuclear accident, providing a darkly compelling and well-researched view of the horrors that followed. Real Time, Last Week Tonight, Silicon Valley, Watchmen, Euphoria, His Dark Materials, The Righteous Gemstones: These shows and films span a wide range from stand-up comedy to imaginative and complex narratives, offering something for every taste.

HBO also offers a variety of films, documentaries, and stand-up comedy specials, all of which have been well-received. The high percentage of quality content is a significant draw for subscribers.

Personal Decision and Future Plans

Considering the other compelling shows available, I'm keeping my subscription for the time being, even though I personally wouldn't watch much more than Chernobyl. The platform offers a mix of high-quality content, and some of these series that I have watched are worth multiple viewings. However, my wife and I are planning to cancel our subscription after the friendlier Chernobyl season wraps up in a couple of weeks as there is nothing currently ongoing or planned within the next 30 days that we would be interested in.

Ultimately, the decision to keep a streaming service subscription comes down to the quality of the content beyond the immediate hit series. For many, the convenience and the multitude of options can outweigh the disappointment in a single high-profile series. While Game of Thrones' decline has been a wake-up call for some, staying subscribed often means accessing a diverse array of content that can add value to your viewing experience.