Difference between revisions of "Game of Thrones"

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{{Infobox television
 
{{Infobox television
 
  |show_name = Game of Thrones
 
  |show_name = Game of Thrones
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  |country = United States
 
  |country = United States
 
  |language = English
 
  |language = English
  |num_seasons = 3 <!-- Only update after a new season begins -->
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  |num_seasons = 6 <!-- Only update after a new season begins -->
  |num_episodes = 23 <!-- Only update after a new episode airs -->
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  |num_episodes = 60 <!-- Only update after a new episode airs -->
 
  |list_episodes = List of Game of Thrones episodes
 
  |list_episodes = List of Game of Thrones episodes
 
  |executive_producer = ''All seasons:''<br/>[[w:David Benioff|David Benioff]]<br/>[[w:D. B. Weiss|D. B. Weiss]]<br/>''Season 2 only:''<br/>[[w:Frank Doelger|Frank Doelger]]<br/>[[w:Carolyn Strauss|Carolyn Strauss]]
 
  |executive_producer = ''All seasons:''<br/>[[w:David Benioff|David Benioff]]<br/>[[w:D. B. Weiss|D. B. Weiss]]<br/>''Season 2 only:''<br/>[[w:Frank Doelger|Frank Doelger]]<br/>[[w:Carolyn Strauss|Carolyn Strauss]]
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  |cinematography = [[w:Alik Sakharov|Alik Sakharov]]<br>[[w:Marco Pontecorvo|Marco Pontecorvo]]<br>[[w:Matthew Jensen|Matthew Jensen]]<br>[[w:Kramer Morgenthau|Kramer Morgenthau]]<br/>[[w:P.J. Dillon|P.J. Dillon]]
 
  |cinematography = [[w:Alik Sakharov|Alik Sakharov]]<br>[[w:Marco Pontecorvo|Marco Pontecorvo]]<br>[[w:Matthew Jensen|Matthew Jensen]]<br>[[w:Kramer Morgenthau|Kramer Morgenthau]]<br/>[[w:P.J. Dillon|P.J. Dillon]]
 
  |editor =
 
  |editor =
  |location = Northern Ireland (Season 1 & 2)<br>Malta (Season 1)<br>Croatia (Season 2)<br>Iceland (Season 2)<ref name="gotfactsheet">{{cite web  |title=From HBO | last=Martin | first=George R. R. | date=July 16, 2010 | work=Not a Blog | publisher=LiveJournal| url=http://grrm.livejournal.com/164794.html}}</ref>
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  |location = Scotland (unaired pilot)<br>Northern Ireland (unaired pilot and Seasons 1-5)<br>Morocco (unaired pilot and Season 3)<br>Malta (Season 1)<br>Croatia (Seasons 2-5)<br>Iceland (Seasons 2-5)<ref name="gotfactsheet">{{cite web  |title=From HBO | last=Martin | first=George R. R. | date=July 16, 2010 | work=Not a Blog | publisher=LiveJournal| url=http://grrm.livejournal.com/164794.html}}</ref><ref>winteriscoming.net: [http://winteriscoming.net/2014/07/03/game-of-thrones-returning-to-iceland-for-limited-season-5-filming/ Game of Thrones returning to Iceland for limited season 5 filming]</ref><br>United States (Season 3)<ref>makinggameofthrones.com: [http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/2013/5/29/leeches-dragons-and-a-bear-behind-the-scenes-of-episodes-307.html Leeches, Dragons and a Bear: Behind the Scenes of Episodes 307 and 308]</ref><br>Spain (Season 5)
 
  |camera = [[w:Arri Alexa|Arri Alexa]]
 
  |camera = [[w:Arri Alexa|Arri Alexa]]
 
  |runtime = 60 minutes
 
  |runtime = 60 minutes
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  |production_website = http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/
 
  |production_website = http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/
 
}}
 
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'''''Game of Thrones''''' is an American [[w:medieval fantasy|medieval fantasy]] television series created for HBO by [[w:David Benioff|David Benioff]] and [[w:D.B. Weiss|D. B. Weiss]], featuring a predominantly British and Irish cast. The series  is based on author [[George R. R. Martin]]'s best-selling ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' series of seven planned fantasy novels, the first of which is called "A Game of Thrones."<ref>[http://www.canvascollab.com/gameofthrones Amazon Product Description], 2011-05-31</ref> The series debuted in the U.S. on Sunday evening, April 17, 2011.  
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'''''Game of Thrones''''' is an American [[w:medieval fantasy|medieval fantasy]] television series created for HBO by [[w:David Benioff|David Benioff]] and [[w:D.B. Weiss|D. B. Weiss]], featuring a predominantly British and Irish cast. The series  is based on author [[George R. R. Martin]]'s best-selling ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' series of seven planned fantasy novels, the first of which is ''[[A Game of Thrones]]''.<ref>[http://www.canvascollab.com/gameofthrones Amazon Product Description], 2011-05-31</ref> The series debuted in the U.S. on Sunday evening, April 17, 2011.  
  
''Game of Thrones'' has been extremely well received critically, and has already garnered a loyal fanbase. The series was picked up for a [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|second season]] on April 19, 2011, just two days after its premiere.<ref>[http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&aid=73&rid=4283819&tpl=archnews&only=1 "HBO Re-commissions 'Game of Thrones'"], 20 April 2011</ref>The production is based in [[w:Belfast|Belfast]], [[w:Northern Ireland|Northern Ireland]], and has also filmed in [[w:Malta|Malta]], [[w:Croatia|Croatia]] and [[w:Iceland|Iceland]]. The show's cast is mainly British and Irish.
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''Game of Thrones'' has been extremely well received critically, and has already garnered a loyal fanbase. The series was picked up for a [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|second season]] on April 19, 2011, just two days after its premiere.<ref>[http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&aid=73&rid=4283819&tpl=archnews&only=1 "HBO Re-commissions 'Game of Thrones'"], 20 April 2011</ref> The production is based in [[w:Belfast|Belfast]], [[w:Northern Ireland|Northern Ireland]], and has also filmed in [[w:Croatia|Croatia]], [[w:Iceland|Iceland]], [[w:Malta|Malta]], [[w:Morocco|Morocco]], [[w:Scotland|Scotland]], [[w:Spain|Spain]], and the [[w:United States|United States]].
  
