Game of Thrones (2011)
Kernel Score: 91% · 26,393 ratings
Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama, Action & Adventure
First aired: 2011-04-17
Seasons: 8 · 73 episodes
Is Game of Thrones worth watching?
Worth watching. Fantasy politics on a huge scale, with great early seasons full of shocking turns. It's grim and violent, and the final seasons disappoint, but the best of it is why people still talk about it.
Watch it if you
- like big fantasy with political scheming
- enjoy sprawling casts and betrayal
- want a long series to settle into
Skip it if you
- dislike graphic violence and nudity
- expect a satisfying final season
Best for: Long binge
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Game of Thrones
- Stream: HBO Max
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the farthest north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and icy horrors beyond.
Game of Thrones parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Game of Thrones is a TV-MA epic fantasy defined by graphic violence, sexual content, and relentless treachery.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Reviewers describe it as 'cruel, bloody' with a mix of horror and warfare; graphic, intense violence is constant.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Strong — A TV-MA fantasy that reviewers call 'vulgar'; frequent sexual content and nudity are part of its adult presentation.
- Language: Strong — The mature-rated, 'vulgar' tone includes frequent strong language.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-MA rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like Game of Thrones
If you liked Game of Thrones, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- House of the Dragon (2022) — 90%: Same world, centuries earlier, with another family war.
- Vikings (2013) — 91%: Brutal, historical clashes between warriors.
- The Last Kingdom (2015) — 90%: War, loyalty and politics in Dark Age England.
- The Witcher (2019) — 84%: Dark monster-hunting fantasy in a sprawling world.
- The Boys (2019) — 93%: Dark, violent and sharply written show, if of a different kind.
- The Wheel of Time (2021) — 87%: Epic fantasy built on a long book series.
Cast
- Peter Dinklage as Tyrion 'The Halfman' Lannister
- Kit Harington as Jon Snow
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Sir Jaime 'Kingslayer' Lannister
- Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
- Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen
- Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth
- Maisie Williams as Arya Stark
- Isaac Hempstead Wright as Brandon 'Bran' Stark
- Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark
- John Bradley as Samwell 'Sam' Tarly
Game of Thrones FAQ
Is Game of Thrones worth watching?
Worth watching. Fantasy politics on a huge scale, with great early seasons full of shocking turns. It's grim and violent, and the final seasons disappoint, but the best of it is why people still talk about it.
Where can I watch Game of Thrones?
In the US you can stream Game of Thrones on HBO Max and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.
Is Game of Thrones OK for kids?
Game of Thrones is rated TV-MA. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Game of Thrones is a TV-MA epic fantasy defined by graphic violence, sexual content, and relentless treachery.
What shows are like Game of Thrones?
If you liked Game of Thrones, try House of the Dragon, Vikings, The Last Kingdom and The Witcher.