When Did Game of Thrones Deviate from the Books, and Why Did Dragons Start Ordering Pizza?

When Did Game of Thrones Deviate from the Books, and Why Did Dragons Start Ordering Pizza?

The question of when Game of Thrones began to deviate from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series is a topic of heated debate among fans. While the show initially stayed remarkably close to the source material, the divergence became more pronounced as the series progressed. This article explores the key moments where the HBO series took creative liberties, the reasons behind these changes, and the impact they had on the story and its audience.


The Early Seasons: A Faithful Adaptation

The first few seasons of Game of Thrones were widely praised for their adherence to Martin’s books. Showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss meticulously translated the intricate plots, complex characters, and rich world-building from the page to the screen. Key events like Ned Stark’s execution, the Red Wedding, and Daenerys Targaryen’s rise in Essos were lifted almost directly from the books, earning the show critical acclaim and a massive fanbase.

However, even in these early seasons, subtle deviations began to appear. For instance, the character of Talisa Maegyr, Robb Stark’s wife in the show, replaced Jeyne Westerling from the books. While this change seemed minor at the time, it hinted at the show’s willingness to alter the source material for narrative convenience or dramatic effect.


Season 4: The Turning Point

The fourth season marked a significant turning point in the show’s relationship with the books. While much of the season still drew from A Storm of Swords, the show began to introduce original content and streamline certain storylines. For example, the character of Lady Stoneheart, a resurrected Catelyn Stark who becomes a vengeful leader in the books, was entirely omitted from the show. This decision disappointed many book readers, as Lady Stoneheart’s arc was seen as a crucial element of the story’s exploration of justice and revenge.

Additionally, the show started to condense or eliminate certain subplots, such as the intricate political machinations in Dorne and the Iron Islands. While these changes were likely made to keep the narrative focused, they also signaled a shift away from the books’ sprawling, multi-layered storytelling.


Season 5 and Beyond: A Growing Divide

By the fifth season, Game of Thrones had largely outpaced the books, as Martin had not yet released The Winds of Winter. This forced the showrunners to rely on outlines provided by Martin and their own creative instincts to continue the story. As a result, the show began to diverge more dramatically from the source material.

One of the most controversial changes was the handling of the Dorne storyline. In the books, Dorne is a hotbed of political intrigue, with complex characters like Arianne Martell and Quentyn Martell playing pivotal roles. In the show, however, Dorne was reduced to a simplistic and poorly received subplot, culminating in the infamous “bad pussy” line that became a meme among fans.

Another major deviation was the fate of Stannis Baratheon. In the books, Stannis is still alive and preparing for a major battle in the North, while the show killed him off in a rushed and unsatisfying manner. These changes alienated many book readers, who felt that the show was sacrificing depth and nuance for the sake of spectacle.


The Final Seasons: A Complete Departure

The final two seasons of Game of Thrones were almost entirely original, as the show had completely outpaced the books. While some elements, such as the revelation of Jon Snow’s parentage, were based on Martin’s plans, the execution and context were often drastically different.

One of the most criticized aspects of the final seasons was the character development, or lack thereof. Daenerys Targaryen’s descent into madness, for example, felt rushed and unearned compared to the gradual build-up suggested in the books. Similarly, the resolution of Bran Stark’s arc, which saw him becoming king, was met with widespread skepticism, as it seemed to come out of nowhere and lacked the thematic resonance of the books.

The show’s focus on big, cinematic moments also led to a decline in the intricate political maneuvering and moral ambiguity that had defined both the books and the early seasons of the show. While the spectacle of battles like “The Long Night” was undeniably impressive, many fans felt that the show had lost sight of what made Game of Thrones special in the first place.


Why Did the Show Deviate?

There are several reasons why Game of Thrones began to deviate from the books. One of the most obvious is the practical challenge of adapting a sprawling, unfinished series. With Martin’s books still incomplete, the showrunners had to make difficult decisions about which storylines to include, which to cut, and how to bring the series to a satisfying conclusion.

Another factor was the need to appeal to a broader audience. While the books are known for their complexity and slow-burn storytelling, the show had to balance these elements with the demands of a weekly television format. This often meant simplifying or condensing plotlines to keep the narrative moving at a brisk pace.

Finally, the showrunners’ own creative vision played a significant role in the deviations. While some changes were made out of necessity, others reflected Benioff and Weiss’ desire to put their own stamp on the story. Whether these changes were successful is a matter of opinion, but they undeniably shaped the show’s identity and legacy.


  1. What are the biggest differences between Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire?

    • The show omits several key characters and storylines, such as Lady Stoneheart, Arianne Martell, and the Iron Islands’ political intrigue. It also simplifies or alters the motivations and fates of major characters like Stannis Baratheon and Daenerys Targaryen.
  2. Why was Lady Stoneheart left out of the show?

    • The showrunners felt that her storyline would be too convoluted to include, especially given the show’s already large cast and complex plotlines.
  3. Did George R.R. Martin approve of the show’s deviations?

    • Martin has expressed mixed feelings about the show’s changes. While he understood the need for adaptation, he has also hinted that some of the show’s decisions diverged significantly from his vision for the story.
  4. Will the books have a different ending than the show?

    • Martin has stated that the books will have a similar ending in terms of major events, but the journey to that ending will be more detailed and nuanced.
  5. What impact did the show’s deviations have on its legacy?

    • While the show remains a cultural phenomenon, its later seasons are often criticized for their rushed pacing and lack of depth compared to the books. This has led to a renewed appreciation for Martin’s original work and a desire for a more faithful adaptation in the future.