Parents' Guide to

Game of Thrones

By Matt Springer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Artful fantasy series heavy on sexuality and violence.

TV HBO Drama 2011
Game of Thrones Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 185 parent reviews

sorryfornotsorry
sorryfornotsorry Adult
February 28, 2016
age 18+

its porn

Before i watched the first episode i thought it should be a good tv show no its just porn
123queen
123queen Adult
May 12, 2019
age 18+

Too much hype for such a demeaning show!

I kept hearing all of these rave reviews of this show but nobody talks about the sex including incest, rape and group sex. Has a very poor sexual depiction of women. I was disappointed after watching the pilot for 15 minutes! Don’t be fooled by all of the hype.
See all 185 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Adapted from the popular series of fantasy novels by George R.R. Martin, GAME OF THRONES is set in the fictional medieval kingdom of Westeros and follows a large cast intertwined through political intrigue, emotional drama, and fierce battles. Throughout the seasons we meet characters like Lord Eddard Stark (Sean Bean), King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy), Jon Snow (Kit Harington), Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), all of whom fight for the right to sit on the Iron Throne. As the series progresses, betrayals change the political landscape of Westeros irreversibly, leading to ever more complicated alliances and plot twists. Not every character we meet makes it to the end.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (185 ):
Kids say (359 ):

As with most HBO originals, this series benefits greatly from the budget and talent poured into its execution. Game of Thrones is an expertly produced epic and well acted, making it one of the most critically acclaimed series in history. It's easy to get drawn into the machinations of Westeros, and the complexity of the twists and turns make rewatches endlessly satisfying.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the impact of seeing sexual violence on television. Are the assaults depicted in Game of Thrones necessary for the story? Are there ways to convey sexual violence in a story without causing extra harm to viewers, including survivors who may be watching?

  • Is the show too gory? Why do you think violence is so common in entertainment media, and does Game of Thrones take things too far? Why, or why not?

  • How are women and people of color portrayed? Why do you think that is? What are their roles in this series? Are they important players, or accessories?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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