Intro
American fantasy drama television series Game of Thrones was developed by D. B. Weiss and David Benioff for HBO. It is a fantasy book adaption of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. With 73 episodes spread across eight seasons, the show debuted on HBO in the US on April 17, 2011, and ended on May 19, 2019.
A vast ensemble cast features in Game of Thrones, which is set on the made-up continents of Westeros and Essos and follows multiple storylines throughout the course of the program.
HBO’s Game of Thrones saw record numbers of viewers and boasts a large, engaged, global fan base. The series has received high marks from critics for its performances, nuanced characters, plot, and scale.
Game of Thrones has a very vast cast that has been estimated to be the largest on television. In 2014, several actors’ contracts were renegotiated to include a seventh-season option. By the final season, five of the main cast members made $1 million per episode, making them among the highest-paid television performers.
Series cast
Full Cast & Crew: Game of Thrones (2011–2019)
Series Cast (850)
Peter Dinklage
Tyrion Lannister (68 episodes, 2011-2019)
Lena Headey
Cersei Lannister (63 episodes, 2011-2019)
Kit Harington
Jon Snow (63 episodes, 2011-2019)
Emilia Clarke
Daenerys Targaryen (62 episodes, 2011-2019)
Sophie Turner
Sansa Stark (60 episodes, 2011-2019)
Maisie Williams
Arya Stark (60 episodes, 2011-2019)
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Jaime Lannister (56 episodes, 2011-2019)
Iain Glen
Jorah Mormont (53 episodes, 2011-2019)
John Bradley
Samwell Tarly (48 episodes, 2011-2019)
Alfie Allen
Theon Greyjoy (48 episodes, 2011-2019)
Conleth Hill
Lord Varys (46 episodes, 2011-2019)
Liam Cunningham
Davos Seaworth (42 episodes, 2012-2019)
Gwendoline Christie
Brienne of Tarth (42 episodes, 2012-2019)
Aidan Gillen
Petyr ‘Littlefinger’ Baelish (41 episodes, 2011-2017)
Isaac Hempstead Wright
Bran Stark (41 episodes, 2011-2019)
Rory McCann
Sandor ‘The Hound’ Clegane / Sandor Clegane (39 episodes, 2011-2019)
Nathalie Emmanuel
Missandei (38 episodes, 2013-2019)
Jerome Flynn
Bronn (37 episodes, 2011-2019)
Daniel Portman
Podrick Payne (35 episodes, 2012-2019)
Jacob Anderson
Grey Worm (34 episodes, 2013-2019)
Ben Crompton
Eddison Tollett (34 episodes, 2012-2019)
Kristofer Hivju
Tormund Giantsbane (33 episodes, 2013-2019)
Julian Glover
Grand Maester Pycelle (31 episodes, 2011-2016)
Carice van Houten
Melisandre (29 episodes, 2012-2019)
Charles Dance
Tywin Lannister (27 episodes, 2011-2015)
Jack Gleeson
Joffrey Baratheon (27 episodes, 2011-2014)
Hannah Murray
Gilly (27 episodes, 2012-2019)
Natalie Dormer
Margaery Tyrell (26 episodes, 2012-2016)
Michelle Fairley
Catelyn Stark (25 episodes, 2011-2016)
Ian McElhinney
Barristan Selmy (25 episodes, 2011-2015)
Stephen Dillane
Stannis Baratheon (24 episodes, 2012-2015)
Joe Dempsie
Gendry (24 episodes, 2011-2019)
Kristian Nairn
Hodor (23 episodes, 2011-2016)
Richard Madden
Robb Stark (22 episodes, 2011-2016)
Anton Lesser
Qyburn (22 episodes, 2013-2019)
Mark Stanley
Grenn (22 episodes, 2011-2014)
Finn Jones
Loras Tyrell (21 episodes, 2011-2016)
Sibel Kekilli
Shae (20 episodes, 2011-2014)
Iwan Rheon
Ramsay Bolton / Ramsay Snow (20 episodes, 2013-2016)
Michael McElhatton
Roose Bolton (19 episodes, 2012-2016)
Owen Teale
Alliser Thorne (19 episodes, 2011-2016)
Michiel Huisman
Daario Naharis (18 episodes, 2014-2016)
Diana Rigg
Olenna Tyrell (18 episodes, 2013-2017)
Dean-Charles Chapman
Tommen Baratheon / Martyn Lannister (18 episodes, 2013-2016)
Rose Leslie
Ygritte (17 episodes, 2012-2014)
Tom Wlaschiha
Jaqen H’ghar (17 episodes, 2012-2016)
Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson
Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane (17 episodes, 2014-2019)
Brenock O’Connor
Olly (17 episodes, 2014-2016)
Ian Beattie
Meryn Trant (17 episodes, 2011-2015)
Natalia Tena
Osha (16 episodes, 2011-2016)
Gemma Whelan
Yara Greyjoy (16 episodes, 2012-2019)
Ellie Kendrick
