When talking about TV shows that changed the industry, Game of Thrones is always mentioned among the first. However, in recent rankings of HBO's best shows by Esquire and IndieWire, the iconic fantasy saga is nowhere near the top spots. In one list, it barely made the top 10, and in the other, it didn’t make the cut at all.
What Went Wrong with Game of Thrones?
Despite its immense popularity, the final season remains a sore subject. The disappointment over the ending, both from critics and viewers, overshadowed the achievements of the earlier seasons. Even six years after the last episode aired, many fans are still unwilling to forgive HBO for the rushed conclusion, ruined story arcs, and the controversial fates of key characters.
Which Shows Are Considered More Important?
Both Esquire and IndieWire have crowned The Wire and The Sopranos as the top shows — iconic dramas that set television standards before Game of Thrones even aired. The Leftovers, Succession, and Band of Brothers also ranked highly. These lavish dramas, in critics' opinions, had a deeper impact and ended on a high note.
IndieWire doesn’t even have Game of Thrones in its top 10 — its spot is occupied by hits like Chernobyl, Barry, and The Larry Sanders Show. This suggests that, even years later, the series’ phenomenon hasn’t overshadowed other hits that, while perhaps less grand, delivered flawless finales.
The Finale Matters
Had Game of Thrones ended on a high, with a logical and powerful conclusion, its position in such rankings would undoubtedly be higher. But the sheer disappointment over its ending is so great that even the show’s massive cultural impact couldn't save it from falling in critics' eyes.
