The essential episodes of Game of Thrones
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Game of Thrones — each pick states its reason.
- 01
Lord Eddard Stark, ruler of the North, is summoned to court by his old friend, King Robert Baratheon, to serve as the King's Hand. Eddard reluctantly agrees after learning of a possible threat to the King's life. Eddard's bastard son Jon Snow must make a painful decision about his own future, while in the distant east Viserys Targaryen plots to reclaim his father's throne, usurped by Robert, by selling his sister in marriage.
- 02
Eddard's investigations in King's Landing reach a climax and a dark secret is revealed.
- 03
Catelyn must negotiate with the irascible Lord Walder Frey.
- 04
Daenerys must realize her destiny. Jaime finds himself in an unfamiliar predicament.
- 05
Arya has a surprise visitor; Dany vows to take what is hers; Joffrey meets his subjects; Qhorin gives Jon a chance to prove himself.
- 06
A massive battle rages for control of King's Landing and the Iron Throne.
- 07
Tyrion awakens to a changed situation. King Joffrey doles out rewards to his subjects. As Theon stirs his men to action, Luwin offers some final advice. Brienne silences Jaime; Arya receives a gift from Jaqen; Dany goes to a strange place; Jon proves himself to Qhorin.
- 08
The Night's Watch takes stock. Varys meets his better. Arya is taken to the commander of the Brotherhood. Daenerys exchanges a chain for a Whip.
- 09
Robb presents himself to Walder Frey, and Edmure meets his bride. Jon faces his harshest test yet. Bran discovers a new gift. Daario and Jorah debate how to take Yunkai. House Frey joins with House Tully.
- 10
Tyrion lends Jaime a hand. Joffrey and Margaery host a breakfast. At Dragonstone, Stannis loses patience with Davos. Ramsay finds a purpose for his pet. North of the Wall, Bran sees where they must go.
- 11
Arya makes progress in her training. Sansa confronts an old friend. Cersei struggles. Jon travels.
- 12
Alliances are made, the High Sparrow is holding trials at King's Landing, Daenerys is sailing for the Seven Kingdoms and a new King of the North is crowned.
- 13
Arya gets to the final destination. Daenerys takes it upon herself to strike back.
- 14
Winterfell fights the Army of the Dead.
- 15
In the aftermath of the devastating attack on King's Landing, Daenerys must face the survivors.
Shows like Game of Thrones
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe essential episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power2022–present
Set thousands of years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, this epic drama follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. - 02Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe essential episodes of His Dark Materials2019–2022·BBC iPlayer
Secrets and dangers lie ahead for young Lyra Belacqua in an epic tale of stolen children and the mysterious substance of Dust. - 03Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe essential episodes of The Wheel of Time2021–2025The Wheel of Time is set in a sprawling, epic world where magic exists, but only women can use it safely.
- 04Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe essential episodes of Atlantis2013–2015·BBC OneA fantasy drama set in a world of legendary heroes and mythical creatures.
- 05Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe essential episodes of The Shannara Chronicles2016–2017·Paramount NetworkThe Shannara Chronicles is a new TV series based on the best-selling fantasy novels by Terry Brooks.
- 06Drama·Adventure·FantasyThe essential episodes of The Magicians2015–2020·SyfyBased upon Lev Grossman's best-selling books, The Magicians centers around Brakebills University, a secret institution specializing in magic.
