The Most-Watched Episodes of ‘Game of Thrones’

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When Game of Thrones first aired in 2011, almost no one expected it to become such a huge success. Beginning as a realistic fantasy drama adapted from George R.R. Martin’s books, it quickly became a worldwide sensation. The show took over pop culture, set new viewing records, and changed expectations for television. Each week, millions of people tuned in to watch the epic story of dragons, collapsing kingdoms, and difficult decisions. For HBO, it was an incredibly fortunate hit – their most popular series by a significant margin, as they’ve openly stated.

Looking closely at the show’s success, it wasn’t just the series overall, but individual episodes that really captivated audiences. Certain episodes, in particular, were must-see TV – people dropped their plans and eagerly waited for them to stream. Over eight seasons, a handful of episodes achieved remarkably high viewership, and it wasn’t just due to general excitement. These episodes featured epic battles, emotional reunions, shocking plot twists, and a constant sense of impending change. Here’s a list of the 10 most-watched episodes of Game of Thrones.

10
“Stormborn”

Season 7, Episode 2 – 12.37 Million Views

As a fierce storm hits Dragonstone in “Stormborn,” Daenerys starts taking charge. She tests Varys’s allegiance and receives puzzling advice from Melisandre about the future and forming alliances. Tyrion suggests a strategic plan to conquer Westeros, and Daenerys sends Yara, Ellaria, and the Sand Snakes to gain support in Dorne. Back in King’s Landing, Cersei cleverly controls the nobles, and Qyburn reveals a powerful weapon designed to kill dragons. At the same time, Arya learns Jon Snow has been named King in the North and decides to head for Winterfell instead.

Wow, episode two of Season 7 felt like a real shift in gears. Things started to fall apart strategically, and we really saw characters grappling with their histories. The scene between Daenerys and Varys was fantastic, and her decision to call for Jon Snow felt like a huge moment – it set up what was to come in a big way. On the flip side, we had Theon completely falling apart and Euron emerging as a truly terrifying force, both of which threw the Targaryen plans into disarray. But it wasn’t all politics and power plays; Arya’s storyline finally gave us some much-needed emotional weight as she headed home.

9
“The Spoils of War”

Season 7, Episode 4 – 13.94 Million Views

Following the events of the last episode, “The Spoils of War” sees Jaime and Bronn transporting gold from Highgarden back to King’s Landing, unaware of the danger ahead. Back at Winterfell, Arya happily reunites with Sansa and Bran, though they’ve all become different people. A standout moment is the sparring match between Arya and Brienne. At the same time, Daenerys, upset by recent setbacks, unexpectedly attacks the Lannister army on Drogon, leading to a dangerous fall for Jaime.

“The Spoils of War” is considered one of the most beautiful episodes of the series, and it’s easy to see why – almost 14 million people watched it. While the battle itself, and Daenerys’s powerful attack, are impressive, the episode also makes you question whether Daenerys is truly a hero. Jaime’s close call with death adds to his already complex story. Ultimately, the episode challenges our ideas of who to root for and powerfully illustrates the devastating impact of war.

8
“Eastwatch”

Season 7, Episode 5 – 14.41 Million Views

I was completely hooked by Season 7 of Game of Thrones, especially the episode “Eastwatch.” It was incredible seeing Jaime manage to survive Daenerys’s attack and try to warn Cersei about just how powerful she was, but she just didn’t seem to care! Meanwhile, Jon found out the Night King was on the move and had this brilliant, though risky, idea to capture a wight to show everyone back in Westeros how serious the danger really was. That led to this amazing team – Jon, Gendry, the Hound, Beric, Thoros, and Jorah – embarking on what felt like a nearly impossible mission beyond the Wall. And back at Dragonstone, it was so compelling to watch Jon and Daenerys grow closer, while Bran’s visions started to reveal the Night King’s true plans. It was a thrilling season!

