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 confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

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.

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.

You may like
  • Kit Harington as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones Jon Snow actor says he feels "very protective" of Game of Thrones season 8 and "stands by" the universally hated finale
  • Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 3, episode 2 House of the Dragon season 3 episode 2 recap and Easter eggs: is Rhaenyra queen now? Who dies?
  • Steven Toussaint as Lord Corlys in House of the Dragon season 3 House of the Dragon season 3 episode 1 recap and Easter eggs: Who dies during the Battle of the Gullet?

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
Kit Harington as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones
Fantasy Shows Jon Snow actor says he feels "very protective" of Game of Thrones season 8 and "stands by" the universally hated finale
 
 
Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 3, episode 2
Fantasy Shows House of the Dragon season 3 episode 2 recap and Easter eggs: is Rhaenyra queen now? Who dies?
 
 
Steven Toussaint as Lord Corlys in House of the Dragon season 3
Fantasy Shows House of the Dragon season 3 episode 1 recap and Easter eggs: Who dies during the Battle of the Gullet?
 
 
Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 3
Fantasy Shows House of the Dragon season 3 fans notice a major Game of Thrones lore drop in new episode
 
 
House of the Dragon
Fantasy Shows House of the Dragon season 3 matches Rotten Tomatoes score of some of the best Game of Thrones seasons
 
 
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones
Fantasy Shows Game of Thrones play cast announcement confirms fan favorite characters will return in the new story
 
 
Latest in Fantasy Shows
Nikolaj Coster Waldau as Jaime Lannister and Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones.
Fantasy Shows Game of Thrones fans are debating the best sword fighters in Westeros, and Jaime Lannister has competition
 
 
Aang in Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender
Live Action Shows Following divisive reviews, Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 is suffering a 59% drop in ratings from season 1
 
 
Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 3, episode 2
Fantasy Shows House of the Dragon fans think the show poked fun at George R.R. Martin's infamous blog post about changing his book
 
 
Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 3, episode 2
Fantasy Shows House of the Dragon fans point out that season 3 episode 2 leaves out one key detail about Rhaenyra
 
 
House of the Dragon
Fantasy Shows House of the Dragon season 3 episode 2 changes George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones lore to keep a major character alive
 
 
James Norton as Ormund Hightower
Fantasy Shows House of the Dragon season 3 fans are already enjoying James Norton as Ormund Hightower: "He's awful, I love it"
 
 
Latest in News
Genshin Impact character Sandrone using digital monitor
RPGs Epic Games CEO says "Steam charges such high fees" that companies like Genshin Impact maker skip it
 
 
PSN
Games PS6 "won't arrive until 2028 at the earliest," analyst says, and the base model mightn't take discs
 
 
Final Fantasy 14
Final Fantasy Final Fantasy 14 had best relaunch in "history of video games," Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dev says
 
 
A side by side image of a Quest 3S and the Discord logo
VR A native Discord app has finally landed on the Meta Quest 3 and 3S
 
 
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk Cyberpunk 2077 lead proves the RPG's "biggest scene" is so much more complex than The Witcher 3's
 
 
Two men holding a game in their hands
Games Just one generation ago, PlayStation couldn't shut up about how great physical games are: "Keep it forever"
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Genshin Impact character Sandrone using digital monitor
    1
    Epic Games CEO says "Steam charges such high fees" that companies like Genshin Impact maker skip it
  2. 2
    PlayStation killing discs is bad for everyone, whether you care about physical games or not
  3. 3
    PS6 "won't arrive until 2028 at the earliest," analyst says, and the base model mightn't take discs
  4. 4
    A native Discord app has finally landed on the Meta Quest 3 and 3S
  5. 5
    Final Fantasy 14 had best relaunch in "history of video games," Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 dev says

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...