Game of Thrones is a show with characters who take whatever they want when they want it, so it's not much of a surprise that its fans do, too. GoT is already the most pirated TV show in the world, and those numbers are only going up.
Entertainment Weekly reports that the recent season premiere was illegally downloaded 13 million times, which is a new record for the show. And that's after it was available for non-cable subscribers through HBO Now, *and* after the network decided to premiere the show on the same day in 170 countries.
Why all the theft? Well, you still have to pay for HBO Now, which costs $14.99 a month. And it might have been because footage from the episode was leaked in advance of the premiere. But HBO is newly cracking down on illegal Thrones watchers; CNBC reports they're sending legal notices to people who have downloaded leaked episodes, and are even putting a stop to screenings at bars.
So if you dare cross Daenerys Targaryen and her friends at HBO, be careful: Winter is coming, and it might be in the form of a cease and desist letter.
You should also check out:
Daenerys Targaryen Is the Worst Character on TV
9 Horrible Lessons from 'Game of Thrones': Season 5, Episode 1
The Ultimate 'Game of Thrones' Quiz
'Game of Thrones' Bloopers Are the Best Bloopers
-
Rico Nasty Shares What Music Shaped Her—and What's on Her Playlist NowWith her new album 'LETHAL' coming soon, the rapper opens up about her musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
-
The Future Queen of the Netherlands Wore the Same Tiara She Used to Play Dress-Up In as a ChildIt was a full-circle moment for Princess Catharina-Amalia, who admits, "I love tiaras."
-
Monica Barbaro Makes a Velvet Bath Robe Feel CoutureOnly for Dior's front row.
-
What to Know About the 'North of North' CastThe new comedy follows a modern Inuk woman determined to transform her life.
-
'Yellowjackets' Season 4: Everything We KnowThe showrunners still have plans to show how the girls get out of the wilderness.
-
Meet Isabela Merced, the Rising Star Who Plays Dina in 'The Last of Us'We're already obsessed with this up-and-comer.
-
Meet Nicholas Duvernay, the Actor Who Plays Zion in 'The White Lotus' Season 3We can't stop thinking about his scene-stealing performance in the finale.
-
'The White Lotus' Season 4: Everything We KnowCreator Mike White has already started teasing where the next installment will be set—and who might be back.
-
'Pulse' Season 2: Everything We KnowWe need to know about the future of the central will-they-won't-they STAT.
-
The Wild Ride of Carrie CoonLaurie's deep-set insecurities come to a head in episode 7 of 'The White Lotus,' allowing the actress to turn a "dark night of the soul" into an illuminating time.
-
Meet 'The White Lotus' Season 3 Cast: Your Guide to the Guests and Staff in ThailandHBO rounded up a handful of A-listers for the anthology's Thailand-set installment.
