HBO really need Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon to land soon as fans of the franchise have deserted the broadcaster in their droves in 2020.
Since Game of Thrones crashed and burned in its disastrous finale, more than half of the network’s adult linear (watching shows at a scheduled time) 18-49 audiences have vanished.
While many rival channels reported similar losses – Starz and Showtime were stung by 16 percent and 19 percent losses respectively – few suffered quite like HBO.
However, according to Variety, Cable networks such as CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox saw a boost in linear ratings, due partly to news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.
Altogether, HBO suffered a huge 52 percent drop in viewers between 18-49 months after Bran Stark was somehow named as the ruler of the Six Kingdoms.
Basically, it appears the network could really do with a boost from the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel expected to air in 2022.
Loosely based on George R.R. Martin’s novella Fire & Blood, House of The Dragon will explore the Targaryen family history.
Already, cast for the series is shaping up nicely with Doctor Who’s Matt Smith, Paddy Considine and Olivia Cooke all confirmed for major roles.
So it’s no wonder HBO Content Officer Casey Bloys confirmed more breakout Game of Thrones series are incoming.
‘Those are fantastic properties that are decades and decades old,’ he told Variety.
‘I don’t know that it would get that big, but certainly it is a great resource that we have and an amazing world. So I don’t think it’s just going to be the one [show] for the rest of its life.’
Game of Thrones is available to stream o NOW TV. House of The Dragon is expected to launch in 2022.
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