Now that "Game of Thrones" is over

chibumga izuzu

August 30, 2017 9:00 AM

Now that "Game of Thrones" is over, it's probably time to go back to your roots.

After seven unforgettable episodes, the seventh season of

This means no new episodes on Sundays, no staying off social media because you're anti-spoilers, no Monday discussions about how awesome "GOT" writers are.

And for those who don't watch the show, no social media epistles on how you think the greatest TV show and biggest pop-culture event of this century is overrated.

It's going to be tough waiting to find out how Jon Snow will handle the news of his parentage, if the White Walkers will destroy everyone in Westeros, if Littlefinger would overthrow the Night King and if Jon and Dany will live happily ever after.

And if the rumours are anything to go by, the show won't be returning until 2019.

The question now is, what are you going to do with your TV life while you wait a year plus for your favourite show to return?

You could binge on "Defenders" - it's an OK show. You could rewatch "Game of Thrones." You could binge-watch the 1st seasons of the awesomeness called "Westworld" and "American Gods."

Or, you could return to your roots - try local TV content "Battleground" and "Jemeji."

There are no dragons and wildfire, but these Nigerian shows have fantasy elements and there are also feuding families.

Nine years ago, Africa Magic kicked off the journey of resurrecting Nigerian Television with "Tinsel," a drama about two rival companies. It earned immense praise and also launched several acting careers.

Fast forward to 2017, and it's not just "Tinsel." Africa Magic has created original shows like "Hush," "Hotel Majestic" and the ongoing "Battleground" and "Jemeji."

These shows do seem to inspire a lot of online conversations. Take, for instance, recently when Adaora of "Battleground" beat up Cizzy. The scene kicked off conversations on marriages, side chicks and cheating.

I wasn’t always a fan of "Battleground." I find shows that focus on the rich and their shenanigans to be overly idealized. But beneath what appeared to be a corny plot lies a relatable show with depth, capable of drawing all sorts of emotions from viewers.

"Battleground" is your typical Nigerian story - a wealthy man cheats on his wife, marries his sidechick, have kids with both women, and his two worlds collide after he goes into coma.

It doesn't push the ridiculous 'men are scum' narrative. Almost every character on the show has a 'I'm scum' day.

The second show, "Jemeji," follows the story of Senami, a 28-year-old doctor, who returns to Nigeria for her NYSC despite the discouragement from her father. She returns to her hometown Ajim and is determined to get to the root of a family mystery.

The popularity of these shows shouldn't come as a shock; its daily trend on Twitter alone is enough indication that many Nigerians are hooked. But not enough if you ask me.

Despite provoking writing, a terrific ensemble cast and an impressive social media engagement, these shows have been denied the respect they deserve.

This is undoubtedly because of the bias against Nollywood content and the decline in TV viewing habit. Also, unlike foreign shows, "Battleground" and "Jemeji" aren't available for streaming or online download.

They have a limited audience. However, the online recognition these shows earn is progress for the Nigerian TV industry.

Yes, there are not so many great Nigerian TV series, but we only have ourselves to blame when we allow shows like "Jemeji" and "Battleground" fly under the radar.

And with "Game of Thrones' away on a long journey, what better Nigerian TV content to consume than "Battleground" and "Jemeji?"

chibumga izuzu