Common Sense Media Review
By Matt Springer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Artful fantasy series heavy on sexuality and violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Game of Thrones
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 138 parent reviews
Based on 352 kid reviews
Kids say the series is a visually stunning and engaging fantasy drama with extraordinary character development and a gripping storyline, though it is marred by excessive graphic content including nudity, sexual violence, and intense gore that makes it unsuitable for younger audiences. While many teens praised the show's complex themes and character arcs, they also expressed that the overwhelming amount of explicit scenes can detract from the overall experience and recommended that mature viewers approach it with caution.
- immersive worldbuilding
- graphic content warnings
- complex characters
- mature themes
- age rating debate
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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
- Premiere date : April 17, 2011
- Cast : Peter Dinklage , Nikolaj Coster-Waldau , Lena Headey , Kit Harington , Sophie Turner
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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