Years after Game of Thrones concluded, actor Kit Harington has spoken candidly about the intense backlash surrounding the show’s final season, describing the criticism and viral petitions as “genuinely angering” and “idiotic.”
In recent remarks, Harington – who portrayed Jon Snow for eight seasons – said the reaction to Season 8 shocked him, particularly given the scale of effort that went into completing the series. The final season, which aired in 2019, was met with widespread debate and fan dissatisfaction, including an online petition that called for the season to be remade with different writers. The petition attracted millions of signatures and became a defining symbol of the backlash.
Harington said the negativity overlooked the years of work, dedication, and personal sacrifice made by the cast and crew. “Everyone worked their hardest on it,” he said, noting that the final season involved long shoots, physically demanding scenes, and intense pressure to bring one of television’s biggest shows to a close. For him, the criticism felt dismissive of that collective effort.
The actor acknowledged that audiences are entitled to their opinions but drew a line at what he viewed as disproportionate outrage. He suggested that some of the online reactions crossed into entitlement, where fans felt ownership over creative decisions rather than appreciation for the work itself. The viral nature of the criticism, amplified by social media, made it difficult for those involved to avoid.
Season 8 of Game of Thrones was always destined to be divisive, given the show’s cultural impact and massive fanbase. Expectations were exceptionally high, and the rapid pacing and narrative choices in the final episodes sparked debates that continue years later. Despite this, the series remains one of the most successful and influential TV shows in history, winning multiple awards and redefining big-budget television storytelling.
Harington’s comments reflect a broader conversation in the entertainment industry about fan culture, online backlash, and the emotional toll it can take on creators and performers. As social media gives audiences a louder voice, actors and showrunners increasingly find themselves navigating public reaction long after projects have ended.
While Game of Thrones may be over, discussions around its finale clearly persist. For Harington, however, the focus now appears to be on moving forward – while standing by the work that defined a major chapter of his career.
