By Emily Salisbury

The television series Game of Thrones based on the novels by George R.R. Martin was first released on April 17, 2011, and its final episode will air on May 19, 2019. This TV series has taken the world by storm. Game of Thrones, starring Emilia Clarke and Kit Harrington, has garnered many Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and wins. The Game of Thrones 79-minute episodes that are aired on HBO average 16.5 million viewers a week. Game of Thrones is also available on Netflix and Hulu.

Game of Thrones is roughly based on the storylines of A Song of Ice and Fire, set in the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and the continent of Essos. The series chronicles the violent dynastic struggles among the realm's noble families for the Iron Throne, while other families fight for independence from it.

The reviews left by fans and critics suggest that they believe that this show is one of the best that’s ever been put out. A review left by a fan on IMDB states: “I don't believe there has ever been anything like 'Game of Thrones' on TV. The sheer amount of quality and talent in this series is staggering. The actors (and I mean really ALL the actors), the costumes, the visual effects, the make-up: everybody working on this show seems to have wanted to make Television-history. And the writing is just phenomenal.”

Another review by James Poniewozik published in Time Magazine stated: “Watching Game of Thrones is like falling into a gorgeous, stained tapestry. This epic, unflinching fantasy noir takes our preconceptions of chivalry, nobility, and magic and gets medieval on them.”

I went in watching the show without having read the books and didn't expect to join in on the hype that surrounded the show. But after watching the pilot episode I was hooked and ended up watching the rest of the first season in just a day or two. The acting and writing are so well done that it just draws you in so easily as an audience member.

Overall, I would easily give Game of Thrones an 11/10 because it exceeded every expectation I had for it. I also recommend to not get to attached to the characters because George R.R. Martin is known for killing the most beloved off.