Highly anticipated since its early stages of development, the [[Game of Thrones - Season 1|first season]] of ''Game of Thrones'' was very well received by viewers and critics.<ref name="ewtop10shows">Tucker, Ken,  [http://watching-tv.ew.com/2011/01/01/2011-tv-fringe-oscars-kennedy-franco-game-of-thrones/ TV Events to Look Forward to in 2011], Entertainment, |Entertainment Weekly, January 1, 2011,  issue 1084</ref><ref name="timetop2011">Poniewozik, James [http://tunedin.blogs.time.com/2010/12/30/vacation-robo-post-tv-to-look-forward-to-in-2011 Vacation Robo-Post: TV to Look Forward to in 2011], TIME, December 30, 2010,accessed January 6, 2011</ref><ref name="TV Guide review">Roush, Matt [http://www.tvguide.com/News/Roush-Review-Thrones-1031879.aspx Roush Review: Grim Thrones Is a Crowning Achievement] [http://www.tvguide.com Tvguide.com], April 15, 2011, |accessed May 11, 2011</ref><ref name="Entertainment Weekly Review">Tucker, Ken, [http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20481542,00.html Game of Thrones (2011)] [http://www.ew.com EW.com], April 14, 2011, accessed May 11, 2011</ref> The series was picked up for [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|a second season]] on April 19, 2011, two days after its premiere.<ref name="gotrenewal">Hibbard, James [http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/04/19/game-of-thrones-renewed/ HBO renews 'Game of Thrones' for second season], April 19, 2011, Inside TV </ref>  It was nominated for several awards, including [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series|Outstanding Drama Series]] for the [[w:63rd Primetime Emmy Awards|63rd Primetime Emmy Awards]] and [[w:Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama|Best Television Series – Drama]] at the [[w:69th Golden Globe Awards|69th Golden Globe Awards]]; [[w:Peter Dinklage|Peter Dinklage]] also won both ceremonies' Best Supporting Actor award ([[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series|Emmy]] and [[w:Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Golden Globes]]).  Other accolades include an Emmy nomination for [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series|Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series]] and an Emmy win for [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design|Outstanding Main Title Design]].
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Highly anticipated since its early stages of development, the [[Game of Thrones - Season 1|first season]] of ''Game of Thrones'' was very well received by viewers and critics.<ref name="ewtop10shows">Tucker, Ken,  [http://watching-tv.ew.com/2011/01/01/2011-tv-fringe-oscars-kennedy-franco-game-of-thrones/ TV Events to Look Forward to in 2011], Entertainment, |Entertainment Weekly, January 1, 2011,  issue 1084</ref><ref name="timetop2011">Poniewozik, James [http://tunedin.blogs.time.com/2010/12/30/vacation-robo-post-tv-to-look-forward-to-in-2011 Vacation Robo-Post: TV to Look Forward to in 2011], TIME, December 30, 2010,accessed January 6, 2011</ref><ref name="TV Guide review">Roush, Matt [http://www.tvguide.com/News/Roush-Review-Thrones-1031879.aspx Roush Review: Grim Thrones Is a Crowning Achievement] [http://www.tvguide.com Tvguide.com], April 15, 2011, |accessed May 11, 2011</ref><ref name="Entertainment Weekly Review"/> The series was picked up for [[Game of Thrones - Season 2|a second season]] on April 19, 2011, two days after its premiere.<ref name="gotrenewal">Hibbard, James [http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/04/19/game-of-thrones-renewed/ HBO renews 'Game of Thrones' for second season], April 19, 2011, Inside TV </ref>  It was nominated for several awards, including [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series|Outstanding Drama Series]] for the [[w:63rd Primetime Emmy Awards|63rd Primetime Emmy Awards]] and [[w:Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama|Best Television Series – Drama]] at the [[w:69th Golden Globe Awards|69th Golden Globe Awards]]; [[w:Peter Dinklage|Peter Dinklage]] also won both ceremonies' Best Supporting Actor award ([[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series|Emmy]] and [[w:Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Golden Globes]]).  Other accolades include an Emmy nomination for [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series|Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series]] and an Emmy win for [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design|Outstanding Main Title Design]].
  
 
== Plot ==
 
== Plot ==
{{See also|Game of Thrones - Season 1{{!}}Season 1|Game of Thrones - Season 2{{!}}Season 2|Game of Thrones - Season 3{{!}}Season 3|A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire#Back_story{{!}}A Song of Ice and Fire - back story}}
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{{See also|Game of Thrones - Season 1{{!}}Season 1|Game of Thrones - Season 2{{!}}Season 2|Game of Thrones - Season 3{{!}}Season 3|Game of Thrones - Season 4{{!}}Season 4|A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire#Back_story{{!}}A Song of Ice and Fire - back story}}
  
 
The cable television series closely follows the multiple story lines of the ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' series, and author Martin has stated that the show's pilot script was very faithful to his work.<ref>Martin, George R. R. (2010-07-16). "[http://grrm.livejournal.com/164794.html From HBO]". Not a Blog, LiveJournal.</ref> Set in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] of [[Westeros]], where "summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime," ''Game of Thrones'' chronicles the violent dynastic struggles among the kingdom's seven noble families for control of the [[Iron Throne]]; as the series opens, additional threats from the snow and ice covered region north of Westeros and from the eastern continent across a narrow sea are simultaneously beginning to rise.<ref>Martin, George R. R. (2010-07-16). [http://grrm.livejournal.com/164794.html From HBO], Not a Blog, LiveJournal.</ref>
 
The cable television series closely follows the multiple story lines of the ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' series, and author Martin has stated that the show's pilot script was very faithful to his work.<ref>Martin, George R. R. (2010-07-16). "[http://grrm.livejournal.com/164794.html From HBO]". Not a Blog, LiveJournal.</ref> Set in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] of [[Westeros]], where "summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime," ''Game of Thrones'' chronicles the violent dynastic struggles among the kingdom's seven noble families for control of the [[Iron Throne]]; as the series opens, additional threats from the snow and ice covered region north of Westeros and from the eastern continent across a narrow sea are simultaneously beginning to rise.<ref>Martin, George R. R. (2010-07-16). [http://grrm.livejournal.com/164794.html From HBO], Not a Blog, LiveJournal.</ref>
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This list contains only the characters and names as given on the official website. Add other characters to "List of characters in Game of Thrones" instead! Nicknames or titles which are not part of the name on the official website ("Imp", "Kingslayer", "Stormborn", "Mother of dragons", etc) should not be included.
 
This list contains only the characters and names as given on the official website. Add other characters to "List of characters in Game of Thrones" instead! Nicknames or titles which are not part of the name on the official website ("Imp", "Kingslayer", "Stormborn", "Mother of dragons", etc) should not be included.
 
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[[w:Sean Bean|Sean Bean]] leads the first season's cast as Lord [[Eddard Stark|Eddard "Ned" Stark]], patriarch of the [[House Stark|Stark family]]. His wife, [[Catelyn Stark]] (born Tully), is played by [[w:Michelle Fairley|Michelle Fairley]]. Their children are [[Robb Stark|Robb]] ([[w:Richard Madden|Richard Madden]]), [[Sansa]] ([[w:Sophie Turner (actress)|Sophie Turner]]), [[Arya]] ([[w:Maisie Williams|Maisie Williams]]), [[Bran]] ([[w:Isaac Hempstead-Wright|Isaac Hempstead-Wright]]) and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]] (Art Parkinson). [[w:Kit Harington|Kit Harington]] plays Ned's [[bastard]], [[Jon Snow]], and [[w:Alfie Allen|Alfie Allen]] plays [[Theon Greyjoy]], a political hostage and ward of Lord Stark.
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[[w:Sean Bean|Sean Bean]] leads the first season's cast as Lord [[Eddard Stark|Eddard "Ned" Stark]], patriarch of the [[House Stark|Stark family]]. His wife, [[Catelyn Stark]] (born Tully), is played by [[w:Michelle Fairley|Michelle Fairley]]. Their children are [[Robb Stark|Robb]] ([[w:Richard Madden|Richard Madden]]), [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] ([[w:Sophie Turner (actress)|Sophie Turner]]), [[Arya Stark|Arya]] ([[w:Maisie Williams|Maisie Williams]]), [[Bran Stark|Bran]] ([[w:Isaac Hempstead-Wright|Isaac Hempstead-Wright]]) and [[Rickon Stark|Rickon]] (Art Parkinson). [[w:Kit Harington|Kit Harington]] plays Ned's [[bastard]], [[Jon Snow]], and [[w:Alfie Allen|Alfie Allen]] plays [[Theon Greyjoy]], a political hostage and ward of Lord Stark.
  
