By the Numbers: Game of Thrones
Counting Every Instance of Rape, Death, and Nudity on 'Game of Thrones'
Criticism over sensationalized nudity, violence, and rape has long dominated the discourse around the hit series, so I decided to conduct my own research to see if women characters are treated differently than men in Westeros.
'Game of Thrones' Season 1 Has the Most Rape and Nudity
There was so much gratuitous sex and nudity in GoT's first season that critics coined the term "sexposition" in response.
'Game of Thrones' Season 2 Has Half the Nudity of Season 1, But Twice the Death
In Season 1, the only people shown committing sexual assault were Dothraki, frequently referred to as "foreign savages." Season 2 brings the constant threat of rape to Westeros.
In 'Game of Thrones' Season 3, Multiple Women Are Brutally Murdered Onscreen
While GoT is known for its brutality against men and women alike, Season 3 has numerous women killed in highly sexualized or gendered ways.
'Game of Thrones' Season 4 Goes Off-Book to Add Gratuitous Rape
A rape scene involving Jaime and Cersei attracted widespread criticism. Making matters worse, the episode's director said in an interview that the assault "becomes consensual by the end."
'Game of Thrones' Season 5 Introduces the Show's Worst Female Characters
It also includes one of the show's most criticized rape scenes.
'Game of Thrones' Season 6 Is the First Without Rape—and Women Rise to Power
Many of the female protagonists end up in precarious stations of "power" by the end of this season.
In 'Game of Thrones' Season 7, Women Are Too Emotional to Rule
Without any scenes of rape or attempted rape, the show struggles to move the storylines forward for its leading women characters.