History of Game of Thrones in Timeline
1994: NYPD Blue's Emmy Nomination Record
In 1994, the television series NYPD Blue set an Emmy nomination record with 26 nominations, a record that went unbroken for 25 years until Game of Thrones' final season in 2019.
2001: Fantasy's Rise in Popularity
Game of Thrones, along with franchises like The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003) and Harry Potter (2001–2011), contributed to the rising popularity of the fantasy genre in the early 2000s. These successful adaptations established fantasy as a mainstream genre, opening doors for more fantasy series on television.
2003: Fantasy's Rise in Popularity
Game of Thrones, along with franchises like The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003) and Harry Potter (2001–2011), contributed to the rising popularity of the fantasy genre in the early 2000s. These successful adaptations established fantasy as a mainstream genre, opening doors for more fantasy series on television.
2004: Frasier Sets Emmy Record
In 2004, the television show Frasier set a new record for the most Emmy Award wins for a scripted television series, holding it until Game of Thrones eventually surpassed it.
2005: George R.R. Martin Hailed as "American Tolkien"
Following the release of "A Feast for Crows," the fourth book in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, journalist Lev Grossman called George R.R. Martin the "American Tolkien" in a Time magazine article published in 2005.
January 2006: David Benioff Explores Adapting "A Song of Ice and Fire"
In January 2006, David Benioff, after reading George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels, contacted Martin's agent to discuss the possibility of adapting the series for television.
August 2007: First Pilot Script Draft Submitted
David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the showrunners for "Game of Thrones," submitted the first draft of the pilot script in August 2007.
June 2008: Second Pilot Script Draft Submitted
The second draft of the "Game of Thrones" pilot script was submitted in June 2008.
November 2008: "Game of Thrones" Pilot Ordered
After reviewing multiple drafts, HBO officially ordered the pilot episode of "Game of Thrones" in November 2008.
2008: Growth in Northern Ireland's Creative Industries Attributed to Productions like Game of Thrones
Between 2008 and 2013, Northern Ireland's creative industry experienced significant growth, with a 12.4 percent increase in arts, entertainment, and recreation jobs. This growth was partly attributed to productions like Game of Thrones, which received funding support from Northern Ireland Screen, a UK government agency.
2009: Main Cast Assemblage and Recastings
Casting for "Game of Thrones" began in 2009, with actors participating in auditions and readings. Peter Dinklage and Sean Bean were chosen early on, while other roles, including Catelyn Stark and Daenerys Targaryen, underwent recasting before the first season.
2009: Pilot Episode Filming and Reshoots
The pilot episode of "Game of Thrones," titled "Winter Is Coming," was initially filmed in 2009. However, after a negative reception during a private viewing, HBO ordered significant reshoots, leading to changes in cast and direction.
July 26, 2010: Principal Photography Begins for Game of Thrones Season One
On July 26, 2010, principal photography for the inaugural season of Game of Thrones commenced. The primary filming location was the Paint Hall Studios in Belfast, Northern Ireland, chosen over Scotland due to studio availability and tax benefits.
April 17, 2011: "Game of Thrones" Premieres on HBO
On April 17, 2011, the first episode of the fantasy drama series "Game of Thrones," based on George R.R. Martin's novels, aired on HBO.
June 2011: Release of Game of Thrones Season 1 Soundtrack
The first season's soundtrack, composed by Ramin Djawadi, was released in June 2011 by Varèse Sarabande.
November 2011: Game of Thrones Films Season Two's Southern Scenes in Croatia
In November 2011, Game of Thrones shifted filming for the second season's southern scenes from Malta to Croatia. Dubrovnik, with its walled, coastal medieval architecture, was chosen as the primary filming location for King's Landing.
2011: Fantasy's Rise in Popularity
Game of Thrones, along with franchises like The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003) and Harry Potter (2001–2011), contributed to the rising popularity of the fantasy genre in the early 2000s. These successful adaptations established fantasy as a mainstream genre, opening doors for more fantasy series on television.
2011: Game of Thrones Wins Emmy for Main Title Design
In 2011, the creative team behind the iconic Game of Thrones title sequence, led by Angus Wall, was honored with a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design.
2011: "Fire and Blood" Nominated for Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects
In 2011, the season finale of Game of Thrones' first season, "Fire and Blood," received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Special Visual Effects. The episode showcased a significant amount of visual effects work, including 2.5D projections for environment builds, which impressed viewers and critics alike.
