HBO’s Most Acclaimed Fantasy Series Returns to Digital Charts Despite Divisive Finale

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Over ten years ago, one of the greatest fantasy series of all time debuted on HBO and ran for eight years before concluding with a polarizing finale. The said series is Game of Thrones, which has already spawned multiple spin-offs after a memorable run from April 17, 2011, to May 19, 2019, with 8 seasons and 73 episodes. Created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss for HBO, Game of Thrones is the first adaptation of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels, set on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos.

Game of Thrones was a ratings success for HBO throughout all 8 seasons and also a streaming hit outside the US, setting viewership records. The fan-favorite show is back to dominate streaming, now ranking among the most popular series titles on the Apple TV store, right between comedy gems It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Friends. As fans know, every season of Game of Thrones was released to critical acclaim until the final run, which holds a disappointing 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to the next-lowest: Season 1's 90%.

Even the critics' consensus from Rotten Tomatoes for the final season points out the hurried narrative, stating, "Game of Thrones' final season shortchanges the women of Westeros, sacrificing satisfying character arcs for spectacular set-pieces in its mad dash to the finish line." And speaking for many, Graeme Blundell of The Australian noted that the final episode in particular "was a terrible ending, disappointing for fans, causing a collective cringe around the globe." Nevertheless, that didn't stop viewers from flocking to the series finale, as reports confirm it was viewed by 19.3 million people across HBO's platforms, making it the network's most-watched episode.

'Game of Thrones' Had a Magnificent Run

As an epic fantasy, Game of Thrones chronicles the violent power struggles among noble families in Westeros and Essos, primarily for control of the Iron Throne. It is set against a backdrop of political intrigue, shifting alliances, and ancient prophecies, while also facing a looming supernatural threat from the North (in the form of the White Walkers), and the exiled last heirs of a deposed dynasty (the Targaryens) seeking to reclaim their rule. Throughout its run, the fantasy drama received 59 Primetime Emmy Awards, the most by a drama series. Its success led to the birth of its prequel series titled House of the Dragon, which premiered on HBO in 2022. A second prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is scheduled to debut in less than two weeks.

Stay tuned to Collider for more Game of Thrones information.