10 TV Shows That Were Nothing Like You Expected

6. Game Of Thrones

Nowadays Game of Thrones is a pop-culture behemoth that destroys all in its path, whether it be ratings records or Emmy contenders. Back in 2011, though, it was a rather different proposition and, unless you were familiar with George R.R. Martin's novels, it wasn't entirely clear what we could expect from the show.

While HBO suggested something prestige, one of the most common and layman terms description of the show you'd hear is that 'it's like Lord of the Rings, but with sex'.

While very basic similarities between the two do exist, there's little in that descriptor to give credence to just how much of the show is about warring families, nor how important (or gripping) the political machinations would be. The fantasy elements are only just coming to the fore now but, bar the opening and closing scenes of Season 1 (and a sprinkling of magic), they were largely non-existent back then.

The trailers, meanwhile, didn't fully capture just how thrilling and captivating it would be (indeed, the Season 1 trailer really looks a little generic and even a tad dull), the posters made Ned Stark look more like a brooding anti-hero, and everyone except book readers thought Sean Bean was playing the main character.