Meera Reed (16 episodes, 2013-2017)
Ian Whyte
Wun Wun / Dongo the Giant / Giant Wight #1 / Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane / White Walker / White Walker #1 (16 episodes, 2011-2019)
Eugene Simon
Lancel Lannister (15 episodes, 2011-2016)
Dominic Carter
Janos Slynt (14 episodes, 2011-2015)
Esmé Bianco
Ros / Roz (15 episodes, 2011-2013)
Art Parkinson
Rickon Stark (15 episodes, 2011-2016)
Donald Sumpter
Maester Luwin (14 episodes, 2011-2012)
Brian Fortune
Othell Yarwyck (14 episodes, 2011-2016)
Indira Varma
Ellaria Sand (13 episodes, 2014-2017)
Ron Donachie
Rodrik Cassel (13 episodes, 2011-2012)
Richard Dormer
Beric Dondarrion (13 episodes, 2013-2019)
Roger Ashton-Griffiths
Mace Tyrell (13 episodes, 2014-2016)
Rupert Vansittart
Yohn Royce (13 episodes, 2014-2019)
Josef Altin
Pypar (13 episodes, 2011-2014)
Amrita Acharia
Irri (13 episodes, 2011-2012)
Jonathan Pryce
High Sparrow (12 episodes, 2015-2016)
James Cosmo
Jeor Mormont (12 episodes, 2011-2013)
Richard Rycroft
Maester Wolkan (12 episodes, 2016-2019)
Ian Gelder
Kevan Lannister (12 episodes, 2011-2016)
Luke Barnes
Rast (12 episodes, 2011-2014)
Ben Hawkey
Hot Pie (12 episodes, 2011-2017)
Sean Bean
Eddard ‘Ned’ Stark / Ned Stark (11 episodes, 2011)
Oona Chaplin
Talisa Stark / Talisa Maegyr (11 episodes, 2012-2013)
Peter Vaughan
Maester Aemon (11 episodes, 2011-2015)
Faye Marsay
The Waif (11 episodes, 2015-2016)
Roxanne McKee
Doreah (11 episodes, 2011-2012)
Staz Nair
Qhono (11 episodes, 2016-2019)
Jason Momoa
Khal Drogo (11 episodes, 2011-2012)
Paul Kaye
Thoros of Myr (10 episodes, 2013-2017)
Tara Fitzgerald
Selyse Baratheon (10 episodes, 2013-2015)
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Jojen Reed (10 episodes, 2013-2014)
Kerry Ingram
Shireen Baratheon (10 episodes, 2013-2015)
Michael Condron
Bowen Marsh (10 episodes, 2015-2016)
Pilou Asbæk
Euron Greyjoy (9 episodes, 2016-2019)
Tobias Menzies
Edmure Tully (9 episodes, 2013-2019)
Rosabell Laurenti Sellers
Tyene Sand (9 episodes, 2015-2017)
Bella Ramsey
Lyanna Mormont (9 episodes, 2016-2019)
Lino Facioli
Robin Arryn (9 episodes, 2011-2019)
Mark Addy
Robert Baratheon (8 episodes, 2011)
Gethin Anthony
Renly Baratheon (8 episodes, 2011-2012)
Noah Taylor
Locke (8 episodes, 2013-2014)
Keisha Castle-Hughes
Obara Sand (8 episodes, 2015-2017)
Joel Fry
Hizdahr zo Loraq (8 episodes, 2014-2015)
Jessica Henwick
Nymeria Sand (8 episodes, 2015-2017)
Hannah Waddingham
Septa Unella (8 episodes, 2015-2016)
Charlotte Hope
Myranda (8 episodes, 2013-2016)
Steven Cole
Kovarro (8 episodes, 2012)
Callum Wharry
Tommen Baratheon (8 episodes, 2011-2012)
Aimee Richardson
Myrcella Baratheon (8 episodes, 2011-2012)
Josephine Gillan
Marei (8 episodes, 2012-2019)
Pedro Pascal
Oberyn Martell (7 episodes, 2014)
Francis Magee
Yoren (7 episodes, 2011-2012)
Clive Russell
Brynden ‘Blackfish’ Tully (7 episodes, 2013-2016)
Will Tudor
Olyvar (7 episodes, 2013-2015)
Season 1
The plot is set in a fantasy universe, mostly on the continent of Westeros, however, there is one storyline that takes place in Essos, another region to the east. Similar to the book, the first part of the season centers on the family of nobleman Eddard “Ned” Stark, the North’s Warden, who is requested to take on the role of King Robert Baratheon’s chief advisor, or King’s Hand. Ned is trying to figure out who killed Jon Arryn, his predecessor. He reveals sinister details about the ruling Lannister dynasty, which includes Cersei, Robert’s queen, which his predecessor perished attempting to reveal. This results in Ned’s treasonous arrest upon Robert’s passing. Robb, Ned’s oldest son, starts an uprising against the Lannisters. Ned is murdered on King’s orders, the despotic teenage son of Cersei, King Joffrey Baratheon. Meanwhile, in Essos, the exiled Viserys Targaryen, son of the former king, forces his sister Daenerys to marry a Dothraki warlord in return for an army to pursue his claim to the Iron Throne. The season ends with Viserys dead and Daenerys becoming the Mother of Dragons.
