If there’s one TV show in recent times that has got everyone from Burnage to the Northern Quarter hooked, it’s HBO’s Game of Thrones. Whole cities like our very own Manchester have fallen hard for it, including people who would normally avoid this type of programme.
For anyone who hasn’t been keeping up to date, the show is an epic tale of the battle for the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms.
The last season to air in the UK was season six, but fans are getting ultra-excited as season seven is due to be on UK screens from mid-July 2017.
With the first episode of season six drawing in five million UK viewers, many are ready to tune in.
Why is it so popular?
On the surface, the huge success of a show like Game of Thrones appears a mystery, but when you investigate further, the reasons behind its popularity become clear. Firstly, the storylines are simply amazing and keep viewers interested. The mix of lust, betrayal, violence and intrigue are just dynamite to watch.
Hand in hand with this are the complex characters that the show has created. There are bad guys you hate, good guys you root for, and lots in between. To make the show even more unpredictable, many characters flit between good and bad, depending on the situation they’re in.
If that wasn’t enough to pull people in, the classic themes of empire building, war and love are ones that resonate with everyone. It’s a bit like watching Sir Alex Ferguson building his Manchester United empire up with Roy Keane as Jon Snow!
Greatest characters from Game of Thrones
Although the show has lots of brilliant characters in it, these are a few of the best:
Cersei Lannister
Played by the fantastic Lena Headey, this character is one that fans love to hate. A conniving and cunning Queen, you are never sure what she will do next. Not averse to using her beauty to get what she wants, Cersei is sadistic and cruel to anyone who crosses her.
Arya Stark
Ably played by Maisie Williams, Arya is one of the more good-natured characters on the show. Her innocence, charm and bravery make her many people’s ideal choice to take the throne. Although blinded in season five by Jaqen H’ghar, she still has a sharp wit and quick mind.
Joffrey Baratheon
This sneering, petulant boy-king was everything you would want in a TV villain before he died. Born as a bastard from the incestuous relationship between Cersei Lannister and her brother Jaime, he was at once compelling and unlovable.
Daenerys Targaryen
A great character, Daenerys is one of the more sympathetic in Game of Thrones. Her charm and personality make her instantly likeable, and she picks up languages very quickly, as shown in this article from 888poker about who the greatest poker players in Game of Thrones might be.
The new season of Game of Thrones looks set to be the best one yet, and UK fans are waiting patiently for it to hit our screens soon.
With the usual mix of blood and lust along with characters old and new, it’s sure to be unmissable.
