Game of Thrones — Viewership, Seasons & Cast
The epic fantasy that became television history
When Game of Thrones premiered on HBO on April 17, 2011, it wasn’t just another fantasy series — it was a global TV event. Based on A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, the series quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon known for its political intrigue, complex characters, shocking twists, and epic battles. The show ran for eight seasons (2011–2019), concluding with a finale that was among the most watched television episodes in history.
Below is a detailed look at how viewership grew over the series’ run, followed by season highlights, fun facts, and a cast breakdown with ages at the series start (2011) and ethnicity.
📊 Average Viewership by Season (Highest → Lowest)
Note on numbers: Because HBO reports gross audiences across platforms (linear TV, DVR, HBO Go/HBO Now, repeats, etc.), we’ll use the gross-per-season averages where available, and Nielsen averages in the context of trends.
| Rank | Season | Years Aired | Avg. Viewers (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 1 | Season 8 | 2019 | ~46.0 M |
| 2 | Season 7 | 2017 | ~32.8 M |
| 3 | Season 6 | 2016 | ~25.7 M |
| 4 | Season 5 | 2015 | ~20.2 M |
| 5 | Season 4 | 2014 | ~19.1 M |
| 6 | Season 3 | 2013 | ~14.4 M |
| 7 | Season 2 | 2012 | ~11.6 M |
| 8 | Season 1 | 2011 | ~9.3 M |
Figures are approximate gross viewership across HBO platforms (linear, streaming, and delayed viewing) as reported by HBO.
🐉 Season Highlights & Growth
Season 8 – The Finale (2019)
Avg. Viewers: ~46.0M
The final season shattered records for the series’ average viewership and set new highs in multiplatform metrics. Although opinions on its conclusion were polarizing, the Iron Throne chapter drew millions, including a finale with nearly 19.3 million viewers on its first airing.
Season 7 – The War Begins (2017)
~32.8M
With fewer episodes than previous seasons, Season 7 still drew massive audiences as alliances formed and war broke out across Westeros in the push toward the endgame.
Season 6 – The Battle for the North (2016)
~25.7M
Season 6 saw key events like the Battle of the Bastards and the shocking resurrection of Jon Snow. Its dramatic escalation helped propel viewership to new heights.
Season 5 – Winds of Change (2015)
~20.2M
This season included pivotal storylines in Dorne and Meereen. Despite mixed reactions to some plot choices, overall viewership continued an upward trend.
Season 4 – The Game Tightens (2014)
~19.1M
One of the most acclaimed seasons, featuring unforgettable episodes such as The Lion and the Rose and The Children, further built anticipation and audience engagement.
Season 3 – The Red Wedding (2013)
~14.4M
Season 3 marked a major cultural moment with the infamous Red Wedding, creating watercooler buzz that boosted the series’ profile.
Season 2 – The Crowned Stag (2012)
~11.6M
Expanding on the Seven Kingdoms’ conflicts, Season 2 introduced larger-scale battles and political maneuvers.
Season 1 – Winter Is Coming (2011)
~9.3M
The origin of it all: family rivalries, dragons (introduced late in the season), and the looming threat beyond the Wall. A strong debut that grew into something enormous.
🪄 Fun Facts & Trivia
🧠 Cultural Impact
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Game of Thrones toppled The Sopranos as HBO’s most watched series ever.
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The series finale’s first airing drew nearly 19.3 million viewers, a massive event in TV history.
🔥 Industry Milestones
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Several cast members earned Emmy recognition; the show itself won 59 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series.
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Five core actors were among the highest‑paid performers on TV, earning around $1M per episode in later seasons.
🏰 Storytelling Notes
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The show adapted its source material directly until around Season 6, after which it began to diverge due to unpublished novels.
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Many fan debates around Season 8 focused on pacing and character decisions — yet the audience still grew to peak viewership.
🧬 Cast — Age in 2011 & Ethnicity
Below is a selection of major cast members with ages at series start (2011) and ethnicity/background.
| Character | Actor | Ethnicity / Nationality | Age in 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrion Lannister | Peter Dinklage | American (White) | ~42 |
| Cersei Lannister | Lena Headey | British (White) | ~38 |
| Jaime Lannister | Nikolaj Coster‑Waldau | Danish (White) | ~40 |
| Daenerys Targaryen | Emilia Clarke | British (White) | ~25 |
| Jon Snow | Kit Harington | British (White) | ~24 |
| Sansa Stark | Sophie Turner | British (White) | ~15 |
| Arya Stark | Maisie Williams | British (White) | ~13 |
| Bran Stark | Isaac Hempstead Wright | British (White) | ~10 |
| Theon Greyjoy | Alfie Allen | British (White) | ~25 |
| Samwell Tarly | John Bradley | British (White) | ~29 |
| Jorah Mormont | Iain Glen | Scottish (White) | ~46 |
| Brienne of Tarth | Gwendoline Christie | British (White) | ~31 |
| Khal Drogo | Jason Momoa | American (Native Hawaiian‑White) | ~31 |
| Missandei | Nathalie Emmanuel | British (Black) | ~29 |
| Grey Worm | Jacob Anderson | British (Black) | ~27 |
| Sandor “The Hound” Clegane | Rory McCann | Scottish (White) | ~43 |
| Stannis Baratheon | Stephen Dillane | British (White) | ~51 |
| Melisandre | Carice van Houten | Dutch (White) | ~32 |
| Margaery Tyrell | Natalie Dormer | British (White) | ~29 |
Notes:
• Ages are approximate based on birth years as reported publicly.
• Ethnicity reflects broadly known heritage/citizenship where available.
🏁 Legacy
Game of Thrones remains one of the most influential and watched TV shows ever produced, with record‑breaking viewership and a legacy that extends beyond the screen. Its complex characters, sprawling world, and unpredictable storytelling made it the defining fantasy series of its era, fueling spinoffs like House of the Dragon and continuing to influence pop culture years after its finale.
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