King [[Robert Baratheon]] is played by [[w:Mark Addy|Mark Addy]], Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] is played by [[w:Lena Headey|Lena Headey]]. Cersei has two brothers; her twin, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] ([[w:Nikolaj Coster-Waldau|Nikolaj Coster-Waldau]]), and the clever dwarf [[Tyrion]] ([[w:Peter Dinklage|Peter Dinklage]]). Cersei's oldest child is Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]] ([[w:Jack Gleeson|Jack Gleeson]]), and his bodyguard is [[Sandor Clegane|Sandor "The Hound" Clegane]] ([[w:Rory McCann|Rory McCann]]). [[w:Aidan Gillen|Aidan Gillen]] plays Lord [[Petyr  Baelish|Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish]], [[Master of Coin]] for King Robert's [[Small Council]].
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King [[Robert Baratheon]] is played by [[w:Mark Addy|Mark Addy]], Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] is played by [[w:Lena Headey|Lena Headey]]. Cersei has two brothers; her twin, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] ([[w:Nikolaj Coster-Waldau|Nikolaj Coster-Waldau]]), and the clever dwarf [[Tyrion Lannister]] ([[w:Peter Dinklage|Peter Dinklage]]). Cersei's oldest child is Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]] ([[w:Jack Gleeson|Jack Gleeson]]), and his bodyguard is [[Sandor Clegane|Sandor "The Hound" Clegane]] ([[w:Rory McCann|Rory McCann]]). [[w:Aidan Gillen|Aidan Gillen]] plays Lord [[Petyr  Baelish|Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish]], [[Master of Coin]] for King Robert's [[Small Council]].
  
[[Across the Narrow Sea]], siblings [[Viserys Targaryen]] ([[w:Harry Lloyd|Harry Lloyd]]) and [[Daenerys Targaryen|Daenerys "Dany" Targaryen]] ([[w:Emilia Clarke|Emilia Clarke]]) – the exiled surviving children of the previous king, [[Aerys II]], who King Robert overthrew – are on the run for their lives and trying to win back the throne. Dany is married to Khal [[Drogo]] ([[w:Jason Momoa|Jason Momoa]]), the leader of the [[Dothraki]], for the promise of an army for Viserys. [[w:Iain Glen|Iain Glen]] plays exiled knight Ser [[Jorah Mormont]], who is sworn to help and protect the siblings.
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[[Across the Narrow Sea]], siblings [[Viserys Targaryen]] ([[w:Harry Lloyd|Harry Lloyd]]) and [[Daenerys Targaryen|Daenerys "Dany" Targaryen]] ([[w:Emilia Clarke|Emilia Clarke]]) – the exiled surviving children of the previous king, [[Aerys II Targaryen]], who King Robert overthrew – are on the run for their lives and trying to win back the throne. Dany is married to Khal [[Drogo]] ([[w:Jason Momoa|Jason Momoa]]), the leader of the [[Dothraki]], for the promise of an army for Viserys. [[w:Iain Glen|Iain Glen]] plays exiled knight Ser [[Jorah Mormont]], who is sworn to help and protect the siblings.
 
   
 
   
The second season adds five characters introduced in the first season to the principal cast. Three belong to the court at [[King's Landing]]: [[Varys]] ([[w:Conleth Hill|Conleth Hill]]), the eunuch and spymaster; [[Bronn]] ([[w:Jerome Flynn|Jerome Flynn]]), Tyrion's sellsword companion and [[Shae]] ([[w:Sibel Kekilli|Sibel Kekilli]]), his mistress. The other two are men of the [[Night's Watch]]: Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]] ([[w:James Cosmo|James Cosmo]]) and Jon Snow's friend [[Samwell Tarly]] ([[w:John Bradley-West|John Bradley]]). New main characters in the second season are King [[w:Stannis Baratheon|Stannis Baratheon]] ([[w:Stephen Dillane|Stephen Dillane]]), the elder of Robert's two younger brothers and a contender for the Iron Throne; Stannis' advisors [[Melisandre]] ([[w:Carice van Houten|Carice van Houten]]), a foreign priestess; Ser [[Davos Seaworth]] ([[w:Liam Cunningham|Liam Cunningham]]), a former smuggler who is now a loyal supporter of Stannis; and Lady [[Margaery Tyrell]] ([[w:Natalie Dormer|Natalie Dormer]]), wife of rebel king [[Renly Baratheon]] and sister of Renly's lover, Ser [[Loras Tyrell]].
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The second season adds five characters introduced in the first season to the principal cast. Three belong to the court at [[King's Landing]]: [[Varys]] ([[w:Conleth Hill|Conleth Hill]]), the eunuch and spymaster; [[Bronn]] ([[w:Jerome Flynn|Jerome Flynn]]), Tyrion's sellsword companion and [[Shae]] ([[w:Sibel Kekilli|Sibel Kekilli]]), his mistress. The other two are men of the [[Night's Watch]]: Lord Commander [[Jeor Mormont]] ([[w:James Cosmo|James Cosmo]]) and Jon Snow's friend [[Samwell Tarly]] ([[w:John Bradley-West|John Bradley]]). New main characters in the second season are King [[Stannis Baratheon]] ([[w:Stephen Dillane|Stephen Dillane]]), the elder of Robert's two younger brothers and a contender for the Iron Throne; Stannis' advisors [[Melisandre]] ([[w:Carice van Houten|Carice van Houten]]), a foreign priestess; Ser [[Davos Seaworth]] ([[w:Liam Cunningham|Liam Cunningham]]), a former smuggler who is now a loyal supporter of Stannis; and Lady [[Margaery Tyrell]] ([[w:Natalie Dormer|Natalie Dormer]]), wife of rebel king [[Renly Baratheon]] and sister of Renly's lover, Ser [[Loras Tyrell]].
 
