Winter is coming…
Games of Thrones is back and across the globe, households will sit down together for a ritual which will continue on for nine Mondays more.
The show, which started in 2011, has captivated viewers from country to country, is based on George R R Martin’s fantasy novels, A Song of Fire and Ice. George R R Martin started writing in 1977 and his first book in the series, A Game of Thrones was published in 1996. This novel gave its title to the show, but the content of each series has progressed through the following novels. Season 6 uses The Winds of Winter primarily for it’s story, with some elements of A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons but also features a lot of original content from it’s award winning creators.
Regular cast members include Lena Headey (300, Dredd) Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent) , Sophie Turner (X-Men: Apocolypse) , Alfie Allen (John Wick), Gwendoline Christie (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Natalie Dormer (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay), Emilia Clarke (Terminator: Genisys), Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Oblivion) and Aiden Gillan (The Wire).
New faces this season include legend Max Von Sydow (The Exorcist), Ian Mcshane (Deadwood) and Richard E. Grant (Withnail and I).
Game of Thrones has broken records and gained massive success, with many rushing to watch it as soon as possible in case they read the much-dreaded spoiler.
The show started off with 9.3 million viewers in its first series, with this figure climbing to reach over 18 million by the end of season four. It has received 86 nominations for Emmy awards since 2011, with five being for Outstanding Drama Series.
One thing that makes this show so interesting is not just who watches it, but how it is watched.
I have spoken to many a fan who make a habit of watching it with the same people every week, over a home-cooked dinner or takeaway, with heated discussions of who deserves the Iron Throne; if Littlefinger is scheming again, how long winter will actually last or if we’ll ever see Hodor again?!!
I myself have experienced this television bonding experience. I first started watching Game of Thrones with an ex-boyfriend. He was up to date at this point, which was just before the start of season 4. We sat and watched the first three series together and my experience with Westeros had begun; I was hooked. Unfortunately, my love affair with the Seven Kingdoms lasted longer than he did (and longer than this current Westeros winter, it seems) and although I shan’t have someone always next to me for season six, I can’t wait to see what’s next for Bran, Cersei, Dani and the gang.
Game of Thrones season six will premiere on Foxtel Showcase, 11am on Monday 25th April Encore showing at 7.30pm.
WHAT: Game Of Thrones, Season 6
WHEN: Monday 25th April, 11am and 7.30pm
WHERE: Foxtel
FOLLOW: #GameOfThrones #WINTERISCOMING
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