This episode is incredibly gripping, building excitement and keeping viewers hooked – it’s no surprise so many people tuned in (14.41 million!). It skillfully weaves together the different storylines – political intrigue, supernatural elements, and the characters’ personal struggles – all focused on a desperate fight for survival. The creation of the suicide squad is a satisfying moment for fans, and the episode strikes a great balance between a sense of urgency and careful pacing, which is unusual for this series.

7
“Dragonstone”

Season 7, Episode 1 – 16.10 Million Views

The seventh season of Game of Thrones begins with swift and brutal revenge. Arya Stark, cleverly disguised, poisons all the male members of House Frey, finally avenging the Red Wedding. Meanwhile, at Winterfell, Jon Snow is establishing himself as King in the North, trying to unite everyone against the approaching White Walkers, but Sansa questions his leadership. In King’s Landing, Cersei and Jaime are recovering after the death of Tommen, and Euron Greyjoy offers his support. At the Citadel, Sam Tarly begins to discover important information about dragonglass and its potential use.

The latest episode culminates in Daenerys finally reaching Dragonstone. She quietly examines the war plans and simply asks, “Shall we begin?” With 16.10 million viewers tuning in, the episode, titled “Dragonstone,” emphasizes a change in power dynamics. Rather than offering grand displays, it sets the stage for the final chapters of the story. The episode brings together Jon Snow’s rise to leadership, Arya’s quest for vengeance, and Daenerys’s homecoming, signaling that the main conflict is now truly underway.

6
“The Dragon and the Wolf”

Season 7, Episode 7 – 16.50 Million Views

The season ends with “The Dragon and the Wolf,” a high-stakes meeting at the Dragonpit in King’s Landing, bringing together almost all the important characters. Daenerys makes a dramatic late arrival on Drogon, and Jon Snow attempts to prove the danger of the White Walkers by showing Cersei a captured wight. Cersei pretends to agree to an alliance, but secretly plans to betray everyone. Disgusted by her dishonesty, Jaime finally leaves her side. Meanwhile, in Winterfell, Sansa and Arya outsmart Littlefinger, revealing his schemes and ultimately condemning him to death.

When Sam reaches Winterfell, he and Bran discover the truth about Jon Snow: he’s actually Aegon Targaryen, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. This episode, the most-viewed of Season 7, is powerful because of its complex political maneuvering, long-awaited secrets revealed, and the strong emotional impact. Littlefinger finally faces consequences for years of scheming and avoiding justice, and Jon’s true identity completely shifts the balance of power. The scene where everyone meets is incredibly dramatic, changing who is loyal to whom, how people see themselves, and what the future holds – and it’s a level of suspense only Game of Thrones could create.

5
“The Last of the Starks”

Season 8, Episode 4 – 17.20 Million Views

After the hard-fought Battle of Winterfell, those who remained held a funeral to honor the fallen. Daenerys officially made Gendry the Lord of Storm’s End, a politically smart decision. Meanwhile, Jon and Daenerys faced growing strain as his true parentage was revealed to his siblings. At a celebratory feast, Brienne and Jaime’s relationship deepened, but Daenerys felt more and more alone. The situation drastically changed when Euron Greyjoy’s ships killed Rhaegal while he was flying, and Missandei was captured and tragically executed before Daenerys’ eyes.

“The Last of the Starks” was the second most-watched episode of the series. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, jumping between sadness, happiness, shock, and anger. The deaths of Missandei and Rhaegal are pivotal moments for Daenerys, who responds with quiet, building rage. The episode’s dark mood and intense drama show that this war isn’t just about who lives or dies, but about how people are fundamentally changing.

4
“Winterfell”

Season 8, Episode 1 – 17.40 Million Views

The final season of Game of Thrones begins with a quiet arrival at Winterfell, as Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow lead their forces. The people of the North watch with suspicion as dragons fly overhead and foreign armies enter their land. Jon is reunited with Arya and Bran, but hidden truths – especially about Jon’s parentage – create distance between them. Daenerys and Sansa clash, while Tyrion and Varys watch the unfolding events carefully. At the same time, Cersei agrees to Euron’s proposal and begins planning a war from King’s Landing.

