Game of Thrones, created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss for HBO, aired from April 17, 2011 to May 19, 2019, spanning 73 episodes across eight seasons. Adapted from George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, the show is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, following noble families vying for the Iron Throne, an exiled heir plotting her return, and the Night's Watch defending the realm from northern threats. It attracted record viewership and is hailed as one of the greatest television series of all time, praised for its complex characters and production values, though its frequent nudity and graphic violence drew controversy. The series won a record-breaking 59 Primetime Emmy Awards (including Outstanding Drama Series four times), but its shortened final season received significant criticism for its creative decisions and disappointing conclusion. The sprawling franchise has since expanded with prequel series House of the Dragon (2022) and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026).