March 6, 2012: Release of Game of Thrones Season 1 DVD and Blu-ray
The first season of Game of Thrones was released on DVD and Blu-ray on March 6, 2012, marking the beginning of its home entertainment availability.
June 11, 2012: Game of Thrones Season Two Ratings Released
On June 11, 2012, the average ratings for the second season of Game of Thrones were released.
September 2012: Game of Thrones' Impact on Language and Culture
By September 2012, Game of Thrones had permeated popular culture, even influencing language. The term "sexposition" emerged, referencing the show's use of sex and nudity during expository scenes. The Dothraki language also gained traction online. Game of Thrones' themes and characters were widely referenced in discussions about politics, inequality, and social issues.
September 27, 2012: "Inside HBO's Game of Thrones" Book Release
On September 27, 2012, "Inside HBO's Game of Thrones," a companion book penned by series writer Bryan Cogman, hit the shelves. The 192-page book provided a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the first two seasons, delving into character development and showcasing concept art and exclusive photographs.
November 2012: Release of Game of Thrones Season 1 Collector's Edition Box Set
A collector's edition box set, featuring both the DVD and Blu-ray versions of the first season along with the first episode of season two, was released in November 2012.
2012: Study Ranks "Game of Thrones" High in Character Deaths
A 2012 study analyzing deaths in television dramas ranked "Game of Thrones" second in deaths per episode, highlighting the show's reputation for killing off characters.
2012: Game of Thrones Dominates as Most Pirated TV Series
From 2012 onward, Game of Thrones consistently ranked as the most pirated television series, reflecting its immense global popularity but also highlighting the challenges of unauthorized distribution.
2012: "Valar Morghulis" Wins Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects
In 2012, "Valar Morghulis," an episode from the second season of Game of Thrones, earned Pixomondo a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects. This accolade highlighted the increasingly sophisticated visual effects incorporated into the series, including CGI creatures, fire, and water effects, with Pixomondo serving as the lead visual effects producer.
2012: Game of Thrones Online Engagement Comparison
In 2012, 5.5% of the 2.9 million Facebook fans of Game of Thrones actively engaged in online discussions about the show. This was notably higher than the 1.8% engagement rate seen amongst the over 10 million Facebook fans of True Blood, HBO's other fantasy series, as reported by SBS Broadcasting Group.
2012: "Game of Thrones" Budget Increases
The average budget per episode for "Game of Thrones" saw an increase from $6 million to at least $8 million between 2012 and 2015, reflecting the show's growing popularity and production value.
2012: Game of Thrones Fans Ranked Most Devoted
Vulture ranked Game of Thrones fans as the most devoted in popular culture in 2012, surpassing even those of Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
February 19, 2013: Release of Game of Thrones Season 2 on DVD and Blu-ray
Season two became available on DVD and Blu-ray on February 19, 2013.
June 12, 2013: Game of Thrones Season Three Ratings Released
On June 12, 2013, the ratings for the third season of Game of Thrones were made public.
2013: Game of Thrones Viewership and Fan Engagement
By 2013, Game of Thrones had cultivated a diverse viewership, with 58% male and 42% female, and an average male viewer age of 41. The show boasted a high fan engagement rate, with 5.5% of its 2.9 million Facebook fans actively discussing the series online, as highlighted by SBS Broadcasting Group. Several dedicated fan sites and podcasts emerged, further demonstrating the show's dedicated following.
2013: Northern Ireland's Creative Industries Outpace UK Growth with 12.4 Percent Increase in Jobs
By 2013, Northern Ireland's creative industries had witnessed a 12.4 percent surge in employment opportunities within arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors since 2008. This growth significantly outpaced the 4.3 percent increase observed across the rest of the UK during the same period, partly attributed to the presence of productions like Game of Thrones.
2013: Game of Thrones Earns Recognition for Writing and Representation
Game of Thrones received recognition for its writing in 2013, being ranked the 40th best-written television series by the Writer's Guild of America. The show also earned the Visionary Award from the Writers With Disabilities committee of the Writers Guild of America at the Media Access Awards, acknowledging its positive portrayal of characters with disabilities.
2013: Game of Thrones Phenomenon
In 2013, BBC News recognized the immense fandom surrounding Game of Thrones, noting its distinction from other popular TV series. This passionate fan base expressed itself through various mediums like fan fiction, themed performances, and even naming their children after characters. Experts attributed this success to the show's intricate details, moral ambiguity, sexual themes, and epic scale. This year also saw "Arya" rapidly climb the ranks of popular baby names in the US, signifying the show's cultural impact.