Season 2
Similar to the book, the season centers on Eddard “Ned” Stark’s tragic death and the ensuing political unrest. The main focus of the season is the War of the Five Kings, which pits the leaders of several Westerosi factions against one another in an attempt to seize control of the Iron Throne or break away from it. The late King Robert Baratheon’s widow, Cersei Lannister, remains in the capital as queen regent while her son, Joffrey, reigns as King of the Seven Kingdoms. Cersei’s other brother, the dwarf Tyrion, acts as Joffrey’s Acting Hand of the King until their father, Tywin Lannister, comes to assist in defending the capital. Cersei’s twin brother, Jaime, is a prisoner of Robb Stark. Across the Arctic, Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch stay with a reluctant ally during an expedition beyond the Wall. Meanwhile, in Essos, with three newborn dragons by her side, Daenerys Targaryen attempts to find allies and resources to help her fulfill her perceived destiny to win the Iron Throne.
Season 3
The third season of the fantasy drama television series Game of Thrones premiered in the United States on HBO on March 31, 2013, and concluded on June 9, 2013. The season’s plot follows that of The War of the Five Kings: following Renly Baratheon’s death, all four kings of Westeros feel they are entitled to the Iron Throne, except for Robb Stark, who wants independence for the North and retribution for the death of his father, Ned Stark. Other plotlines for the season include: Daenerys Targaryen starts her ascent to power in Essos; Jon Snow, Ned’s illegitimate son, goes undercover outside the Wall; the other Stark children fight to survive throughout Westeros, but Robb is killed; Jaime Lannister makes her way back to the capital; and the entire region is alerted to the threat posed by the Army of the Dead.
Season 4
All three of Westeros’ surviving kings feel they are entitled to the Iron Throne following Robb Stark’s demise at The Red Wedding. Young Tommen Baratheon is crowned king after King Joffrey is poisoned during his wedding and his uncle Tyrion is held accountable. Concurrently, Sansa Stark manages to flee King’s Landing. At the Wall, severely outnumbered, Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch engage in a bleak combat with 100,000 Wildlings; meanwhile, Stannis’s army advances, demanding the Wildlings’ surrender. Through his visions, Bran Stark travels far to the north, past the Wall, and encounters the Three-Eyed Raven. After capturing Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen resolves to take control over Slaver’s Bay as queen until she can end the slave trade for good; nevertheless, she realises that ruling is more challenging than conquering. She reluctantly chains up her growing dragons, who have become difficult to control. Arya Stark crisscrosses Westeros accompanied by the Hound but sails alone to Braavos on Essos to end the season.
Season 5
The fifth season of Game of Thrones, like its predecessors, focuses mostly on plots that take place in the made-up continent of Westeros, with a few stories also taking place on Essos. Tommen, the young and unsure son of Cersei Lannister, becomes the ruler of Westeros following the assassinations of ruler Joffrey and his grandpa Tywin Lannister. After fleeing to Essos, Tyrion encounters Daenerys Targaryen, who is fighting to regain control over her dragons and govern Slavers’ Bay. A religious cult that Cersei stupidly empowers is among the new foes the Lannister dynasty faces. They imprison Cersei and Queen Margaery, who later admits her misdeeds and is freed after making atonement. Under Stannis Baratheon, who marches on the reconstructed Winterfell in an attempt to reclaim the Iron Throne, Jon Snow ascends to the position of Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. After leaving Winterfell, Littlefinger marries Ramsay Bolton, who rapes and imprisons her. As Sansa and Theon flee, Stannis is vanquished and slain. Several of Jon’s troops rebel and assassinate him after he loses Night’s Watchmen while attempting to save thousands of Wildlings from the White Walkers. Arya Stark trains to be an assassin in Braavos, but she defies her instructors, causing them to blind her. Princess Myrcella is killed after Jaime saves her from Dorne.
