Game of Thrones: Here’s why the Jon Snow spin-off series is a bad idea

• The streaming provider HBO is currently working on a Jon Snow series that should continue at the end of “GoT”.
• Jon Snow actor Kit Harington is set to return to his old role.
• HBO is releasing the prequel House of the Dragon later this year, which tells the story of the Targaryens.

Another “Game of Thrones” spin-off is set to return, continuing the story of series hero Jon Snow (actually Aegon Targaryen). Streaming service HBO is taking a risk, but not because fans hated the show’s Season 8 ending so much. The August 2022 prequel House of the Dragon and three other spin-offs have been well received, but the Jon Snow production is viewed by many as a bad idea.

Not much is known about the planned Jon Snow sequel, except that series star Kit Harington (“Modern Love”) will reprise his celebrated role. At the end of “GoT” Jon killed his great love Daenerys (“Last Christmas” star Emilia Clarke) and was sent back to the night’s watch. Although this measure was seen as a punishment, it was more of a redemption for Jon.

So a planned sequel isn’t a bad idea because the show’s final season was a flop, but rather because Jon’s story was completed in a satisfying way for fans. At the Night’s Watch, Jon experienced some of his finest moments, met his first (maybe only true) love, Ygritte (Rose Leslie), and made his best friends. Many fans were particularly pleased that his dog Geist survived at the end of the series and came with him to the night watch.

For viewers, that was the end of Jon’s story, for after years of struggling – and conquering death – he had finally found his peace. Starting a new streak now by showing Jon’s future with the Night’s Watch could be a huge mistake. Of course, Jon’s life isn’t over, but viewers have already said goodbye to him, so what’s the point of a sequel?

However, over the years we’ve also learned that doubts about series prequels and sequels were sometimes unjustified. With a good creative team, the Jon Snow spin-off could also be a success, despite the lack of a storyline. Nevertheless: If Jon Snow’s end was the best thing about the “GoT” finale and many other spin-offs are also being planned, HBO’s project is a big risk.