Changes

''Game of Thrones'' has received widespread acclaim by critics, and gained a large active fan base. However, it has attracted criticism for its frequent use of nudity, violence, torture and sexual violence.  Prior to its premiere in 2011, the show was marketed as being a version of ''[[Lord of the Rings]]'' for adults.  This could also being attributed to Sean Bean, who played Boromir in ''Lord of the Rings'' and Ned Stark in ''Game of Thrones'' appearing in marketing for Season One.

''Game of Thrones'' has received widespread acclaim by critics, and gained a large active fan base. However, it has attracted criticism for its frequent use of nudity, violence, torture and sexual violence.  Prior to its premiere in 2011, the show was marketed as being a version of ''[[Lord of the Rings]]'' for adults.  This could also being attributed to Sean Bean, who played Boromir in ''Lord of the Rings'' and Ned Stark in ''Game of Thrones'' appearing in marketing for Season One.

The eighth and final season began airing on April 14, 2019.

The show ran for eight seasons, beginning on April 17, 2011 and ending on May 19, 2019.

== Novels ==

== Novels ==

The TV series is based on the series, ''A Song of Ice and Fire'', by George R.R. Martin.  As of 2015, five books have been published, with two more yet to be released.  As of the start of Season 7, the show has surpassed the released books' storyline.  Content in the show is either taken from the final two unreleased books, or original material.

The TV series is based on the series, ''A Song of Ice and Fire'', by George R.R. Martin.  As of 2015, five books have been published, with two more yet to be released.  After the conclusion of Season 5, the show had surpassed where the story was in the books.  The final three seasons contained material from, presumably, the final two books in the series.

* ''A Game of Thrones'' (1996)

* ''A Game of Thrones'' (1996)