HBO lost half of its viewers when Game of Thrones ended

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

A new report regarding HBO reveals that they're still likely missing the global success of Game of Thrones. According to the report coming to us via "Variety", HBO lost more than half of its viewers in the key demographic when the hit series came to an end.

Game of Thrones was responsible for propelling HBO to new ratings heights as it became one of the most-watched networks in North America. When Game of Thrones ended, the network saw a 51% loss of its adult audiences (ages 18-49) after the series finale aired. The series finale was watched by 12 million viewers and the report suggests that a lot of viewers bailed on HBO after the finale came and went.

The same report also states that HBO lost 38% of its overall viewers when compared to 2019. The dwindling numbers for the network are likely why HBO has been promoting HBO Max more aggressively. The future seems to be in streaming and they are becoming more and more aware of that as they haven't generated a Game of Thrones type of hit since the show ended. Critically acclaimed efforts like Westworld and Watchmen do have solid fanbases but their numbers are nowhere near the heights of Game of Thrones. 

HBO is hoping that the Game of Thrones spin-offs they have on the way may get them back to their glory days. Their hope is that fans of Game of Thrones will take a similar interest in the spin-offs butt considering how fans reacted to the series finale, there may be a bit of bitterness in the air when it comes to supporting another Game of Thrones effort. The series finale immediately sparked a backlash from fans who called on HBO to hire a new set of showrunners and writers to go back and completely redo all of season 8. Millions of people also signed petitions to get the network to go make and "make things right." 

Do YOU think the Game of Thrones spin-offs will get HBO the high numbers they used to get?