2013: HBO Takes Steps to Combat Piracy
In 2013, HBO announced its intention to make its content, including Game of Thrones, more widely available within a week of the US premiere to combat unauthorized downloads and provide fans with legitimate viewing options.
2013: Game of Thrones Touring Exhibition Begins
In 2013, a traveling exhibition showcasing costumes, props, armor, and weapons from Game of Thrones embarked on a tour of major cities across Europe and the Americas, offering fans an immersive experience of the show's universe.
2013: "Valar Dohaeris" Wins Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects
The 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards saw "Valar Dohaeris," an episode from the third season of Game of Thrones, clinching the award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects. The award went to Pixomondo, further solidifying the show's reputation for its exceptional visual effects, which by this season routinely featured complex elements like CGI creatures, fire, and water.
2013: US Ambassador Condemns Game of Thrones Piracy in Australia
The high rates of Game of Thrones piracy in Australia prompted US Ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich to issue a public statement in 2013, condemning the unauthorized downloading and distribution of the show.
2013: Politicians Reference Game of Thrones
The show's influence extended to politics, with figures like Barack Obama, David Cameron, Julia Gillard, and Frans Timmermans referencing Game of Thrones in speeches and discussions. In 2013, Frans Timmermans even used quotes from the books to discuss European politics.
February 18, 2014: Release of Game of Thrones Season 3 on DVD and Blu-ray
On February 18, 2014, the third season of Game of Thrones was released on DVD and Blu-ray in Region 1.
June 18, 2014: Game of Thrones Season Four Ratings Released
The ratings for the fourth season of Game of Thrones were released on June 18, 2014.
2014: Game of Thrones Filming Locations Experience Tourism Surge
Between 2014 and 2016, various filming locations featured in Game of Thrones witnessed a substantial increase in tourism, attributed to the show's popularity. Hotels.com reported a 285 percent surge in hotel bookings in Iceland and a 120 percent rise in Dubrovnik during this period.
2014: "Catch the Throne" Rap Album Commissioned
In 2014, HBO delved into the music world by commissioning "Catch the Throne," a rap album inspired by Game of Thrones. The album served as a unique promotional tool, merging the worlds of music and television.
2014: Game of Thrones Piracy Surges
In 2014, illegal downloads of Game of Thrones surged by 45% compared to the previous year, indicating the growing accessibility and appeal of online piracy.
2014: "Game of Thrones" Cast Contract Renegotiations
In 2014, several actors in "Game of Thrones" renegotiated their contracts, securing a seventh-season option and paving the way for higher salaries in later seasons.
2014: "The Children" Wins Emmy for Outstanding Visual Effects
In 2014, the Game of Thrones season four finale, "The Children," won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Visual Effects. The episode showcased a new level of complexity and scale in its visual effects, particularly the depiction of the adolescent dragons, whose movements were realistically modeled after those of a chicken. This win marked another significant accomplishment for the show's visual effects team, who continued to push boundaries and elevate the series' visual storytelling.
2014: Game of Thrones Touring Exhibition Continues
The touring exhibition featuring Game of Thrones costumes, props, armor, and weapons continued its run in 2014, captivating fans in cities across Europe and the Americas.
January 23, 2015: Game of Thrones Makes History with IMAX Screenings
On January 23, 2015, Game of Thrones broke new ground as the first television series to be shown in IMAX theaters. The last two episodes of season four were screened in 205 IMAX locations across the United States.
February 17, 2015: Release of Game of Thrones Season 4 on DVD and Blu-ray
Season four was released on DVD and Blu-ray on February 17, 2015.
June 16, 2015: Game of Thrones Season Five Ratings Released
On June 16, 2015, the ratings for the fifth season of Game of Thrones were released.
July 2015: Production Begins for Game of Thrones Season Six
July 2015 marked the start of filming for Game of Thrones season six. The production returned to Spain, utilizing locations like Navarra, Guadalajara, Seville, Almeria, Girona, and Peniscola. Additionally, filming continued in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
2015: "Game of Thrones" Wins First Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series
"Game of Thrones" won its first Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2015, marking a significant achievement for the show.
2015: "Game of Thrones" Budget Reaches $8 Million Per Episode
By 2015, the average budget per episode for "Game of Thrones" had reached at least $8 million.
