HBO juggernaut Game of Thrones is still the most pirated show worldwide, with the news coming as many look for a distraction from the ongoing pandemic. Though the series concluded last year, the network is hardly done with George R.R. Martin's books. A prequel series, House of the Dragon, recently began casting. However, another, known as The Long Night or Bloodmoon, unfortunately isn't going forward.

Even though there isn't new Game of Thrones content on TV right now, Martin's series continues. The writer is currently working on The Winds of Winter, which will be the fifth book in his A Song of Ice and Fire collection. Of course, the author is notoriously slow at releasing books, a trait that hasn't escaped fans. Martin even once told those waiting for his upcoming book they could "imprison" him if it wasn't released by this week, which it clearly wasn't. However, it seems audiences are turning to Game of Thrones in the meantime.

Parrot Analytics (via Observer) gathered the data regarding the most pirated TV shows of the last two months. Game of Thrones comes in at number one, following a history of fans pirating the series. In 2017, it was the most pirated show of the year for the sixth time in a row. The same year, HBO went so far as to ask Internet providers to warn customers who were caught pirating the series. However, it seems their past efforts haven't made a difference. The full list of current most pirated shows can be found below:

  1. Game of Thrones (HBO)
  2. Rick and Morty (Adult Swim)
  3. My Hero Academia (Available on Hulu)
  4. The Walking Dead (AMC)
  5. SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon)
  6. The 100 (The CW)
  7. The Mandalorian (Disney+)
  8. The Flash (The CW)
  9. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC)
  10. Harley Quinn (DC Universe)




Even though Game of Thrones has become slightly less beloved as a result of its controversial ending, it's clear from this news it remains a favorite. It likely helps that, since the finale aired over a year ago, viewers are far enough removed from it to look at the series as a whole. The same logic applied earlier this week, when many fans voted it the greatest TV show of the 21st century in an online poll. Game of Thrones has also remained relevant thanks to Martin's books, as well as the prequel series. Also, at this particular time, it makes sense many are turning to the show, as its fantasy elements make for a good escape from the current situation.

Some of the other shows on the top ten list could be there for a similar reason, especially the various superhero shows. The Mandalorian is also escapist, but may have made the list because it's a fairly new series, only premiering last year. Meanwhile, the comedies SpongeBob SquarePants and Rick and Morty provide a lighter touch, which audiences are likely looking for right now. All told, the list makes for a fascinating snap shot of this time, while also proving the enduring appeal of Game of Thrones.