The finale of Game of Thrones divided fans — some were thrilled, others disappointed. But one thing is certain: this series became a cultural phenomenon that cannot be ignored. If you want to learn what happened behind the scenes, you should check out these documentary projects dedicated to the making and legacy of the show.
Game of Thrones: The Last Watch (2019) – A Farewell to Westeros
When the eighth season premiered, emotions ran high, and opinions were divided. HBO prepared a special gift for fans — a feature-length documentary, Game of Thrones: The Last Watch, which pulled back the curtain on the production process. This film goes beyond the massive sets, makeup, costumes, and special effects to highlight the thousands of people who brought the series to life. It doesn’t focus on standard actor interviews filled with 'it was an amazing role' soundbites. Instead, it tells the story of extras spending hours in makeup, costume designers crafting armor, and set builders constructing enormous replicas of King’s Landing — only to burn them down later.
The true star of the film is Andrew McClay, one of the background extras who spent ten years on set as a soldier in the Stark army. His reaction to the show’s conclusion reveals that, for many, this wasn’t just a job 0 —it was a way of life.
The Game Revealed (2016-2019) – A Behind-the-Scenes Mini-Series
This project was released as a series of short episodes, each covering the making of a specific episode. HBO produced it alongside the seventh and eighth seasons, making it one of the most detailed explorations of the show’s production.
For example, it showcases the making of the Battle of Winterfell, the number of takes Emilia Clarke needed for her final scene, and the immense effort that went into the battle against the Night King.
Is It Worth Watching?
The Game of Thrones documentaries aren’t just behind-the-scenes footage of a popular series — they provide a deeper appreciation of the enormous effort behind the storytelling. They might even help fans reevaluate certain creative decisions made in the final season. Additionally, two shorter specials — After the Thrones and Game of Thrones: Reunion Special (2021) — are also worth checking out. If you can’t get enough of Westeros and want to understand how epic television is made, these projects definitely deserve a spot on your watchlist.
