Lyla Lindsey
Game of Thrones is a popular television series based on George R.R. Martin's best-selling book series, A Song of Ice and Fire. The show, which aired from 2011 to 2019, gained a massive following in Australia, with a cumulative average audience of 1.2 million. Given its popularity, what was the rating for Game of Thrones in Australia, and how did it compare to other countries?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Broadcasters in Australia | Fox Showcase |
| Average viewer numbers in Australia | 1.2 million |
| Content warnings | Sexual violence, graphic violence, nudity, strong language, drug use, smoking, alcohol consumption |
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What You'll Learn
Game of Thrones' popularity in Australia
Game of Thrones has a large international fan base, and its popularity in Australia is evident through various metrics and cultural impacts.
One indication of its popularity in Australia is the high viewership numbers. By the sixth season, the average per-episode gross viewing figure had increased to over 25 million, with a cumulative average audience of 1.2 million in Australia, setting viewership records in the country. The series finale was viewed by 19.3 million people across HBO's platforms, contributing to its widespread reach.
The show has also influenced Australian culture in several ways. It has inspired academic and scientific inquiries, such as a 2018 study by Australian scientists examining character mortality and a 2019 Australian Red Cross study on war crimes committed by characters. Additionally, "khaleesi," a title in the Dothraki language, has become a popular baby name, reflecting the show's impact on Australian naming trends.
Game of Thrones has also left its mark on Australian popular culture. It has sparked interest in language learning, with 1.2 million people signing up for High Valyrian courses between 2017 and 2020. The show's impact extended to various fields, including the naming of animal species, such as three species of mud dragons and a bee fly, inspired by characters and elements from the series.
Furthermore, Game of Thrones has attracted a diverse range of fans in Australia, including political leaders such as former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The show's rich detail, moral ambiguity, sexual explicitness, and epic scale have been cited as factors contributing to its broad appeal and devoted fan base in the country.
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Piracy rates in Australia
The following year, in 2011, the attitude and rate of piracy of movie and television programs in Australia "remained consistent". A 2012 report by the same foundation showed that more than a quarter of those surveyed were persistent or casual illegal downloaders, downloading at least once a month. Research by Sycamore Research and Newspoll in 2014 revealed that 29% of Australians had engaged in piracy in the previous three months, with 68% streaming, 25% downloading, and 11% sharing content.
In 2017, it was reported that piracy in Australia had dropped by 20% year-on-year, which was attributed to factors such as the blocking of overseas piracy websites, high-profile advertising campaigns, and threats of legal action against individual pirates. Despite these efforts, Australia continued to be a hotspot for the torrenting of popular television programs like Game of Thrones, with Brisbane ranked highly in the world for downloads per capita.
More recently, in 2022, piracy rates rebounded, with one in four Australians admitting to having unlawfully consumed online media. Income and education levels seem to play a role in piracy rates, with higher-income households exhibiting higher piracy rates. The biggest driver of piracy, however, is the allure of free content, with 31% of respondents saying they would be more likely to illegally access media if it were free.
While there has been a decline in physical sales of DVDs and Blu-Rays, digital sales and streaming services have gained popularity. This shift in consumption patterns, along with the persistent issue of piracy, has led to a decrease in the overall home entertainment market in Australia.
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Viewer demographics in Australia
In Australia, Game of Thrones has had a broad appeal, attracting a diverse range of viewers from different age groups and backgrounds. The show has been a massive success in the country, with high viewership numbers across various demographics.
According to ratings and viewership statistics, the audience for Game of Thrones in Australia has been predominantly adult, with a slight male bias. The majority of viewers are aged between 25 and 54, with a peak audience in the 25-34 age bracket. This older audience is likely due to the mature themes and content of the show, which has been rated 'MA15+' in Australia, advising that it is not suitable for viewers under 15 years of age. This rating is consistent across various Australian states, including New South Wales and Victoria, where the show is classified as 'MA 15+ V' ('V' indicating content may be disturbing to some viewers).
Despite the male bias in viewership, Game of Thrones has also attracted a significant female audience in Australia. Statistics indicate that the show has had a relatively balanced appeal, with female viewers making up around 40-45% of the total audience. This gender split is consistent across different age groups, suggesting that the show has broad appeal across both genders.
Geographically, viewership data suggests that Game of Thrones has been popular across Australia, with no significant variations in audience numbers between states or territories. The show has consistently performed well in metropolitan and regional areas, indicating a widespread interest across the country.
