Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is a fantasy franchise created by George R.R. Martin, beginning with the novel A Game of Thrones in 1996. The story is set on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, where noble houses compete for the Iron Throne while an ancient threat stirs beyond the Wall. The franchise includes the ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire book series, the HBO television adaptation, prequel series, video games, and a theatrical film in development.

The books have sold over 90 million copies worldwide. The HBO series ran for eight seasons from 2011 to 2019 and won 59 Emmy Awards, more than any other scripted primetime series. The franchise has expanded into multiple spin-offs, including House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

For Newcomers

Game of Thrones is a story about power. Who has it, who wants it, and what they are willing to do to keep it. It is set in a world that feels medieval, with knights and castles and dragons, but the politics are modern. Everyone lies. Everyone betrays. The people you root for die. The people you hate sometimes win.

You do not need to know anything about fantasy to follow it. The story is not about magic, even though magic exists. It is about families. The Starks, the Lannisters, the Targaryens. Each house has its own motto, its own history, its own grudges. You learn them the way you learn about real families: slowly, through their actions.

The books are unfinished. Two more are planned. The television series finished in 2019 with an ending that divided audiences. If you want the full story, start with the books. If you want the spectacle, start with the show. Either way, you will understand why people have spent thirty years arguing about who should sit on the Iron Throne.

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