James Mathison knows a thing or two about jostling for power, after taking on no less than a former Prime Minister, Tony Abbott for his seat during the Federal election four years ago.
So it seems fitting he will helm Foxtel’s first super fan analysis show for lovers of Game Of Thrones, set to launch in Australia this week.
Teaming with gaming guru, Stephanie Bendixsen as the hosts of Thrones 360, Mathison admits his passion for politics comes second to his love of the phenomenon that is the HBO series.
“I’m not a big TV man but I have been obsessed with this show from the very first season. I watch quite a bit of sport but in terms of sitting down and watching series, honestly this is my one true love,” the former Australian Idol and Channel [V] presenter says.
“I realised early on [GoT] was throwing a lot of conventional ways to tell stories on its head, whether it’s the lead protagonist ending up dead … or 20 different storylines, stuff that’s normally inconceivable for any TV drama writer.”
The show’s famous plot twists, fan theories and social media mania will be explored during each episode of Thrones 360 in the lead up to season eight’s launch on April 15; after which time it will then include post-show analysis (9.30pm, Fox Showcase) with featured guest appearances by celebrity fans each week.
Bendixsen brings her childhood love of fantasy books and all things gaming to the new show, which have both become wildly popular thanks to GoT.
”I started reading the books first then the show started and I’ve stuck with that ever since. I just love fantasy and escapism. I think for a long time fantasy was a bit daggy. Suddenly GoT made it lavish and sexy.”
* Thrones 360, 7.30pm, Monday, Fox8, encore 9.30pm on Fox Showcase.
