Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Buying Guides
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Best Netflix Movies
  • Movie Release Dates
  • Best movies on Disney Plus
  • Best Netflix Shows
Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Entertainment
  2. TV
  3. Fantasy Shows
  4. Game of Thrones TV show

"That ending. Oof." – Read the best reactions from the Game of Thrones season 8 premiere

News
By Bradley Russell published 15 April 2019

Did the Game of Thrones season 8 premiere live up to its lofty expectations?

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Game of Thrones season 8
Image credit: HBO
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

Oh boy. Game of Thrones season 8 is back. Not only does the episode have its fair share of betrayals-in-the-making, bloodshed and, yes, boobs, but it’s also stoked the meme fires once again. We may not know who will sit on the Iron Throne come the end of Game of Thrones season 8, but one thing is certain: Twitter. Is. Undefeated. 

If you’ve already seen the episode and want to go North of the Twitter wall to see what the freefolk are saying out there, then scroll on down below to see a round-up of the best Game of Thrones season 8 reactions. Including that bit, that bit, and, of course, elephants. Spoilers for Game of Thrones season 8 follow.

A welcome return?

We’ve been waiting nearly 600 days and (long) nights for this moment. But we were finally allowed to settle in and watch the first of the final six Game of Thrones season 8 episodes last night. For many, it didn’t disappoint, even if there were a few naysayers.

You may like
  • Game of Thrones prequel After 7 years and a controversial finale, Game of Thrones fans are celebrating the best additions not from the books
  • Peter Claffey as Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5 A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms fans think episode 5's brutal battle is "unlike anything we've seen in Game of Thrones"
  • Peter Claffey as Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5's IMDb score puts it in the top 5 best Game of Thrones episodes ever

WELCOME BACK TO THE GREATEST TV SERIES IN HISTORY!!!!!!!!! #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/zh8ZFCXStBApril 15, 2019

#GameOfThrones was amazing. DRAGONS. I stan. ;;And that ending. oofI honestly have so many thoughts and already need a rewatch.April 15, 2019

#GameofThrones rating? 9/10. Can’t wait for second episode. While this wasn’t the most action-packed, it set the stage for the rest of the season. Exceeded my high expectations.April 15, 2019

It's possible my expectations were out of control, but I thought that was a weak #GameofThrones at this stage. I get that they wanted to reset all the storylines, but the episode's tone seemed ... off. Too cutesy, too much fan service. Still can't wait for next Sunday, of course. pic.twitter.com/sW9nhTJ0GFApril 15, 2019

People really said this first episode of #GameofThrones was boring? Just finished and holy cow the suspense is real.I gotta unfollow the whiners lmao just as annoying as the spoilersApril 15, 2019

Bran the man

During their brief reunion at Winterfell, Jon Snow called Bran a man. He’s… something a bit more than that, as evidenced by his thousand-yard stares every time a main character came into shot. Of course, with this being the internet, the Three-Eyed Raven got the meme treatment. This was compounded by the heart-stopping ending where Jamie and Brann finally come face to face for the first time since the Kingslayer gave the Stark boy a one-way trip to the ground via a well-timed shove.

This is exactly what that Ser Jaime and Bran scene felt like 😂#GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/prSQ71C175April 15, 2019

#GameOfThronesmain character minding their business:bran: pic.twitter.com/C9BJcmeXmrApril 15, 2019

Bran literally the whole episode.#GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/nioQ3QvTF7April 15, 2019

Bran Stark to everyone coming to winterfell#GameOfThrones #GoT pic.twitter.com/C6N1wf413kApril 15, 2019

Euron top

One of the more intriguing moments in the Game of Thrones season 8 premiere came when Euron finally docked in King’s Landing. He made himself at home in no time at all, with even Cersei letting him into her bed. Could Euron be the unexpected wildcard as we hurtle towards the finale? Some fans think so.

Oh man! She really did it with creepy Euron. #ThronesYall #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/bqw0gwIQabApril 15, 2019

Euron def smell like hotdog waterApril 15, 2019

Euron Greyjoy is if Bam Margera was a pirate.April 15, 2019

Elephants, elephants, where are my elephants?

Hands up, who had Cersei down as the most quotable person in Game of Thrones season 8? And, even better, it all stemmed from her acting like a little child, disappointed she didn’t get her elephants. Brilliant. 

That's disappointing. I was told the Golden Compass had elephants."- Cersei- Also me #GameofThronesApril 15, 2019

Cersei be like pic.twitter.com/3m0LRASPQ3April 15, 2019

Cersei....you've been pretty smart this whole time.....but bitch. Elephants on a boat. A BOAT. #GameOfThrones #DemThrones pic.twitter.com/ilIrAfmnprApril 15, 2019

Cersei wanting wooden boats to transport an army of elephants across the sea... #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/SZfxxI8T1OApril 15, 2019

Bronn, the Kingslayer-Slayer?