2015: Game of Thrones Sets Guinness World Record for Piracy
Game of Thrones's notoriety in the realm of piracy reached a peak in 2015 when it earned a Guinness World Record for being the most-pirated television program.
2015: Second "Catch the Throne" Rap Album Released
HBO further explored the intersection of music and Game of Thrones by commissioning a second "Catch the Throne" rap album in 2015. The album featured various artists and served as a unique way to engage fans and promote the show.
2015: Game of Thrones Ranked High on Best TV Shows List
In 2015, The Hollywood Reporter placed Game of Thrones at number four on its list of the best TV shows ever, highlighting the show's critical acclaim and lasting impact.
2015: Game of Thrones and Piracy
In 2015, despite concerns about illegal downloads, observers noted that piracy didn't hurt the show. Instead, it generated buzz and didn't significantly impact subscriptions. HBO's relaxed approach to sharing logins was seen as a "free-to-play" model for premium television. While creators had mixed feelings about piracy, they acknowledged its role in the show's popularity.
2015: Game of Thrones Season 5 Leaks Online
In a blow to HBO and fans, screener copies of the first four episodes of Game of Thrones season five were leaked online in 2015, leading to widespread unauthorized downloads.
March 15, 2016: Release of Game of Thrones Season 5 on DVD and Blu-ray
The fifth season of Game of Thrones was released on DVD and Blu-ray on March 15, 2016.
April 2016: Showrunners Announce Plans for Final Seasons
In April 2016, the showrunners of "Game of Thrones" announced their intentions to conclude the series with 13 more episodes following the sixth season, divided into a seven-episode seventh season and a six-episode eighth season.
April 18, 2016: Game of Thrones Season Two Ratings Accessed
The archived ratings report for Game of Thrones season two was accessed on April 18, 2016.
April 24, 2016: Game of Thrones Season Six Ratings Accessed
The ratings for the sixth season of Game of Thrones were accessed on April 24, 2016.
June 2016: HBO Confirms Eighth Season as Final Season
HBO officially announced in June 2016 that the eighth season of "Game of Thrones" would be the series' final season.
June 28, 2016: Game of Thrones Season Six Ratings Released
June 28, 2016 marked the release of the ratings report for the sixth season of Game of Thrones.
August 31, 2016: Filming Begins for Game of Thrones Season Seven
On August 31, 2016, production for Game of Thrones season seven commenced at Titanic Studios in Belfast. Filming also took place in Iceland, Northern Ireland, and various locations across Spain, including Seville, Cáceres, Almodovar del Rio, Santiponce, Zumaia, and Bermeo, continuing until February 2017 to capture the necessary winter scenery in some European locations.
September 1, 2016: Game of Thrones Season Two Ratings Archived
On September 1, 2016, the ratings report for Game of Thrones season two was archived from its original source.
November 15, 2016: Release of Game of Thrones Season 6 on DVD and Blu-ray
Season six was released on DVD and Blu-ray on November 15, 2016, marking the start of HBO's release of Steelbook Blu-ray sets for the series.
2016: Game of Thrones Viewing Trends
By 2016, Game of Thrones had an average viewership exceeding 25 million per episode, with a significant portion, 40%, watching on HBO's digital platforms. A New York Times study revealed a notable trend: the show was more popular in urban areas than rural ones, a unique characteristic for a series featuring zombies.
2016: Criticism of Dark Lighting in Game of Thrones
By 2016, the show's increasingly dark lighting, particularly from season six onwards, became a point of contention among viewers. Critics and fans alike expressed frustration over the difficulty in discerning details and following the action in poorly lit scenes.
2016: "Game of Thrones" Wins Second Consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series
Continuing its success, "Game of Thrones" won its second consecutive Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2016.
2016: Academic and Scientific Interest in Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones became a subject of academic and scientific study. In 2016, research papers analyzed emotional sentiment in online discussions about the show and used network science to map character relationships.
2016: Game of Thrones Continues to Receive Accolades
Game of Thrones continued to receive critical acclaim in 2016, securing the seventh spot on Empire's list of "The 50 best TV shows ever" and being named the twelfth "greatest TV Show of all time" by Rolling Stone.