The episode concludes with Jaime’s arrival at Winterfell, where he shares a tense look with Bran, whom he once crippled. With 17.40 million viewers tuning in, “Winterfell” demonstrates the huge excitement surrounding the final season. The episode focuses on characters reuniting and relies more on subtle moments and meaningful glances than big action sequences. This quieter approach makes key scenes, like Jon learning the truth about his parents from Sam in the crypts, especially impactful. Directed by David Nutter and written by Dave Hill, this episode essentially lays the groundwork for everything that’s to come.

3
“The Long Night”

Season 8, Episode 3 – 17.80 Million Views

Okay, so the Battle of Winterfell… wow. It starts with this incredible, terrifying silence as the Night King’s army just arrives. Then, all hell breaks loose. Melisandre sets the Dothraki’s blades on fire, which looks amazing, but they’re quickly swallowed by the darkness. After that, it’s just pure chaos. I remember being on the edge of my seat watching Arya sneak around, and poor Beric sacrificing himself to save her. Lyanna Mormont taking down a giant was a total badass moment. Above it all, the dragons were fighting in this crazy storm, and Jon and Daenerys were desperately trying to coordinate everything. And it gets even worse – the dead start rising inside Winterfell’s crypts! It was a truly epic, but brutal, fight.

The most exciting moment arrives when Arya unexpectedly attacks and defeats the Night King, immediately destroying his entire army. This episode, titled “The Long Night,” was the longest and most elaborate of the series, drawing 17.80 million viewers. The battle sequence itself took a remarkable 35 nights to film. Directed by Miguel Sapochnik, the episode is a stunning visual achievement. Arya’s victory marks the culmination of her character’s journey. While the fast-paced action was debated by some, its importance to the show’s ending is clear.

2
“The Bells”

Season 8, Episode 5 – 18.40 Million Views

As Daenerys Targaryen, filled with grief and fury, prepares to attack King’s Landing in “The Bells,” the city prepares for a siege. When Euron’s fleet is destroyed and the Golden Company is wiped out, the city’s defenses fall and the surrender bells ring out. However, Daenerys doesn’t accept the surrender, instead burning King’s Landing to the ground, killing both soldiers and innocent people, leaving even those who support her shocked. Jon Snow witnesses the destruction in horror, Tyrion Lannister laments the consequences of his allegiance, and Arya Stark struggles to survive as the city collapses around her.

“The Bells” is arguably the most talked-about episode of the series, and also one of its most popular, drawing 18.40 million viewers for the dramatic fall of King’s Landing. Once again directed by Miguel Sapochnik, the episode powerfully shows Daenerys’s rapid transformation from a hero who fought for freedom into a destructive force—a change that, while sudden, was hinted at throughout the show. It’s a difficult episode to watch because it challenges viewers to consider how easily morals can be compromised. Emilia Clarke gives a stunning performance, and Lena Headey’s final scenes are surprisingly touching.

1
“The Iron Throne”

Season 8, Episode 6 – 19.30 Million Views

While many consider Season 8 the show’s weakest, it left a lasting impression. The series ends with King’s Landing in ruins, where Tyrion finds the bodies of Jaime and Cersei. Daenerys attempts to rally her troops with promises of worldwide freedom, but they react with apprehension. Jon Snow, torn and with a heavy heart, ultimately kills her. Drogon, Daenerys’s dragon, melts the Iron Throne and carries her body away. A council then gathers and chooses Bran Stark to be the new king. Tyrion returns as Hand, and Jon is sent back to the Night’s Watch.

The series concludes with Arya venturing west, Sansa becoming Queen of the North, and Jon Snow joining the Free Folk beyond the Wall. With 19.3 million viewers, “The Iron Throne” was the most-watched episode of Game of Thrones and in HBO’s history. It’s a thoughtful ending, marked by the tragic death of Daenerys, the symbolic melting of the Iron Throne, and the idea that power can corrupt. The finale wasn’t designed to simply satisfy everyone, and while opinions were divided, a record number of viewers tuned in to witness the end of the show.

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2025-11-09 22:22