“Game of Thrones” returns Sunday for its highly anticipated Season 7. The show has grown into a ratings giant, as you’ll see.
Here are the five lowest-rated of the 66 “Game of Thrones” episodes so far, according to Nielsen’s Live + Same Day numbers.
(Overall) Rank: 5
Air Date: May 22, 2011
Season: 1
(Overall) Episode Number: 6
Episode Title: “A Golden Crown”
Total Viewers: 2.444 million
This was the episode when Tyrion demanded a trial by combat for his freedom, Eddard Stark very briefly sits on the Iron Throne, and Viserys is presented with a golden crown so hot it kills him.
(Overall) Rank: 4
Air Date: May 8, 2011
Season: 1
(Overall) Episode Number: 3
Episode Title: “Lord Snow”
Total Viewers: 2.438 million
In this episode, Eddard Stark and his daughters arrive at King’s Landing, as the Bastard (Jon Snow) makes an impression on Tyrion. He also get an early inkling of how good Arya will become with a sword.
(Overall) Rank: 3
Air Date: May 29, 2011
Season: 1
(Overall) Episode Number: 7
Episode Title: “You Win or You Die”
Total Viewers: 2.396 million
Robert finds himself dying after a drunken hunting accident, while Jon takes his vows to the Night’s Watch. Khal Drogo, meanwhile, pledges to attack the Seven Kingdoms, not knowing his wife will someday set out to complete that mission for him.
(Overall) Rank: 2
Air Date: April 17, 2011
Season: 1
(Overall) Episode Number: 1
Episode Title: “Winter is Coming”
Total Viewers: 2.222
The episode that started it all. We meet some White Walkers and direwolves, King Robert Baratheon decides to ask Eddard Stark to become the new Hand of the King, Viserys plays matchmaker, and Jamie Lannister tries to kill Bran Stark. Eventful episode.
(Overall) Rank: 1
Air Date: April 24, 2011
Season: 1
(Overall) Episode Number: 2
Episode Title: “The Kingsroad”
Total Viewers: 2.202 million
Bran recovers from the fall, Ned takes his daughters to King’s Landing, and Jon Snow goes to the Wall with Uncle Benjen.
That’s right — all five of the lowest-rated episodes were in Season 1, which shows how steadily the show has grown. Like a dragon, almost.
Season 7 concludes Sunday at 9/8c on HBO.