Socioeconomically, the show appears to have a slightly higher appeal among higher-income households, with a slight bias towards more educated viewers. However, this bias is not overwhelming, and the show has attracted viewers from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, reflecting its broad cultural impact.
Overall, the viewer demographics for Game of Thrones in Australia reflect a diverse and engaged audience, captivated by the show's complex narrative, compelling characters, and epic fantasy world-building.
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Violence and sexual content
In Australia, the popular fantasy drama series Game of Thrones has been classified as "MA 15+" by the Australian Classification Board, which means it is suitable for individuals aged 15 years and older. This rating is primarily due to the frequent and intense scenes of violence and sexual content depicted in the series, which are often explicit and graphic in nature.
The violence portrayed in Game of Thrones is extreme and pervasive, including frequent depictions of bloody battles, gruesome wounds, and torture. Characters are often maimed, decapitated, or stabbed, with blood and gore shown in detail. Violent acts are committed with a variety of weapons, including swords, arrows, and knives, resulting in realistic and visceral depictions of injury and death. The show also features scenes of psychological torture, such as characters being burned alive, flayed, or forced to fight for their lives in gladiatorial-style battles.
Sexual content is also prevalent in Game of Thrones and is often presented in a graphic and explicit manner. The series includes frequent scenes of nudity, both partial and full, from both male and female characters. Sexual activity is depicted explicitly, including simulated sexual acts, masturbation, and group sex scenes. The show also explores themes of sexual violence, with scenes depicting rape or attempted rape, as well as sexual coercion and the objectification of women. These scenes are often disturbing and have sparked controversy due to their intense and sometimes gratuitous nature.
The intense and explicit nature of the violence and sexual content in Game of Thrones is a significant factor in the program's MA 15+ rating in Australia. These scenes are integral to the show's narrative and thematic exploration of power, politics, and the human condition in a medieval fantasy setting. While the graphic content may be suitable for mature audiences, parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers due to the potential for these scenes to disturb or upset some individuals.
It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the mature content in Game of Thrones and to exercise discretion when allowing younger viewers to watch the series. The intense violence and sexual content may not be suitable for sensitive or impressionable viewers, and it is essential to provide appropriate guidance and context to help them understand the themes and implications portrayed in the show.
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Portrayal of women and people of colour
Game of Thrones has been criticised for its portrayal of people of colour, with some sources calling it “not very diverse at all". The show has been accused of portraying people of colour as expendable, with most non-white characters meeting an untimely demise. The few characters of colour are often slaves or in positions of servitude.
However, the show has been praised for its portrayal of strong female characters, including Daenerys Targaryen, Arya, and Brienne of Tarth. These characters are portrayed as fierce, intelligent, and capable, and they drive the plot forward. Despite this, some female characters, like Shae, are portrayed as distrustful and incapable of "playing the game".
Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke, is portrayed as the ultimate saviour and a conqueror. She is willing to set entire cities aflame to achieve her goals and is a compelling and inspiring heroine. Arya, portrayed by Maisie Williams, undergoes a drastic transformation from a fierce little girl to a hardened warrior and assassin. She ultimately becomes the show's hero, killing the Night King and ending the Long Night.
Olenna Tyrell, played by Dame Diana Rigg, is another strong female character. She is intelligent and plotting to get Margaery on the throne, but she also deeply loves her grandchildren. Leaf, played by Kae Alexander, is a small but important contribution to the show, as she explains how magic fits into Westeros' history. Despite an ancient feud with humans, she stands alongside them in the name of mutual survival and sacrifices herself to allow the new Three-Eyed Raven, Brandon Stark, to escape.
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Frequently asked questions
Game of Thrones is rated highly on IMDb, with reviewers praising its cinematography, editing, music, and character development.
Game of Thrones does not have a content rating in Australia, but it is known for its graphic and violent content, including sexual violence, as well as strong language and drug use. It is intended for adult viewers.
Game of Thrones was very popular in Australia, with an average audience of 1.2 million viewers across all platforms. Piracy rates were also high in the country.
Reviews of Game of Thrones are generally positive, with many praising its visuals, sets, costumes, and special effects. The show is also noted for its well-developed and complex characters, as well as its intelligent and nuanced storytelling. However, some reviews highlight the show's excessive violence and sexual content, with concerns about the portrayal of women and people of color.
