Game of Thrones Season 1 put into play what was to become TV’s most iconic fantasy story. On April 17, 2011, the pioneering series, which was based on George R.R. Martin’s book A Game of Thrones, the first in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, premiered on HBO. Known for in-depth story lines, fully developed characters, and unexpected plot twists, the first season outdid in setting the stage for what was to come. Also included is a look at the main cast and crew who brought Westeros to life.
Main Cast Members
Sean Bean as Eddard (Ned) Stark
In Season 1 Ned Stark takes a central stage. He is the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North which at the time was a very large role. Also it was Sean Bean that brought to the part of Ned Stark authority and also great vulnerability which in turn set the emotional base for the series.
Mark Addy as King Robert Baratheon
As the king of the Seven Kingdoms Robert is known for his past success which now gives way to disappointment. Addy did a great job in bringing out the depth and nuance of a war hero that has become a worn out monarch.
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen
At the time, a new face to the series, Clarke blew away audiences with her change from a shy outcast to a strong and determined character by the end of the season.
Kit Harington as Jon Snow
Harington took the role of the unacknowledged son of Ned Stark in which he brought to life the brooding and brave Jon Snow, which immediately got notice for him and which in turn set the stage for his role as one of the show’s key characters.
Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
Headey’s performance as the manipulative and protective queen, who was also very cold and calculated, received great critical notice. She set the tone for the political aspects of the series, which were very much a product of her character.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister
As the charismatic, occasionally conflicted knight, Jaime’s complex personality enriched the Lannister family dynamics.
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister
Arguably the greatest performance in the series which is that of Dinklage’s which through his sharp wit, empathy and charisma made Tyrion a fan favorite. Also that role got him an Emmy Award.
Supporting Cast Highlights
In Season 1, we also met:.
Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark
Richard Madden as Robb Stark
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark
Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark
Iain Glen as Ser Jorah Mormont
Each actor did an excellent job of bringing depth and emotion, which in turn developed strong family ties and rivalries at the start of the series.
Key Crew Members
David Benioff and D.B. are also Creators and Showrunners.
Adopted the vision of George R.R. Martin and brought it to life in a cinematic style. They did the base work for the show’s early success, which was based on Martin’s material.
Tim is also the Director, along with Alan Taylor.
Their approach, which in turn developed the dark and gritty atmosphere that defined the look and feel of Season 1.
Ramin Djawadi – Music Composer
Djawadi’s grand score and in particular the theme tune which became very iconic added to the show’s fantasy appeal.
Season 1 of Game of Thrones grabbed the public’s attention with its political games, medieval look, and unexpected plot twists. Thanks to a great cast and brilliant crew, it set a new bar for fantasy TV.