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On July 19, 2009, a number of further casting decisions were announced, including Sean Bean being given the role of [[Eddard Stark|Ned Stark]],<ref>Kit, Borys; Nellie Andreeva (2009-07-19). [http://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSTRE56J09D20090720 "Sean Bean ascends to "Game of Thrones"]. Reuters. Retrieved 2009-07-20.</ref> thus confirming a rumour first reported a couple of days before.<ref>[http://winter-is-coming.blogspot.com/2009/07/insider-sean-bean-cast-as-ned.html  "Insider: Sean Bean cast as Ned"]. "Winter Is Coming" blog. Retrieved  2009-07-15</ref> Other actors signed on for the pilot were Kit Harington in the role of [[Jon Snow]], Jack Gleeson as [[Joffrey Baratheon]], Harry Lloyd as [[Viserys Targaryen]], and Mark Addy as [[Robert Baratheon]].<ref>Kit, Borys; Nellie Andreeva (2009-07-19).  [http://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSTRE56J09D20090720 "Sean  Bean ascends to "Game of Thrones"]. Reuters. Retrieved  2009-07-20.</ref><ref>Martin, George R. R.. [http://grrm.livejournal.com/95840.html "A Casting We Will Go"]. Retrieved 2009-07-20.</ref>
 
On July 19, 2009, a number of further casting decisions were announced, including Sean Bean being given the role of [[Eddard Stark|Ned Stark]],<ref>Kit, Borys; Nellie Andreeva (2009-07-19). [http://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSTRE56J09D20090720 "Sean Bean ascends to "Game of Thrones"]. Reuters. Retrieved 2009-07-20.</ref> thus confirming a rumour first reported a couple of days before.<ref>[http://winter-is-coming.blogspot.com/2009/07/insider-sean-bean-cast-as-ned.html  "Insider: Sean Bean cast as Ned"]. "Winter Is Coming" blog. Retrieved  2009-07-15</ref> Other actors signed on for the pilot were Kit Harington in the role of [[Jon Snow]], Jack Gleeson as [[Joffrey Baratheon]], Harry Lloyd as [[Viserys Targaryen]], and Mark Addy as [[Robert Baratheon]].<ref>Kit, Borys; Nellie Andreeva (2009-07-19).  [http://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSTRE56J09D20090720 "Sean  Bean ascends to "Game of Thrones"]. Reuters. Retrieved  2009-07-20.</ref><ref>Martin, George R. R.. [http://grrm.livejournal.com/95840.html "A Casting We Will Go"]. Retrieved 2009-07-20.</ref>
  
On August 20, several more casting announcements were made, featuring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as [[Jaime Lannister]] and [[w:Tamzin Merchant|Tamzin Merchant]] as [[Daenerys Targaryen]], as well as Richard Madden in the role of [[Robb Stark]], Iain Glen as [[Jorah Mormont|Ser Jorah Mormont]], Alfie Allen as [[Theon Greyjoy]], and the young Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams as [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] and [[Arya Stark]], respectively.<ref>Hibberd, James (2009-08-20). [http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3iebbbd387ec9a77d4420b06999a24352b "HBO appoints subjects to 'Thrones'".] Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved  2009-08-20</ref> On September 1, it was revealed that Lena Headey had been cast as [[Cersei Lannister]].<ref>Ryan, Maureen (2009-09-01). [http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/09/game-of-thrones-hbo-.html "Royal HBO role filled by 'Terminator: Sarah Connor' actress"]. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-09-01.</ref> On September 23, Martin confirmed that Rory McCann has been cast as [[Sandor Clegane]].<ref>Martin, George R. R. (2009-09-26). [http://grrm.livejournal.com/109392.html "As Sandor Clegane, the Hound..."]. Retrieved 2009-09-26.</ref> Isaac Hempstead-Wright was confirmed as [[Bran Stark]] on October 14, followed by an announcement of Jason Momoa as [[Khal Drogo]] three days later.<ref>Ryan, Maureen (2009-10-13). [http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/10/game-of-thrones-hbo.html "The 'Games' afoot: HBO's 'Game of Thrones' gears up"]. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-01-13.</ref>
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On August 20, several more casting announcements were made, featuring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as [[Jaime Lannister]] and [[w:Tamzin Merchant|Tamzin Merchant]] as [[Daenerys Targaryen]], as well as Richard Madden in the role of [[Robb Stark]], Iain Glen as Ser [[Jorah Mormont]], Alfie Allen as [[Theon Greyjoy]], and the young Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams as [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] and [[Arya Stark]], respectively.<ref>Hibberd, James (2009-08-20). [http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3iebbbd387ec9a77d4420b06999a24352b "HBO appoints subjects to 'Thrones'".] Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved  2009-08-20</ref> On September 1, it was revealed that Lena Headey had been cast as [[Cersei Lannister]].<ref>Ryan, Maureen (2009-09-01). [http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/09/game-of-thrones-hbo-.html "Royal HBO role filled by 'Terminator: Sarah Connor' actress"]. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-09-01.</ref> On September 23, Martin confirmed that Rory McCann has been cast as [[Sandor Clegane]].<ref>Martin, George R. R. (2009-09-26). [http://grrm.livejournal.com/109392.html "As Sandor Clegane, the Hound..."]. Retrieved 2009-09-26.</ref> Isaac Hempstead-Wright was confirmed as [[Bran Stark]] on October 14, followed by an announcement of Jason Momoa as Khal [[Drogo]] three days later.<ref>Ryan, Maureen (2009-10-13). [http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/10/game-of-thrones-hbo.html "The 'Games' afoot: HBO's 'Game of Thrones' gears up"]. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-01-13.</ref>
  
 
After the pilot was shot and the series picked up, it was announced that the role of Catelyn had been recast, with [[w:Michelle Fairley|Michelle Fairley]] replacing Ehle.<ref>Andreeva, Nellie (2009-08-03). [http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i21cea1586dd4edf533b1d96d3d3b5d32 "Fairley to replace Ehle in HBO's 'Thrones'"]. Hollywood Reporter.</ref>  Later, it was also confirmed that [[w:Emilia Clarke|Emilia Clarke]] would replace Tamzin Merchant as Daenerys.<ref>Ryan, Maureen (2010-05-21). [http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2010/05/game-of-thrones-hbo.html "Exclusive: 'Game of Thrones' recasts noble role"]. Chicago Tribune.</ref><ref>Martin, George R. R. (2010-05-21). [http://grrm.livejournal.com/153995.html "A New Daenerys"]. Not a Blog. LiveJournal.</ref>
 
