Game Of Thrones: Ranking Every Season From Worst To Best

4. Season 1

The one that started it all, it's almost impossible to imagine what would've happened if this season hadn't been a success. This debut run had to deliver on so many levels - building a fantasy world, introducing a ridiculously huge cast of characters, bringing in new fans while pleasing book readers, and telling a gripping yet slow-build storyline that would keep people coming back - that it's quite remarkable it ticked every box.

The twin strengths of this season are in its building work, of both the world and its characters, and the two feed into each other marvellously well. We're left stunned by the dramatic ice Wall or the eerie Eyrie, but what helps brings those locations to life is that we're witnessing characters like Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister at them.

The hero of this season is, of course, Ned Stark. Sean Bean is the perfect entry point to the show, a weary but likeable and charismatic figurehead who guides us through all the various machinations and character dynamics, and becomes someone you want to invest your time in. That gives way to a shocking fall as he meddles in things that ought not to be meddled with, and his even more shocking death to prove Thrones was a show unlike any other.

By nature of being the first season, so much of this year is just laying the groundwork for bigger things to come, establishing characters and locations, that it means it's not quite as captivating (nor as grand) as some of the following years. It doesn't have the same sense of scale, the younger actors especially aren't as great in their roles, and a lot of it is just getting to know (and remember) who these people are.

Even within those understandable limitations, though, it manages to deliver some great storytelling. There are a number of shocks layered throughout, from Bran's fall to the death of Robert, some instantly hateable villains, fun morally ambiguous characters, and easy-to-root-for heroes. And all the better is that these manoeuvrings are bookended by two real fantasy elements, making them intrinsic parts of the show, but not the reason to tune in every week.

Best Episode: Baelor

Worst Episode: Lord Snow