Game of Thrones is a franchise that’s come to dominate pop culture for two decades, with the original show being one of the biggest TV phenomenons of the 2010s, while the spin-offs have remained at the forefront of television throughout the 2020s. With both continuing, and a Game of Thrones movie on the horizon, the franchise’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. And it’s not too late for newcomers to dive in — though doing so in 2026 comes with some harsh realities to contend with.
To be clear, that shouldn’t prevent anyone who’s interested from seeing what the hype is all about. They’ll still get to experience future seasons of House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (along with any other new additions to HBO’s universe) in real time with everyone else. Their Game of Thrones journey up to that point might look a bit different, however. That’s especially likely to be true if they are active online or spend time in pop culture spaces.
Why You Should Trust Me: I’ve been writing about pop culture — and more specifically, fantasy topics and the Game of Thrones franchise — for a decade now. Fantasy was also my area of expertise while I was a features editor at ScreenRant.
Certain Aspects of ‘Game of Thrones’ Haven’t Aged Well
Some of the Storytelling Choices Look Worse After 15 Years
In terms of the visuals and effects, Game of Thrones continues to hold up pretty well in 2026. However, not every aspect of the HBO series can say that. Certain writing and storytelling choices look worse in hindsight. There are a number of criticisms leveraged at the show that are warranted (and were when it came out, too). One obvious example is the franchise’s use of sexual violence to shock audiences and convey the brutality of its world. Looking at House of the Dragon Season 3, this remains an unfortunate problem.
The lack of diversity throughout Game of Thrones — and its treatment of diverse characters when they do appear — is another issue that’s become more scrutinized over time. The messaging of its ending, which actively laughs off the idea of democracy and places an inexperienced boy on the Iron Throne, is also dubious. Such things continue to age poorly, and modern audiences may be less forgiving of them than those who tuned in throughout the 2010s.
There’s Way More ‘Game of Thrones’ to Catch Up On
The Franchise Is a Bigger Undertaking in 2026
Those digging into Game of Thrones in 2026 have a lot more to catch up on, assuming they enjoy the series and decide to devour the entire fantasy franchise. Anyone picking the original show up during its run would’ve been able to catch up gradually. In 2026, newcomers must power through all eight seasons — and then tackle two spin-off series to boot. It’s a lot to get through, and that may appeal to those who enjoy lengthy and immersive viewing experiences. Yet it’s likely to overwhelm other potential fans.
The prospect of starting the franchise is even more daunting if they’re also planning to read George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire books. At present, the Game of Thrones franchise is quite an undertaking. Of course, putting it off will only make things worse…so those who are truly interested should act now.
Spoilers Are MUCH Harder to Avoid
Even ‘Game of Thrones’ Features a Big One
Anyone beginning their Game of Thrones journey in 2026 shouldn’t just brace themselves for a long road ahead; they should also commit to avoiding pop culture spaces online, as spoilers are much harder to avoid these days. Part of that is a shifting internet culture, which sees people widely discussing new releases from the moment they air (and often without spoiler warnings). It’s all too easy to come upon House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms reveals, and they sometimes spoil the books in addition to the shows.
Game of Thrones itself even gives away the end of House of the Dragon, something casual fans were far more likely to overlook the first time around. Newcomers with some idea of what House of the Dragon is about — and who its characters are — may catch that on their initial viewing. Needless to say, they’ll have to be more accepting of knowing what’s coming or be capable of tuning out such talk.
The Biggest ‘Game of Thrones’ Twists Are No Longer Surprising
The Original Show’s Biggest Moments Are Common Knowledge
Even if those who are new to the Game of Thrones franchise manage to dodge spoilers, they’re still likely to have some idea of what to expect from the main series. Game of Thrones is one of those viral shows that everyone knows something about. And the biggest twists, like Ned Stark’s fate and the Red Wedding, are common knowledge for anyone who pays attention to pop culture. That means these turns won’t hit new fans the same way they hit viewers who saw them unfold in real time.
Game of Thrones‘s divisive ending is also among the parts of the series that is widely known. That can make watching the show in 2026 especially frustrating, as viewers are working toward an outcome they already know details of. It’s not nearly as fun as experiencing the highs and lows of a story without knowledge of what they are.
You’ll Know Better Than to Get Attached to ‘Game of Thrones’ Characters
The HBO Franchise Has a Reputation
The Game of Thrones franchise has a reputation for showing its characters no mercy, and in some ways, that works in its favor. Prior to the original show developing that reputation, it ensured that it packed an emotional punch. Likable characters that fans got invested in would face tragic fates, and it would lead to memorable losses — and ramp up the anxiety surrounding other major players.