After the pilot was shot and the series picked up, it was announced that the role of Catelyn had been recast, with [[w:Michelle Fairley|Michelle Fairley]] replacing Ehle.<ref>Andreeva, Nellie (2009-08-03). [http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i21cea1586dd4edf533b1d96d3d3b5d32 "Fairley to replace Ehle in HBO's 'Thrones'"]. Hollywood Reporter.</ref>  Later, it was also confirmed that [[w:Emilia Clarke|Emilia Clarke]] would replace Tamzin Merchant as Daenerys.<ref>Ryan, Maureen (2010-05-21). [http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2010/05/game-of-thrones-hbo.html "Exclusive: 'Game of Thrones' recasts noble role"]. Chicago Tribune.</ref><ref>Martin, George R. R. (2010-05-21). [http://grrm.livejournal.com/153995.html "A New Daenerys"]. Not a Blog. LiveJournal.</ref>
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Anticipation for the series was described by various media outlets as extremely high, with a dedicated fan base closely following the show's development.<ref>Gregory, Mathilda (2010-07-23). [http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2010/jul/22/game-of-thrones-most-anticipated "Is A Game of Thrones the most eagerly anticipated TV show ever?"]. London: The Guardian</ref><ref>Colins, Scott (2010-08-08). [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/08/with-game-of-thrones-hbo-is-plotting-for-another-true-blood.html "With 'Game of Thrones,' HBO is playing for another 'True Blood'"]. Los Angeles Times.</ref> By April 2011 multiple entertainment news outlets had described it as the most highly awaited television series of 2011.<ref>Tucker, Ken (January 1, 2011). [http://watching-tv.ew.com/2011/01/01/2011-tv-fringe-oscars-kennedy-franco-game-of-thrones/ "10 TV Events to Look Forward to in 2011"]. Entertainment (Entertainment Weekly) (1084).</ref><ref>Poniewozik, James (December 30, 2010). [http://tunedin.blogs.time.com/2010/12/30/vacation-robo-post-tv-to-look-forward-to-in-2011/ "Vacation Robo-Post: TV to Look Forward to in 2011"]. TIME. Retrieved January 6, 2011.</ref>
 
Anticipation for the series was described by various media outlets as extremely high, with a dedicated fan base closely following the show's development.<ref>Gregory, Mathilda (2010-07-23). [http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2010/jul/22/game-of-thrones-most-anticipated "Is A Game of Thrones the most eagerly anticipated TV show ever?"]. London: The Guardian</ref><ref>Colins, Scott (2010-08-08). [http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/08/with-game-of-thrones-hbo-is-plotting-for-another-true-blood.html "With 'Game of Thrones,' HBO is playing for another 'True Blood'"]. Los Angeles Times.</ref> By April 2011 multiple entertainment news outlets had described it as the most highly awaited television series of 2011.<ref>Tucker, Ken (January 1, 2011). [http://watching-tv.ew.com/2011/01/01/2011-tv-fringe-oscars-kennedy-franco-game-of-thrones/ "10 TV Events to Look Forward to in 2011"]. Entertainment (Entertainment Weekly) (1084).</ref><ref>Poniewozik, James (December 30, 2010). [http://tunedin.blogs.time.com/2010/12/30/vacation-robo-post-tv-to-look-forward-to-in-2011/ "Vacation Robo-Post: TV to Look Forward to in 2011"]. TIME. Retrieved January 6, 2011.</ref>
  
The majority of reviews for the show were very positive, with critics noting the high production value, the well-realized world, compelling characters, and giving particular note to the strength of the child actors.<ref name="TV Guide review">[http://www.tvguide.com/News/Roush-Review-Thrones-1031879.aspx TV Guide Review], Tvguide.com, 2011-04-15</ref><ref name="Entertainment Weekly review">{{cite web|author=Reviewed by Ken Tucker |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20481542,00.html |title=Entertainment Weekly review |publisher=Ew.com |date=2011-04-14 |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref> Tim Goodman's review for ''[[w:The Hollywood Reporter|The Hollywood Reporter]]'' stated, "a few minutes into HBO’s epic Game of Thrones series, it’s clear that the hype was right and the wait was worth it."<ref name="Hollywood Reporter review">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/game-thrones-tv-review-174120 |title=Hollywood Reporter review |publisher=Hollywoodreporter.com |date=2011-04-15 |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref> Mary McNamara from the ''[[w:Los Angeles Times|Los Angeles Times]]'' called it "...a great and thundering series of political and psychological intrigue bristling with vivid characters, cross-hatched with tantalizing plotlines and seasoned with a splash of fantasy."<ref name="Los Angeles Times Review">{{cite web|last=McNamara |first=Mary |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-game-of-thrones-review-20110415,0,5959180.story |title=Los Angeles Times Review |publisher=Latimes.com |date=2011-04-15 |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref> ''New York Post'''s Linda Stasi gave ''Thrones'' 3.5/4 stars stating, "The art direction, acting and incredible sets are as breathtaking as the massive scope of the series."<ref name="New York Post Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/fantasy_land_mq7KI0k8naC8JhUQWPvGXM |title=New York Post Review |publisher=Nypost.com |date= |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref> Many critics praised Peter Dinklage for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister, with Ken Tucker from ''[[w:Entertainment Weekly|Entertainment Weekly]]'' stating, "...if Dinklage doesn’t get an [[w:Emmy|Emmy]] for his clever, rude Tyrion Lannister, I’ll be gobsmacked"<ref name="Entertainment Weekly Review">{{cite web|author=Reviewed by Ken Tucker |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20481542,00.html |title=Entertainment Weekly Review |publisher=Ew.com |date=2011-04-14 |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref> and Mary McNamara from the ''Los Angeles Times'' stating, "If the man doesn't win an Emmy, heads should certainly roll." <ref name="Los Angeles Times Review"/>   
+
The majority of reviews for the show were very positive, with critics noting the high production value, the well-realized world, compelling characters, and giving particular note to the strength of the child actors.<ref name="TV Guide review"/><ref name="Entertainment Weekly Review">{{cite web|author=Reviewed by Ken Tucker |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20481542,00.html |title=Entertainment Weekly review |publisher=Ew.com |date=2011-04-14 |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref> Tim Goodman's review for ''[[w:The Hollywood Reporter|The Hollywood Reporter]]'' stated, "a few minutes into HBO’s epic Game of Thrones series, it’s clear that the hype was right and the wait was worth it."<ref name="Hollywood Reporter review">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/game-thrones-tv-review-174120 |title=Hollywood Reporter review |publisher=Hollywoodreporter.com |date=2011-04-15 |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref> Mary McNamara from the ''[[w:Los Angeles Times|Los Angeles Times]]'' called it "...a great and thundering series of political and psychological intrigue bristling with vivid characters, cross-hatched with tantalizing plotlines and seasoned with a splash of fantasy."<ref name="Los Angeles Times Review">{{cite web|last=McNamara |first=Mary |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-game-of-thrones-review-20110415,0,5959180.story |title=Los Angeles Times Review |publisher=Latimes.com |date=2011-04-15 |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref> ''New York Post'''s Linda Stasi gave ''Thrones'' 3.5/4 stars stating, "The art direction, acting and incredible sets are as breathtaking as the massive scope of the series."<ref name="New York Post Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/fantasy_land_mq7KI0k8naC8JhUQWPvGXM |title=New York Post Review |publisher=Nypost.com |date= |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref> Many critics praised Peter Dinklage for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister, with Ken Tucker from ''[[w:Entertainment Weekly|Entertainment Weekly]]'' stating, "...if Dinklage doesn’t get an [[w:Emmy|Emmy]] for his clever, rude Tyrion Lannister, I’ll be gobsmacked"<ref name="Entertainment Weekly Review"/> and Mary McNamara from the ''Los Angeles Times'' stating, "If the man doesn't win an Emmy, heads should certainly roll." <ref name="Los Angeles Times Review"/>   
  
