Premiered: April 17, 2011

On: HBO

Starring: Sean Bean, Mark Addy, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Michelle Fairley, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Iain Glen, Aidan Gillen, Harry Lloyd, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Richard Madden, Alfie Allen, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Jack Gleeson, Rory McCann, Peter Dinklage & Jason Momoa

HBO had no idea what they were in for when the first season of this epic series was released.

When Eddard Stark (Sean Bean) takes over as chief advisor to King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy), he is instructed to find out who killed the former Hand of the King. Baratheon’s wife, Cersei (Lena Heady), and her family vie for power, while the Targaryen’s also believe they have claim to the throne.

There are tons of characters introduced quickly, making it a bit hard to take in everything happening in the first few episodes.

However, as the season goes on, it’s clear that no character – no matter how big or small their role – is safe. The end of the first season is jaw-dropping and sets up the craziness of seasons to come.

Final say: It’s game you’ll ultimately want to play. ★★★☆☆