Series dubbed “next Game of Thrones” debuts with 100% Rotten Tomatoes score

FX’s newest series, Shogun, has debuted with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics already calling it the “next Game of Thrones.”

TV networks and streaming services have been chasing the so-called “next Game of Thrones” for years. For a while, Netflix’s Witcher adaptation was billed as one such show. Avatar’s new live-action series was partly meant to appeal to Game of Thrones faithful, as well.

Critics claim something may have finally hit the mark in the form of a historical drama based on James Clavell’s Shogun novel. Starring veteran actor Hiroyuki Sanada, Shogun takes place in Feudal Japan, specifically in the year 1600 during a “century-defining civil war.”

Sanada’s character, Lord Yoshii Toranaga, must fight for his life against the Council of Regents, but destinies suddenly shift after a European vessel washes ashore in a fishing village.

Critics dub FX’s Shogun series the new Game of Thrones

Shogun’s first two episodes hit FX and Hulu on February 27, and the 100% Rotten Tomatoes score suggests it’s must-see TV. According to the 97% Audience Score, viewers also think the new limited series is well worth a watch.

What’s more, critics giving the samurai show the highest praise have likened it to HBO’s beloved Game of Thrones. The Independent‘s review argues that of all the shows gunning for the “the next Game of Thrones” title, FX “might just have picked a winner” with Shogun.

Similarly, the review from Variety claims the new miniseries constitutes “the most transportive TV epic since Game of Thrones.”

Evidently, Shogun is off to a tremendous start, with two episodes down and eight more to go before the miniseries draws to a close.

Whether or not it can keep up such momentum remains a mystery for the time being. But it seems this is one mystery viewers around the world won’t mind watching unfold.

Shogun will premiere new episodes every Tuesday on FX and Hulu.