Game of Thrones is a franchise that’s come to dominate pop culture for two decades, with the original show being one of the biggest TV phenomenons of the 2010s, while the spin-offs have remained at the forefront of television throughout the 2020s. With both continuing, and a Game of Thrones movie on the horizon, the franchise’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. And it’s not too late for newcomers to dive in — though doing so in 2026 comes with some harsh realities to contend with.

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