Gather around citizens of Westoros, for winter is here.
July 17 marks the day that one of the greatest shows, arguably, will return to our screens. The newest season of “Game of Thrones” promises to be one of the most intense ones yet. With only two more seasons to go, fans of the books and series are awaiting the premier with bated breaths. When I say “fans” I mean us. By us, I mean me.
With its intricate plots, bevy of characters and its constant need to surprise you, GOT is best watched in groups. And like everything worth doing, a “Game of Thrones” viewing party must be done right, or not done at all.
A “Game of Thrones” viewing party is a big deal, my friends. For this to work we need to establish a few rules.
Rules of GOT Night:
- Everyone must be settled and ready before the HBO logo appears.
- You must NOT, I repeat, must not skip or fast-forward the show’s opening credits. – Singing along is not required, though highly recommended.
- The person most knowledgeable about GOT (GOT Captain) gets control of the remote. Why? Because when things get confusing for someone, and it will, the captain can pause, explain, and then continue.
If the question does not require explanation, the captain may choose to ignore it. This guarantees that everyone is well informed and on the same page.
- There is no such thing as “postponing” a GOT viewing party. If you don’t watch it now, it’s your fault. There will be no spoilers ruining the show for anyone.
- If someone has already watched the episode, they may not attend GOT Night. Part of the fun is the communal feeling of “What is going to happen?” And besides no one likes a smarty-pants.
- Get creative with your food! For tips check out our dining section.
- Decorate or dress up! Game of Thrones is like sports. There are many teams fighting for the same spot. The champion will be awarded a prize, or in our case, a very uncomfortable iron throne. The battles/matches are epic and unpredictable. Most important similarity however is the fact that fans of the different “teams” support them feverishly.
I, for one, am team Tyrion all the way. To me, he can do no wrong. So, every Game of Thrones night I kiss his poster to show support and wish the character good luck. A friend also told me that her mother and friends also have their own GOT night. Each woman rocks a t-shirt with her favorite character’s picture every week. Now that’s dedication my friends. We salute you Aunt Amal and her friends!
Look, it’s a lot easier than it sounds. A “Game of Thrones” night is when a group of friends gather and share in a common interest. Some people gather to play video games, some to have beauty days, and others to watch beloved characters get slaughtered on a weekly basis. The joy is in the communal experience of being horrified together.
