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  ===Critical response===
  Anticipation for the series was described by various media outlets as very high, with a dedicated fan base closely following the show's development. By April 2011, multiple entertainment news outlets had put it at the top of their lists of television events to look forward to in 2011.
  The majority of reviews for the first season were very positive, with critics noting the high production values, the well-realized world, compelling characters, and giving particular note to the strength of the child actors. Tim Goodman's review for ''The Hollywood Reporter'' stated, "a few minutes into HBO's epic Game of Thrones series, it's clear that the hype was right and the wait was worth it". Mary McNamara from the ''Los Angeles Times'' called it "...a great and thundering series of political and psychological intrigue bristling with vivid characters, cross-hatched with tantalizing plotlines and seasoned with a splash of fantasy". ''New York Post'''s Linda Stasi gave ''Thrones'' 3.5/4 stars stating, "The art direction, acting and incredible sets are as breathtaking as the massive scope of the series". Many critics praised Peter Dinklage for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister, with Ken Tucker from ''Entertainment Weekly'' stating, "...if Dinklage doesn't get an Emmy for his clever, rude Tyrion Lannister, I'll be gobsmacked" and Mary McNamara from the ''Los Angeles Times'' stating, "If the man doesn't win an Emmy, heads should certainly roll.”
  The first season of ''Game of Thrones'' has a Metacritic average of 80 out of 100 based on 28 critic reviews, categorized as "generally favorable". On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season has a 90% approval rating from 40 critics with an average rating of 8.37 out of 10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Its intricate storytelling and dark themes may overwhelm some viewers, but ''Game of Thrones'' is a transportive, well-acted, smartly written drama even non-genre fans can appreciate."