Those entering Westeros in 2026 already know they shouldn’t get too attached to anyone, though, thanks to all the talk surrounding Game of Thrones over the years. They’re less likely to let their guards down as they watch the fight for the throne unfold. That’s bound to make the experience less of an emotional roller coaster. And that’s supposed to be the fun of it!
What Made ‘Game of Thrones’ Groundbreaking Isn’t as Special Now
Other Fantasy Shows Have Copied Its Formula
Watching Game of Thrones in 2026, newcomers aren’t likely to view it as groundbreaking the way that early fans did. Game of Thrones undoubtedly changed the fantasy TV landscape in the 2010s, proving that high fantasy could also be prestige television — and attract mainstream audiences as a result. The gritty realism, moral ambiguity, political drama, and generous budget all contributed to it becoming a standout. Those things are no longer special, however.
Game of Thrones inspired many more fantasy shows throughout the 2020s, and its approach is no longer unique. Plenty of newer series, like The Witcher and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, have leaned into big budgets and realism to “wow” audiences. Few have actually beat Game of Thrones at its own game, but audiences are more accustomed to the sort of world and story it presents.
There’s Less Excitement Surrounding HBO’s Fantasy Franchise
The Water-Cooler Conversations Are Far Less Frequent
There’s no doubt that the Game of Thrones franchise is thriving, but there is less excitement surrounding it than when the original show was airing. Game of Thrones‘ popularity led it to be the center of water-cooler conversations for years, and people even gathered in large groups and at public establishments to tune in. Although its spin-offs are starting to accumulate more hype, they’re still not at the same level. Those picking up the franchise this year should know that audience interest is no longer at its peak.
The original series has also been finished for seven years now. Although there are still plenty of debates surrounding its legacy, newcomers probably won’t find many people to gush about the big twists and developments with. The only way to recapture the experience of Game of Thrones’ run is to watch it with other viewers who are new to the series. Even then, it won’t be exactly the same.
You’re Going Into ‘Game of Thrones’ With Expectations (For Better or Worse)
Very Few Newcomers Will Be Starting With None
Anyone going into Game of Thrones in 2026 is probably taking expectations with them — for better or for worse. There’s been so much discourse surrounding the franchise, whether it’s in regard to the main show’s conclusion or House of the Dragon‘s book changes. Such conversations will inevitably impact how newcomers experience the show, as they may find themselves anticipating disappointment. And while it’s good to set expectations, that can hurt the viewing experience.
This works the other way, too. Despite its ending and criticisms, Game of Thrones is lauded as one of the greatest fantasy shows of all time. Potential fans could just as easily go in with too-high expectations, making disappointment a likelihood. Either way, they won’t be approaching the franchise as a clean slate like so many did in the 2010s.
The ‘Song of Ice and Fire’ Books Are Still in Limbo
Newcomers Must Be Okay With ‘ASOIAF’ Delays
Those who kept up with Game of Thrones throughout the 2010s had some hope that Martin’s last two books might come out before the show wrapped. And even after the TV series surpassed the events of the books, there was hope that both endings would come out relatively close together. However, The Winds of Winter remains delayed, and A Song of Ice and Fire continues to sit in limbo.
It happens, and Martin has addressed the wait on more than one occasion. But new Game of Thrones fans will have to commit while knowing the books are still unfinished. That can be a harder sell, especially for those hoping to tackle the multimedia franchise as a whole. Even for newcomers only interested in the TV shows, there’s the harsh reality that the main series’ ending is it for now. If that’s not something potential fans can accept, they might want to proceed with caution.
HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ Franchise Is Only Getting Bigger
For Those Who Stick With It, It’s a Commitment
Finally, for anyone starting Game of Thrones in 2026, it’s going to be a commitment — even beyond the eight seasons and two spin-offs fans have to catch up on. House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are set to continue, an Aegon’s Conquest movie is confirmed, and there are other spin-offs in development. Martin is also working on a new Dunk and Egg novella, The Winds of Winter is bound to happen eventually (right?), and Fire & Blood is due for a follow-up.
Anyone who gives the franchise a shot and doesn’t jibe with it won’t need to worry about committing long-term. However, those who find themselves hooked are probably going to be in it for the long run. That means they should keep their HBO subscriptions at the ready…and prepare for more of the pain that comes with falling for the people of Westeros.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