 
As of April 27, 2011, ''Game of Thrones'' has a Metacritic average of 79 out of 100 based on 28 critic reviews, earning "generally favorable" reviews.<ref name="Metacritic review average">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/tv/game-of-thrones/season-1 |title=Game of Thrones - Season 1 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=Metacritic.com |date=2011-04-17 |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref>
 
As of April 27, 2011, ''Game of Thrones'' has a Metacritic average of 79 out of 100 based on 28 critic reviews, earning "generally favorable" reviews.<ref name="Metacritic review average">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/tv/game-of-thrones/season-1 |title=Game of Thrones - Season 1 Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic |publisher=Metacritic.com |date=2011-04-17 |accessdate=2011-05-11}}</ref>
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The premiere episode attracted 2.2 million viewers its initial airing on April 17th in the U.S.,<ref name="tvbythenumber">[http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/04/19/hbo-renews-game-of-thrones-for-second-season-premiere-grossed-4-2-million-on-hbo-sunday-night/89922/ Updated: HBO Renews "Game of Thrones" For Second Season; Premiere Grossed 4.2 Million on HBO Sunday Night]</ref> and totalled 5.4 million viewers across multiple Sunday and Monday night airings.<ref>[http://winter-is-coming.net/2011/04/game-of-thrones-premiere-ratings-released/ Game of Thrones premiere ratings released]</ref> It averaged 743,000 and reached a peak 823,000 in UK and Ireland on its April 18th premiere.<ref>[http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/04/19/game-of-thrones-a-hit-abroad-sets-ratings-highs-for-u-k-s-sky-atlantic/89993/ "Game of Thrones" A Hit Abroad, Sets Ratings Highs for U.K.'s Sky Atlantic]</ref><ref name="Game of Thrones">[http://iftn.ie/?act1=record&aid=73&rid=4283819&sr=1&only=1&hl=game+of+thrones&tpl=archnews Re-commissions 'Game of Thrones'],  IFTN, accessed 22 April 2011}}</ref> HBO announced that they would be commissioning a second season on the strength of the reception of the premiere episode.<ref name="tvbythenumber"/>
 
The premiere episode attracted 2.2 million viewers its initial airing on April 17th in the U.S.,<ref name="tvbythenumber">[http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/04/19/hbo-renews-game-of-thrones-for-second-season-premiere-grossed-4-2-million-on-hbo-sunday-night/89922/ Updated: HBO Renews "Game of Thrones" For Second Season; Premiere Grossed 4.2 Million on HBO Sunday Night]</ref> and totalled 5.4 million viewers across multiple Sunday and Monday night airings.<ref>[http://winter-is-coming.net/2011/04/game-of-thrones-premiere-ratings-released/ Game of Thrones premiere ratings released]</ref> It averaged 743,000 and reached a peak 823,000 in UK and Ireland on its April 18th premiere.<ref>[http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/04/19/game-of-thrones-a-hit-abroad-sets-ratings-highs-for-u-k-s-sky-atlantic/89993/ "Game of Thrones" A Hit Abroad, Sets Ratings Highs for U.K.'s Sky Atlantic]</ref><ref name="Game of Thrones">[http://iftn.ie/?act1=record&aid=73&rid=4283819&sr=1&only=1&hl=game+of+thrones&tpl=archnews Re-commissions 'Game of Thrones'],  IFTN, accessed 22 April 2011}}</ref> HBO announced that they would be commissioning a second season on the strength of the reception of the premiere episode.<ref name="tvbythenumber"/>
 
===Awards===
 
===Awards===
The first season of ''Game of Thrones'' was nominated for thirteen of the 2011 [[w:Emmy Award]]s, including [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series|Outstanding Drama Series]]. It won two, [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series|Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series]] and [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design|Outstanding Main Title Design]]. [[w:Peter Dinklage|Peter Dinklage]], who plays Tyrion, was named best supporting actor by the Emmys, the [[w:69th Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globes]], the [[w:2011 Scream Awards|Scream Awards]] and the [[w:Satellite Awards|Satellite Awards]].
+
The first season of ''Game of Thrones'' was nominated for thirteen of the 2011 [[w:Emmy Award|Emmy Award]]s, including [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series|Outstanding Drama Series]]. It won two, [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series|Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series]] and [[w:Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design|Outstanding Main Title Design]]. [[w:Peter Dinklage|Peter Dinklage]], who plays Tyrion, was named best supporting actor by the Emmys, the [[w:69th Golden Globe Awards|Golden Globes]], the [[w:2011 Scream Awards|Scream Awards]] and the [[w:Satellite Awards|Satellite Awards]].
  
 
The following table provides an overview of the awards won by the show's first season. A table that also includes all nominations is available in the [[Game of Thrones - Season 1#Awards and nominations|article dedicated to the season]].
 
The following table provides an overview of the awards won by the show's first season. A table that also includes all nominations is available in the [[Game of Thrones - Season 1#Awards and nominations|article dedicated to the season]].
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* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/ Game of Thrones on IMDB]
 
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/ Game of Thrones on IMDB]
 
* [http://www.tv.com/shows/game-of-thrones/ Game of Thrones at TV.com]
 
* [http://www.tv.com/shows/game-of-thrones/ Game of Thrones at TV.com]
 
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==References and Notes==
 
==References and Notes==
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Revision as of 23:13, 1 September 2018

Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones title card.jpg
Genre Medieval fantasy
Format Serial drama
Created by David Benioff
D. B. Weiss
Written by David Benioff
D. B. Weiss
Bryan Cogman
Jane Espenson
George R. R. Martin
Vanessa Taylor
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Brian Kirk
Neil Marshall
Daniel Minahan
David Nutter
David Petrarca
Alik Sakharov
Alan Taylor
Starring Peter Dinklage
Lena Headey
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Michelle Fairley
Emilia Clarke
Aidan Gillen
Iain Glen
Kit Harington
Liam Cunningham
Isaac Hempstead-Wright
Richard Madden
Sophie Turner
Maisie Williams
Alfie Allen
John Bradley
Natalie Dormer
Jack Gleeson
Rory McCann
Stephen Dillane
Carice van Houten
James Cosmo
Jerome Flynn
Conleth Hill
Sibel Kekilli

First season only:
Sean Bean
Mark Addy
Harry Lloyd
Jason Momoa

Composer(s) Ramin Djawadi[1]
Country of origin United States
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 6
No. of episodes 60 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) All seasons:
David Benioff
D. B. Weiss
Season 2 only:
Frank Doelger
Carolyn Strauss
Producer(s) Season 2 only:
Bernadette Caulfield
Season 1 only:
Mark Huffam
Frank Doelger
Location(s) Scotland (unaired pilot)
Northern Ireland (unaired pilot and Seasons 1-5)
Morocco (unaired pilot and Season 3)
Malta (Season 1)
Croatia (Seasons 2-5)
Iceland (Seasons 2-5)[2][3]
United States (Season 3)[4]
Spain (Season 5)
Cinematography Alik Sakharov
Marco Pontecorvo
Matthew Jensen
Kramer Morgenthau
P.J. Dillon
Camera setup Arri Alexa
Running time 60 minutes
Production company(s) HBO, Created By, Management 360
Distributor HBO
Broadcast
Original channel HBO
Picture format 1080i (HDTV)
Audio format Dolby Digital 5.1
First shown in United States
Original run 2011-4-17 – present
External links
Website
Production website

Game of Thrones is an American medieval fantasy television series created for HBO by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, featuring a predominantly British and Irish cast. The series is based on author George R. R. Martin's best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire series of seven planned fantasy novels, the first of which is A Game of Thrones.[5] The series debuted in the U.S. on Sunday evening, April 17, 2011.