Don’t count Bronn out yet. He’s been one of the best salt-of-the-earth characters in Westeros, but even he can’t turn down riches and lots and lots of women. He’s been tasked with murdering both Tyrion and Jaime Lannister with the crossbow that offed Tywin. Cersei just lives for drama – but we can we trust Bronn?

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Cersei giving Bronn the same crossbow that Tyrion used to kill Tywin was too much for me. she actually has no chill pic.twitter.com/x0tHrxB7pgApril 15, 2019

Bronn just wants to live and whore in peace but people just keep roping him into more dramaApril 15, 2019

She's sending Bronn to kill Jaime and Tyrion with Joffrey's crossbow? This isn't a smart plan. Bronn can't go through with this. #DemThronesApril 15, 2019

Shock, horror - another death

Ick. Game of Thrones has made its name on brutal deaths, but this might have been the worst of the lot. The poor, young, head of House Umber was brutally cut open and, in a final spine-tingling scene, nearly took out Tormund Giantsbane after he turned into a White Walker. If this episode wasn’t clear enough: Game of Thrones season 8 is NOT messing around.

Tormund and co. being surprised by Lord Umber (colorized circa 2019)#gameofthrones pic.twitter.com/a9p40E7DssApril 15, 2019

Ned Umber is the first named character to die in #GameofThrones S8 pic.twitter.com/ZwhwIWJ3GCApril 15, 2019

Me watching the scene with the Umber boy #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/wAJbzhz40QApril 15, 2019

Forget the Umber boy, will any of our best Game of Thrones theories survive in to next week?

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell
Social Links Navigation
Senior Entertainment Writer

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

Read more
Game of Thrones prequel
Fantasy Shows After 7 years and a controversial finale, Game of Thrones fans are celebrating the best additions not from the books
 
 
Peter Claffey as Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5
Fantasy Shows A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms fans think episode 5's brutal battle is "unlike anything we've seen in Game of Thrones"
 
 
Peter Claffey as Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Fantasy Shows A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5's IMDb score puts it in the top 5 best Game of Thrones episodes ever
 
 
Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg and Peter Claffey as Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Fantasy Shows A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 1 reviews, plot, and everything there is to know about the Game of Thrones show
 
 
Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 6
Fantasy Shows A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 1 ending explained: what happens to Dunk and Egg? Will there be a season 2?
 
 
Peter Claffey as Dunk and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg talking in the rain in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 1
Fantasy Shows A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is no Game of Thrones, but that's what makes it special
 
 
Latest in Fantasy Shows
Paul Bettany in WandaVision
Fantasy Shows Vision actor denies rumor he'll play Voldemort in the Harry Potter TV show: "I've heard nothing about that"
 
 
Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon in House of the Dragon season 3
Fantasy Shows House of the Dragon star says season 3's opening battle will be "huge"
 
 
First look at Charlie Vickers as Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3
Lord of the Rings TV Shows Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 teases a big change for Sauron as release date confirmed
 
 
Dexter Sol Ansell and Peter Claffey as Egg and Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 6
Fantasy Shows There's a fun reference to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms when you Google the Game of Thrones show
 
 
John Lithgow as Professor Albus Dumbledore in HBO's Harry Potter TV show
Fantasy Shows The wands are on lockdown: HBO's Harry Potter TV show is having to microchip props in order to track them
 
 
Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley in HBO's Harry Potter TV show
Fantasy Shows HBO's Harry Potter TV show has already been renewed for season 2, adapting Chamber of Secrets
 
 
Latest in News
Gustave stands in the foreground wearing beret and striped shirt
RPGs Clair Obscur Expedition 33 head says the volleyball minigame is "easy," then proves it on stage
 
 
GTA 6
Games Sony is testing a tiny PS5 version of Steam charts, and I can't wait to see the GTA 6 numbers
 
 
Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle in The Punisher: One Last Kill
Marvel TV Shows Luke Cage creator says there's one "problem" with The Punisher: One Last Kill, and I agree
 
 
A Twi'lek woman in Star Wars the Old Republic, which is one of the playable races in the MMORPG
MMO Games Star Wars: The Old Republic lead said "I hate massive multiplayer games" before running the MMO
 
 
Cherry blossoms swirl around a silver car that drives towards Mt Fuji in Forza Horizon 6
Forza Horizon Forza Horizon 6 won't let you destroy cherry blossom trees because they're too important to Japan
 
 
Ralof sitting in a prisoner wagon chatting to the Dragonborn during the opening of Skyrim.
Fallout Skyrim becomes playable in Fallout 4 thanks to one genius RPG modder who "beat" Todd Howard to it
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle in The Punisher: One Last Kill
    1
    Luke Cage creator says there's one "problem" with The Punisher: One Last Kill, and I agree
  2. 2
    Sony is testing a tiny PS5 version of Steam charts, and I can't wait to see the GTA 6 numbers
  3. 3
    How to find all Forza Horizon 6 Barn Finds
  4. 4
    Subnautica 2 roadmap details
  5. 5
    Star Wars: The Old Republic lead said "I hate massive multiplayer games" before running the MMO

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...