10 TV Shows That Switched Main Characters
8. Game Of Thrones
Whether it be Jon's travels North of the Wall, Dani's journey through Essos or the in-fighting of the Lannisters in King's Landing, the television adaptation of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels features a stellar ensemble cast.
It is reasonable to say, however, that season 1 painted the main character out to be Ned Stark, patriarch of the Stark family.
Played by Sean Bean, Ned Stark is the warden of the North, residing in Winterfell when he is approached by his old friend, King Robert Baratheon, about becoming the new Hand of the King. Ned begrudgingly accepts, departing for the capital with his daughters, Sansa and Arya, leaving behind his wife and the rest of his children.
Ned becomes a central element to all of the misdeeds and corruption that the Lannister family has to offer. Ned discovers the truth about Queen Cersie and her brother, Jaime, and threatens to expose them. It is this key event that is the catalyst for much of the story of Game of Thrones. It is also the event that leads to his death.
Viewers were shocked to witness Ned Stark's execution in the penultimate episode of the first season, and the mantle of 'lead character' was henceforth to be shared amongst the cast.