Game of Thrones has been extremely well received critically, and has already garnered a loyal fanbase. The series was picked up for a second season on April 19, 2011, just two days after its premiere.[6] The production is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and has also filmed in Croatia, Iceland, Malta, Morocco, Scotland, Spain, and the United States.

Highly anticipated since its early stages of development, the first season of Game of Thrones was very well received by viewers and critics.[7][8][9][10] The series was picked up for a second season on April 19, 2011, two days after its premiere.[11] It was nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Drama Series for the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards and Best Television Series – Drama at the 69th Golden Globe Awards; Peter Dinklage also won both ceremonies' Best Supporting Actor award (Emmy and Golden Globes). Other accolades include an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series and an Emmy win for Outstanding Main Title Design.

Plot

The cable television series closely follows the multiple story lines of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, and author Martin has stated that the show's pilot script was very faithful to his work.[12] Set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, where "summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime," Game of Thrones chronicles the violent dynastic struggles among the kingdom's seven noble families for control of the Iron Throne; as the series opens, additional threats from the snow and ice covered region north of Westeros and from the eastern continent across a narrow sea are simultaneously beginning to rise.[13]

Cast and characters

Sean Bean leads the first season's cast as Lord Eddard "Ned" Stark, patriarch of the Stark family. His wife, Catelyn Stark (born Tully), is played by Michelle Fairley. Their children are Robb (Richard Madden), Sansa (Sophie Turner), Arya (Maisie Williams), Bran (Isaac Hempstead-Wright) and Rickon (Art Parkinson). Kit Harington plays Ned's bastard, Jon Snow, and Alfie Allen plays Theon Greyjoy, a political hostage and ward of Lord Stark.

King Robert Baratheon is played by Mark Addy, Queen Cersei Lannister is played by Lena Headey. Cersei has two brothers; her twin, Ser Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), and the clever dwarf Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage). Cersei's oldest child is Prince Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson), and his bodyguard is Sandor "The Hound" Clegane (Rory McCann). Aidan Gillen plays Lord Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish, Master of Coin for King Robert's Small Council.

Across the Narrow Sea, siblings Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd) and Daenerys "Dany" Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) – the exiled surviving children of the previous king, Aerys II Targaryen, who King Robert overthrew – are on the run for their lives and trying to win back the throne. Dany is married to Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa), the leader of the Dothraki, for the promise of an army for Viserys. Iain Glen plays exiled knight Ser Jorah Mormont, who is sworn to help and protect the siblings.

The second season adds five characters introduced in the first season to the principal cast. Three belong to the court at King's Landing: Varys (Conleth Hill), the eunuch and spymaster; Bronn (Jerome Flynn), Tyrion's sellsword companion and Shae (Sibel Kekilli), his mistress. The other two are men of the Night's Watch: Lord Commander Jeor Mormont (James Cosmo) and Jon Snow's friend Samwell Tarly (John Bradley). New main characters in the second season are King Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), the elder of Robert's two younger brothers and a contender for the Iron Throne; Stannis' advisors Melisandre (Carice van Houten), a foreign priestess; Ser Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham), a former smuggler who is now a loyal supporter of Stannis; and Lady Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer), wife of rebel king Renly Baratheon and sister of Renly's lover, Ser Loras Tyrell.

See also: List of actors

Production

Conception and development

The series began development in January 2007.[14] HBO, after acquiring the rights to the novels with the intent of turning them into an international cable television series, hired David Benioff and D. B. Weiss to write and executive produce the series, which would cover one novel's worth of material per season.[15] Initially, it was planned that Benioff and Weiss would write every episode save one per season, which author and co-executive producer George R. R. Martin was attached to write.[16][17] However, Jane Espenson and Bryan Cogman were later added to each write one episode of the first season.[18]

"The Sopranos in Middle-earth" is the tagline Benioff jokingly suggested for the television adaptation, referring to its intrigue-filled content and dark tone set in a fantasy world setting.[19] Traditional high fantasy is described as generally incidental to the series, with HBO programming chief Michael Lombardo finding the storytelling appealing rather than the low-key magic or the exotic milieu, in spite of the network’s new developmental policy to "take shots at shows that we wouldn’t have taken a shot at five years ago."[20][21]

The Game of Thrones budget has been compared to that of Rome.[22] The pilot reportedly cost HBO between US$ 5–10 million,[23] and the total budget for the first season has been estimated at US$50–60 million.[24]

HBO hired expert language creator David J. Peterson from the Language Creation Society to develop the Dothraki language — "possessing its own unique sound, extensive vocabulary of more than 1,800 words and complex grammatical structure" — to be used in the series.[25] The first and second drafts of the pilot script, written by Benioff and Weiss, were submitted in August 2007[26] and June 2008,[27] respectively. While HBO found both drafts to their liking,[28] Entertainment Weekly.[29] a pilot was not ordered until November 2008,[30][31] with the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike possibly delaying the process.[32]

Casting

On May 5, 2009, it was announced that Peter Dinklage had been signed on to star as Tyrion Lannister in the pilot, and that Tom McCarthy was set to direct.[33]Shortly thereafter, pranksters at the Internet Movie Database edited the IMDb profile of actress Holly Marie Combs to indicate that she had been cast as Catelyn Stark; however, producers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss confirmed this was a hoax.[34] A few months later, in the beginning of August, it was revealed that Catelyn would be portrayed by Jennifer Ehle.[35]

On July 19, 2009, a number of further casting decisions were announced, including Sean Bean being given the role of Ned Stark,[36] thus confirming a rumour first reported a couple of days before.[37] Other actors signed on for the pilot were Kit Harington in the role of Jon Snow, Jack Gleeson as Joffrey Baratheon, Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen, and Mark Addy as Robert Baratheon.[38][39]

On August 20, several more casting announcements were made, featuring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister and Tamzin Merchant as Daenerys Targaryen, as well as Richard Madden in the role of Robb Stark, Iain Glen as Ser Jorah Mormont, Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy, and the young Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams as Sansa and Arya Stark, respectively.[40] On September 1, it was revealed that Lena Headey had been cast as Cersei Lannister.[41] On September 23, Martin confirmed that Rory McCann has been cast as Sandor Clegane.[42] Isaac Hempstead-Wright was confirmed as Bran Stark on October 14, followed by an announcement of Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo three days later.[43]

After the pilot was shot and the series picked up, it was announced that the role of Catelyn had been recast, with Michelle Fairley replacing Ehle.[44] Later, it was also confirmed that Emilia Clarke would replace Tamzin Merchant as Daenerys.[45][46]

