Ever since it was revealed that the next two seasons of “Game of Thrones” would be the series’ last, many wondered what could possibly take the place of the hit fantasy series on HBO. The vaunted cable network has decided to gamble on a science-fiction hybrid to produce its next hit, and so far it’s looking as though it might pay off with “Westworld.”
As this point, it’s safe to say that “Westworld” is something of a success. The show’s premiere was HBOs biggest debut in years with 3.3 million viewers, according to Paste. That’s more than three times as many as “Vinyl”(a lousy 764,000). Ratings have been steady as we move into the latter half of the first season, but even bigger than the ratings is the media attention generated by the series. The internet is abuzz with fan theories delving into the inner workings of the series’ many mysteries. As long as the show doesn’t drop the ball, this could be the next big cultural smash for HBO.
And it appears that the show is only continuing to pick up steam. “Westworld” has received a fair amount of critical acclaim and has also done a good job of building a large and detailed world that can be explored for years to come. If the team behind the show keeps pleasing fans and brings the first season to a satisfying conclusion, there’s no reason “Westworld” couldn’t last for years. We recently reported that HBO has finally ordered a second season, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised if its popularity only continues to grow.
With its unique blend of science-fiction and the wild West, the licensing options for the series could be huge, too. The biggest HBO hits have managed to extend their reach far beyond television with a wide variety of merchandise that even includes video games. That’s particularly true online, with CasinoSource reporting that there are platforms featuring games for “The Sopranos” and “Game of Thrones.” Both shows have been transformed into licensed slot reels headlined by fan-favorite characters, such as Tony Soprano himself and a selection of the great houses of Westeros. HBO is clearly pulling out all the stops with its latest series, and if it proves to be the success everyone is hoping for, then we’d be willing to bet a video game isn’t far off.
“Westworld” seems tailor made for the digital experience. With recent reports of a new “Red Dead Redemption” sequel in the works, it could be the perfect time for HBO to piggyback with a Western game of its own. Mashable revealed that the show has its own virtual reality experience, but that only scratches the surface of what’s possible. If we were to receive a fully immersive game with the myriad plots and story lines, the possibilities could be endless.
We’re still going to have to wait to see if “Westworld” can stand the test of time, but HBO’s latest series is definitely off to a great start. If the show can manage to tie all its woven threads together, then the network may have found its “Game of Thrones” replacement after all.
