It might be hard to believe, but we’ve made it to the 15th anniversary of Game of Thrones. The HBO adaptation became a total phenomenon, paving the way for big-budget fantasy series to come and changing the genre forever. Based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books, the series, created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, captivated a global audience with its many twists and characters we loved to hate. Want to test your knowledge on the premiere season? Take our trivia quiz below:
Were you able to score a 10/10? If so, we’re seriously impressed. And if not, it looks like it’s time for a Game of Thrones rewatch! Whatever your score was, though, it’s the perfect time to revisit the first season which changed the lives of many.
Game of Thrones premiered on April 17, 2011, the same year that shows like American Horror Story, Dance Moms, New Girl, and Homeland first came on air. Teen fantasy shows had already taken over broadcast, with the likes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, and The Vampire Diaries part of the cultural zeitgeist. But Game of Thrones was arguably the first adult fantasy series to break through to the mainstream, exceeding a cult following and becoming a major part of pop culture.
Game of Thrones was a game-changer right away
Game of Thrones also changed the course of television because it was one of HBO’s first fantasy series. Bringing the genre to prestige TV worked incredibly well, proving to people that high fantasy can be—and should be—taken seriously. With amazing character development and a stellar cast of both established actors, like Sean Bean and Lena Headey, and fresh faces, like Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington, Game of Thrones was successful right away.
And, of course, once viewers hit the big shocking moment of the first season—yep, we’re talking Ned Stark’s death—people were understandably hooked.
“Game of Thrones excels on multiple levels — with its splendid ensemble cast (able to sell even the clunkier fantasy dialogue), intricate palace machinations, sly humor and growing sense of inevitable conflict,” Variety writer Brian Lowry wrote on April 10, 2011, as part of their review. “The production’s look is a wonder, showcasing a variety of environments (lensing was in Northern Ireland and Malta) and ornate sets and costumes that approximate the feel of a theatrical blockbuster.”
Though Game of Thrones’ quality might’ve suffered a bit in later seasons, it’s hard not to look back at season 1 with anything but warm nostalgia.
We’re celebrating the 15th anniversary of Game of Thrones all month long! Keep up with us at Winter Is Coming for retrospectives, hot takes, analysis, and more.