The casting process for season 2 began in May 2011.[47]

Filming locations

Principal photography for the first season of the series was scheduled to begin on July 26, 2010,[48] with the primary locations being the Paint Hall Studio in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast, Northern Ireland,[49] and the city of Mdina, Maltaa change in location from Morocco.[50] For the initial shooting of the pilot in 2009,[51] additional filming locations included Carncastle,[52] Shane's Castle,[53] Castle Ward,[54] Magheramorne[55] and Tollymore Forest Park,[56] all in Northern Ireland. Doune Castle in southern Scotland was also used.[57]

For the second season, the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, was used instead of Malta for scenes in King's Landing and elsewhere.[58] Scenes set north of the Wall were filmed in Iceland, on the Vatnajökull glacier, in November 2011.[59]

Broadcast

Game of Thrones premiered on HBO in the United States on April 17, 2011,[60] and on Sky Atlantic in the United Kingdom and Ireland on April 18, 2011.[61] The series started on Canal+ in Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Spain on May 4 and 9, 2011, and on April 18, 2011 on HBO Central Europe.[62][63] It will also air in Greece on Novacinema 1 and also aired in the Arab World on OSN Series on April 20, 2011 and in Israel on yesAction on April 21st. The series is expected to commence in France from June, 2011 on Orange Cinéma Séries, in Australia from July 17th, 2011 on Showcase, in Italy from Fall, 2011 on Sky Cinema 1, and in Germany and Austria from Winter, 2011 on the TNT Serie channel.[64] The first episode of the series premiered in Brazil on Sunday May 8, 2011 on the local HBO channel.[65]

As part of HBO's HBO GO marketing campaign, HBO GO subscribers can view screeners of "Game of Thrones" episodes in the week before their TV broadcast.[66]

The second season aired in the U.S. on HBO from April 1, 2012 through June 3, 2012. The third season began airing in the US on HBO on March 31, 2013

Other media and products

Season 1 Boxset

.

DVD and Blu-ray box set

The ten episodes of the first season of Game of Thrones were published as a DVD and Blu-ray box set on 6 March 2012. The set includes extra background and behind-the-scenes material, but no deleted scenes, because almost all footage shot for the first season was used in the show.[70]

The box set was sold 350,000 times in the first seven days, the largest first-week DVD sales among HBO series. The series also set a HBO series record for digital download sales.[71]

Soundtrack

The first season's soundtrack by composer Ramin Djawadi, written within about ten weeks of the show's premiere, was released in June 2011.

Internet content

An extension series called Thronecast: The Official Guide to Game of Thrones, presented by Geoff Lloyd and produced by Koink is made available on the Sky Atlantic website as well as through the UK iTunes store. Each episode features episode analysis and a cast interview.[72]

Merchandise

HBO has licensed Dark Horse Deluxe to produce a range of Game of Thrones-themed merchandise, such as statues and action figures. The goods are set to be brought to the market by March 2012.[73]

Other works based on the series

The series has also inspired other works.

  • Two video games based on the TV show (in addition to the novels) are in development as of 2012.
  • The fall 2012 ready-to-wear collection by the fashion brand Helmut Lang was inspired by Game of Thrones.
  • In March 2012, Wiley-Blackwell is set to publish Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper than the Sword (ISBN 978-1118161999). This entry in Blackwell's Pop Culture and Philosophy series, edited by Henry Jacoby and William Irwin, aims to highlight and discuss philosophical issues raised by the show and its source material.

Reception

Anticipation for the series was described by various media outlets as extremely high, with a dedicated fan base closely following the show's development.[74][75] By April 2011 multiple entertainment news outlets had described it as the most highly awaited television series of 2011.[76][77]

The majority of reviews for the show were very positive, with critics noting the high production value, the well-realized world, compelling characters, and giving particular note to the strength of the child actors.[9][10] Tim Goodman's review for The Hollywood Reporter stated, "a few minutes into HBO’s epic Game of Thrones series, it’s clear that the hype was right and the wait was worth it."[78] Mary McNamara from the Los Angeles Times called it "...a great and thundering series of political and psychological intrigue bristling with vivid characters, cross-hatched with tantalizing plotlines and seasoned with a splash of fantasy."[79] New York Post's Linda Stasi gave Thrones 3.5/4 stars stating, "The art direction, acting and incredible sets are as breathtaking as the massive scope of the series."[80] Many critics praised Peter Dinklage for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister, with Ken Tucker from Entertainment Weekly stating, "...if Dinklage doesn’t get an Emmy for his clever, rude Tyrion Lannister, I’ll be gobsmacked"[10] and Mary McNamara from the Los Angeles Times stating, "If the man doesn't win an Emmy, heads should certainly roll." [79]

As of April 27, 2011, Game of Thrones has a Metacritic average of 79 out of 100 based on 28 critic reviews, earning "generally favorable" reviews.[81]

The premiere episode attracted 2.2 million viewers its initial airing on April 17th in the U.S.,[82] and totalled 5.4 million viewers across multiple Sunday and Monday night airings.[83] It averaged 743,000 and reached a peak 823,000 in UK and Ireland on its April 18th premiere.[84][85] HBO announced that they would be commissioning a second season on the strength of the reception of the premiere episode.[82]

Awards

The first season of Game of Thrones was nominated for thirteen of the 2011 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series. It won two, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Main Title Design. Peter Dinklage, who plays Tyrion, was named best supporting actor by the Emmys, the Golden Globes, the Scream Awards and the Satellite Awards.

The following table provides an overview of the awards won by the show's first season. A table that also includes all nominations is available in the article dedicated to the season.

Year Award Category Winner
2011
Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Peter Dinklage (as Tyrion Lannister) for the episode "Baelor"
Outstanding Main Title Design Angus Wall, Hameed Shaukat, Kirk Shintani and Robert Feng
Scream Awards[86] Best TV Show
Best Supporting Actor Peter Dinklage
Breakout Performance - Female Emilia Clarke
Television Critics Association Awards Outstanding New Program
Satellite Awards Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Peter Dinklage
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series
Golden Globe Awards Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Peter Dinklage
George Foster Peabody Award[87]

External links

References and Notes

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  2. Martin, George R. R. (July 16, 2010). "From HBO". Not a Blog. LiveJournal. http://grrm.livejournal.com/164794.html. 
  3. winteriscoming.net: Game of Thrones returning to Iceland for limited season 5 filming
  4. makinggameofthrones.com: Leeches, Dragons and a Bear: Behind the Scenes of Episodes 307 and 308
  5. Amazon Product Description, 2011-05-31
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  7. Tucker, Ken, TV Events to Look Forward to in 2011, Entertainment, |Entertainment Weekly, January 1, 2011, issue 1084
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  9. 9.0 9.1 Roush, Matt Roush Review: Grim Thrones Is a Crowning Achievement Tvguide.com, April 15, 2011, |accessed May 11, 2011
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  11. Hibbard, James HBO renews 'Game of Thrones' for second season, April 19, 2011, Inside TV
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