2016: Game of Thrones International Viewership and Demographic Trends
In 2016, Game of Thrones broke viewership records outside of the US, particularly in the UK, where it averaged over 5 million viewers across all platforms, and in Australia, with a cumulative average audience of 1.2 million. Parrot Analytics noted high demand for the Season 8 premiere in the UK and France, indicating global appeal. Nielsen research highlighted the show's popularity among the 18-49 demographic, with a strong female viewership unusual for the fantasy genre. The show also thrived on time-shifted viewing, with a significant increase in 7-day viewers (DVR and VOD) from Season 1 to Season 7.
2016: Game of Thrones Drives Tourism Boom in Filming Locations
The popularity of Game of Thrones continued to drive tourism to its filming locations in 2016. Hotels.com reported a 285 percent increase in bookings in Iceland and a 120 percent increase in Dubrovnik between 2014 and 2016. Ouarzazate in Morocco, where Daenerys' scenes were filmed for season three, experienced a doubling in bookings. Dubrovnik saw a particularly noticeable rise in overnight stays after episodes aired, leading to concerns about over-tourism and prompting the city's mayor to implement limits on visitor numbers.
February 2017: "Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience" Tour Begins
February 2017 saw the launch of "The Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience," a 28-city orchestral tour across North America. The tour featured composer Ramin Djawadi conducting the show's epic soundtrack, offering fans a unique and immersive musical experience.
February 2017: Game of Thrones Season Seven Filming Concludes
In February 2017, filming for Game of Thrones season seven wrapped up, having started in August of the previous year. This extended shooting schedule aimed to capture the necessary winter ambiance at various European filming locations.
April 2017: "Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience" Tour Concludes
The North American leg of "The Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience" concluded in April 2017, following a successful run across 28 cities.
May 2017: HBO Announces Development of Game of Thrones Successor Series
After much anticipation and speculation, HBO confirmed in May 2017 the commissioning of five separate successor series to Game of Thrones. The projects, helmed by writers Max Borenstein, Jane Goldman, Brian Helgeland, Carly Wray, and Bryan Cogman, were to be developed independently, each exploring different aspects of the Game of Thrones universe. George R.R. Martin, the author of the books, was involved in the development process, collaborating with the writers on two scripts.
August 29, 2017: Game of Thrones Season Seven Ratings Released
The ratings for the seventh season of Game of Thrones were released on August 29, 2017.
September 16, 2017: Game of Thrones Season Seven Ratings Archived
On September 16, 2017, the ratings report for Game of Thrones season seven was archived from its original source.
October 2017: Filming Commences for Game of Thrones' Final Season
October 2017 witnessed the start of production for the eighth and concluding season of Game of Thrones. Filming wrapped up in July 2018.
December 12, 2017: Release of Game of Thrones Season 7 on DVD and Blu-ray
On December 12, 2017, the seventh season of Game of Thrones came out on DVD and Blu-ray.
2017: Cinematographer Defends Lighting Choices
In 2017, cinematographer Robert McLachlan defended the show's lighting choices as deliberate artistic decisions aimed at achieving naturalism. However, the lighting issues reached a peak during "The Long Night" episode in season eight, sparking widespread criticism and memes online.
2017: Duolingo Launches High Valyrian Course
In 2017, the language-learning platform Duolingo introduced a course in High Valyrian, one of the constructed languages featured in Game of Thrones.
2017: Taylor Swift's Reputation Inspired by Game of Thrones
Singer Taylor Swift revealed in 2019 that her 2017 album, Reputation, drew inspiration from Game of Thrones characters and storylines.
June 8, 2018: Game of Thrones Prequel Pilot Commissioned
On June 8, 2018, HBO greenlit a pilot for a Game of Thrones prequel series set in the Age of Heroes, helmed by showrunner Jane Goldman and co-creator George R.R. Martin.
July 2018: Filming Wraps for Game of Thrones' Eighth and Final Season
In July 2018, after commencing in October of the preceding year, production for the eighth and concluding season of Game of Thrones concluded.
September 2018: Updates on Game of Thrones Successor Series
In September 2018, HBO Programming President Casey Bloys provided an update on the four remaining Game of Thrones successor series (excluding Jane Goldman's project). He revealed that while some projects had been scrapped, others remained under consideration. George R.R. Martin confirmed that at least two were rooted in his book "Fire & Blood," suggesting a focus on Targaryen history.
2018: Game of Thrones Character Mortality Study
In 2018, Australian scientists conducted a survival analysis on 330 major characters from the first seven seasons of Game of Thrones, examining their mortality rates.
