Most people know that this fantasy series has lots of fans who are willing to cosplay as the main characters at conventions and get merchandise to decorate their homes. What they don’t realize is that this show has had a ripple effect on the world, making a bigger impact than costumes and t-shirt sales.
Illegal Downloads
When the seventh season aired, each episode had an average of one million viewers watching it live. For its finale, sixteen million people tuned in live to watch the dramatic battles, mysteries and affairs play out. While record-breaking television ratings are impressive, the Game of Thrones illegal downloading rates are even bigger — it’s been declared the most pirated show on television and it’s been estimated that streams of the latest season were seen more than one billion times.
Tourism
Westeros does not technically exist, but that hasn’t stopped fans from trying to get a taste of what the world is like. One of the trendiest trip choices is Dubrovnik in Croatia, which gets so many tourists that the area is planning to impose tight restrictions. Check out the helpful website Game of Canada to see what sites will match the castle-filled cities in the show — this way you can visit gorgeous destinations without the high price tag or risk of being turned away at the door. For instance, you don’t have to fly across the ocean to be swept up in the beauty of King’s Landing. You will feel the same excitement when you travel to Old Quebec with its grand churches and historical buildings spread across cobblestone streets — this is one of the many destinations that you can visit to save money and embrace the magic.
Baby Names
You should never doubt the unbelievable extent of this show’s popularity because it has such a strong influence that people are using Game of Thrones names for babies — long after the series has wrapped up, there will be grown adults named Jon and Sansa carrying on its legacy. One of the most popular inspirations for names is Arya, atenacious young woman who seeks justice and revenge for the crimes against her family. Since the premiere of the series, hundreds of babies have been officially named after this member of House Stark. These are some more unique character names that new parents have considered for their kids:
- Brienne
- Bran
- Benjen
- Catelyn
- Meera
- Lyanna
Weddings
You’d assume that a series with so many tragic ceremonies would make people wary of using the theme for their own nuptials, but fans still love incorporating the theme into their big day. It has inspired couples to send invitations in miniature dragon eggs and organize their seating charts by the popular house sigils of dragons, direwolves, lions and stags.
This show has encouraged people to travel across the world and give their children names they would have never even considered before. To millions of viewers around the globe, it means much more to them than an hour of entertainment.