Season 6
The season centres on the ongoing conflict for the Iron Throne between Westeros’ great houses. In the “Battle of the Bastards,” the Starks and their allies beat the Bolton army, bringing Sansa Stark and Jon Snow back together. Jon Snow is crowned King in the North, and Ramsay Bolton is murdered. While Daenerys Targaryen is being kept hostage by the Dothraki, Tyrion Lannister rules Meereen in Essos. She burns the Khals and survives the temple fire, winning the allegiance of the Dothraki who are still alive. Margaery Tyrell yields to the High Sparrow at King’s Landing, as the latter gains strength through his influence over King Tommen. Cersei, imprisoned, kills her uncle, the Tyrells, the Sparrows, and the Great Sept with wildfire to escape being tried. Following the explosion, Tommen kills himself, and his mother is named Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. After killing Doran and Trystane Martell, Ellaria Sand, and Oberyn Martell’s daughters take over Dorne. After completing her assassination training, Arya Stark goes back to Westeros to continue her list of vengeance. After changing into the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran Stark leaves the White Walkers and makes his way back to the Wall. After Theon and Yara Greyjoy support Daenerys, the former loses her attempt to become queen of the Iron Islands. Varys gets Olenna and the Dornish to ally on her behalf.
Season 7
Preparing for the final season, the penultimate season centres on the convergence of the major stories of the show. After defeating her friends in the south and west of Westeros, Daenerys Targaryen comes in the region with her army and three enormous dragons to start a war against the Lannisters. After leaving Sansa in control of Winterfell, Jon Snow goes to Daenerys to ask for her assistance in stopping the Army of the Dead and the White Walkers. He starts a romantic relationship with Daenerys while mining the dragon glass at Dragonstone. When Arya and Bran (now known as the Three-Eyed Raven) get back to Winterfell, the Starks kill Littlefinger, who was a traitor. Reminding Daenerys that she does not want to be just a queen of ashes, Tyrion convinces her not to destroy King’s Landing. To convince Cersei that the terrifying army of the dead does exist and is approaching, Jon chooses to go north of the wall to catch a wight; in the process, his troop is cornered down and almost slaughtered. When Daenerys uses her dragons to save them, one of her dragons is killed by the Night King and becomes a member of his army. Later, the undead dragon breaches a portion of the Wall, allowing the dead to pass through. Bran finds out that Jon is Aegon Targaryen, his cousin and the rightful heir to the Iron Throne.
Season 8
Compared to the other seasons’ widespread praise, this one received mixed reviews from reviewers and has the lowest rating of the entire series on Rotten Tomatoes. The season’s shorter duration and the showrunners’ multiple inventive choices about the plot and character arcs were the main points of criticism, despite the appreciation given to the performers, production qualities, and musical score. It was criticised by many as a dismal way to end the series.
The Great War against the Army of the Dead and the Last War for control of the Iron Throne, which are the two main battles of the series, are seen to have culminated in the final season. Many of the important protagonists, including Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, gather at Winterfell in the early half of the season to confront the Dead. Bran leads the Night King into the open during the conflict, where Arya destroys him, causing the army of wights and White Walkers to disintegrate. In the meanwhile, Cersei Lannister stays in King’s Landing and fortifies her army to lay traps for a Daenerys that isn’t as strong. The battle for the crown is continued in the second part of the season as Daenerys continues to lose until she ultimately attacks King’s Landing upon Drogon, her final dragon. Cersei and her brother Jaime are among the people she kills and sets ablaze in the city. As she goes insane, Daenerys swears she will go on her mission and “liberate” the entire world. Anguished Jon murders her after failing to stop her on her deadly path. Before taking off with her body, the dragon uses dragonfire to demolish the Iron Throne. After Westeros’ lords install Bran Stark as King, he bestows independence upon the North and names Tyrion as his Hand. In the North, Sansa Stark is crowned queen. While Jon leads the Wildlings north of the Wall, Arya sails west.