2018: Scientific Study Analyzes Character Deaths in "Game of Thrones"
A 2018 scientific study focusing on "Game of Thrones" found that approximately 60% of major characters died due to violence and war, further illustrating the show's high mortality rate.
2018: "Game of Thrones" Returns to Emmy Glory
After a one-year break, "Game of Thrones" returned to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2018.
2018: Game of Thrones-Themed Whiskey Release
Beginning in 2018, Diageo, a global beverage company, introduced a series of whiskies inspired by Game of Thrones, catering to fans who wanted to further immerse themselves in the world of Westeros.
2018: Second "Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience" Tour
Due to popular demand, a second "Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience" tour commenced in 2018, this time expanding to cities in Europe and North America, captivating audiences worldwide with the show's iconic score.
2018: Release of Game of Thrones Season 1 on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
In 2018, the first season of Game of Thrones was released in 4K HDR on Ultra HD Blu-ray, offering a significant leap in visual quality for home viewers.
2018: A Brief Reprieve from Piracy
In 2018, with no new episodes of Game of Thrones released, the series experienced a temporary decline in piracy.
April 2019: HBO Announces Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland
Following the series finale of Game of Thrones, HBO announced a new exhibition and tourist attraction in April 2019. The attraction, titled "Game of Thrones Studio Tour," features show props and set pieces and is situated at the former filming location of Linen Mill Studios outside Belfast.
April 2019: Bryan Cogman's Prequel Canceled
In April 2019, writer Bryan Cogman confirmed that his Game of Thrones prequel series would not be moving forward, marking the end of one of the potential successor projects.
April 16, 2019: Game of Thrones Season Eight Ratings Released
April 16, 2019 saw the release of the ratings report for the eighth season of Game of Thrones.
April 26, 2019: Release of "For the Throne: Music Inspired by the HBO Series Game of Thrones"
On April 26, 2019, Columbia Records released "For the Throne," a companion album featuring music inspired by Game of Thrones.
May 2019: Game of Thrones Prequel Updates from George R.R. Martin
In May 2019, George R.R. Martin provided further updates on the Game of Thrones successor series, stating that two projects were still in the scripting phase but making progress.
May 19, 2019: "Game of Thrones" Series Finale
The final episode of "Game of Thrones" aired on May 19, 2019, marking the end of the show's eight-season run.
June 2019: Game of Thrones Post-Finale Subscription Impact
Contrary to concerns of mass subscription cancellations following the Game of Thrones finale, WarnerMedia reported a minimal 0.9% decline in subscription revenue between April and June 2019.
September 2019: Prequel Pilot in Post-Production
By September 2019, the Game of Thrones prequel pilot had entered post-production.
September 2019: Second Prequel Close to Pilot Order
In September 2019, Deadline Hollywood reported that a second prequel, focusing on the decline of House Targaryen, was nearing a pilot order from HBO.
October 2019: HBO Passes on Prequel Series
Despite entering post-production, HBO ultimately decided not to proceed with the Game of Thrones prequel series in October 2019.
October 29, 2019: "House of the Dragon" Gets Series Order
On October 29, 2019, the second prequel, titled "House of the Dragon," received a full series order for 10 episodes.
December 3, 2019: Release of Game of Thrones Season 8 and Complete Series on DVD and Blu-ray
The highly anticipated final season of Game of Thrones, along with a complete series box set, was released on DVD and Blu-ray on December 3, 2019.
2019: Red Cross Analyzes War Crimes in Game of Thrones
In 2019, the Australian Red Cross applied international humanitarian law to the show, analyzing which characters committed the most war crimes during the first seven seasons.
2019: Game of Thrones Tourism Draws 350,000 Visitors to Northern Ireland Annually
By 2019, Game of Thrones tourism had become a significant contributor to Northern Ireland's tourism industry, attracting 350,000 visitors annually. This figure represented one-sixth of all tourists visiting the region, demonstrating the show's lasting impact on the area's appeal.
2019: Game of Thrones Continues Reign as Most Pirated TV Series
Except for 2018, when no new episodes aired, Game of Thrones maintained its unfortunate title as the most pirated television series until 2019.
2019: Game of Thrones Breaks Emmy Records
In 2019, the final season of Game of Thrones made Emmy history by receiving 32 nominations, the most ever for a single season, breaking NYPD Blue's 25-year-long record. The show also surpassed Frasier's record for the most Emmy wins by a scripted series, solidifying its place as a television phenomenon.
