Yesterday, HBO announced that Game of Thrones season 4 will premiere on the first Sunday in April, and many were upset over how far away that is.
Looking at the history of Game of Thrones’ premiere dates, it isn’t too big of a surprise that it’s premiering around that time. Season 1 kicked off April 17, 2011. Season 2 began April 1, 2012. And season 3 premiered earlier than its predecessors: March 31, 2013.
But there was a problem last year: Game of Thrones’ season 3 premiere aired on the same night and at the same time as The Walking Dead’s season 3 finale.
The latter is the undisputed leader of cable dramas, ratings wise. This year, The Walking Dead’s season 4 finale is set to air on Sunday, March 30.
HBO’s decision to premiere Game of Thrones season 4 a little later than usual was likely made after seeing that Dead wraps at the end of March. By keeping them separate, zombie lovers can watch the Thrones premiere on April 6, thus boosting the show’s ratings out of the gate. The two shows share similar audiences, so this is ultimately a smart decision by HBO (and we’re sure AMC appreciates the scheduling, too).
In related news, the first Game of Thrones season 4 trailer will premiere this Sunday right before the series premiere of True Detective. This morning, HBO released quick teasers on Vine. They all feature intense action:
Hypable will bring you the trailer as soon as it is released this weekend. Also, look forward to our recaps of the True Detective and Girls season premieres.