2019: Taylor Swift's Reputation Inspired by Game of Thrones
Singer Taylor Swift revealed in 2019 that her 2017 album, Reputation, drew inspiration from Game of Thrones characters and storylines.
2019: "Game of Thrones" Wins Final Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series
The final season of "Game of Thrones" won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2019, bringing its total wins in the category to four.
January 2020: "House of the Dragon" Writing Begins, 2022 Release Targeted
HBO announced in January 2020 that "House of the Dragon" had entered the writing phase and was aiming for a 2022 release.
July 2020: Casting Begins for "House of the Dragon"
Casting for "House of the Dragon" commenced in July 2020.
October 2020: Paddy Considine Cast as King Viserys I Targaryen
In October 2020, Paddy Considine was revealed as the actor portraying King Viserys I Targaryen in "House of the Dragon."
November 3, 2020: Release of Game of Thrones Complete Series on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Fans of high-definition viewing experienced the complete Game of Thrones series in stunning 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on November 3, 2020.
December 2020: Key Cast Members Announced for "House of the Dragon"
December 2020 saw the announcement of three more key cast members for "House of the Dragon": Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen.
2020: Duolingo's High Valyrian Course Reaches 1.2 Million Users
By 2020, over 1.2 million users had enrolled in Duolingo's High Valyrian course, demonstrating the show's cultural impact and the interest in its fictional languages.
January 2021: Animated Game of Thrones Spin-off Announced
Expanding the Game of Thrones universe into new territory, HBO Max announced in January 2021 that an adult animated spin-off series was in development.
January 2021: "Tales of Dunk and Egg" Series in Development
In January 2021, news emerged that HBO was developing another prequel series, this time based on George R.R. Martin's "Tales of Dunk and Egg" novella series.
February 2021: "House of the Dragon" Production Start and Filming Location Confirmed
HBO's chief content officer, Casey Bloys, confirmed in February 2021 that "House of the Dragon" would begin production in April 2021, with filming taking place in England.
July 2021: Two More Animated Game of Thrones Series in Development
In July 2021, HBO Max revealed that two more animated Game of Thrones series were in development. Notably, one of these series, tentatively titled "The Golden Empire," is set in Yi Ti, a nation in Essos inspired by Imperial China, promising a fresh perspective on the world of Game of Thrones.
November 2021: Steven Conrad Joins "Tales of Dunk and Egg" as Writer and Executive Producer
Steven Conrad joined the "Tales of Dunk and Egg" series as writer and executive producer in November 2021.
March 2022: "House of the Dragon" Premiere Date and Teaser Trailer Released
HBO announced on March 2022 that "House of the Dragon" would premiere on August 21, 2022, and released the official teaser trailer.
June 2022: Jon Snow Sequel Series Announced
June 2022 saw the announcement of a Jon Snow sequel series, starring Kit Harington, in early development at HBO. The working title was "Snow".
August 2022: Game of Thrones Arrives on HBO Max in 4K with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos
In August 2022, the entirety of Game of Thrones became accessible in enhanced visual and audio quality on HBO Max, featuring 4K resolution, Dolby Vision HDR, and immersive Dolby Atmos sound.
August 21, 2022: "House of the Dragon" Premieres
"House of the Dragon" premiered on August 21, 2022.
2022: "House of the Dragon" Premieres
"House of the Dragon," a prequel to "Game of Thrones," premiered in 2022, expanding the world and story of the franchise.
April 2023: "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight" Ordered to Series
HBO officially ordered "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight," based on the "Tales of Dunk and Egg" novellas, to series in April 2023.
April 2023: Aegon Targaryen Conquest Series in Development
In April 2023, it was reported that a series centered around Aegon Targaryen's conquest of Westeros was in development.
December 2023: The Sea Snake Becomes Animated
Initially planned as a live-action series, "The Sea Snake" was announced as being in development as an animated series in December 2023.
2023: Game of Thrones Listed Among Worst TV Endings
In 2023, The Guardian included Game of Thrones in its list of the worst TV endings. The show's later seasons, particularly the eighth, faced criticism for rushed plotlines, disregard for character development, and questionable writing choices.
2023: Variety Recognizes Game of Thrones' Legacy
In 2023, Variety acknowledged the enduring legacy of Game of Thrones by ranking it #21 on its list of the 100 greatest TV shows of all time.
April 2024: Jon Snow Sequel Series Shelved
In April 2024, Kit Harington announced that the Jon Snow sequel series had been shelved due to a lack of a compelling story.
