Characters, plot or star cast? Here's why Game of Thrones was the most pirated show of 2016

Game of Thrones! The first thing picture that strikes one on hearing the title is that of a throne made of swords. A throne that has given and taken lives of many.

The most watched show of the year 2016, which kept fans awake all night just to catch the next episode on Hotsar, even before it aired on HBO was something that we haven't witnessed for most other shows.<br><br>It has become the most pirated show of the year 2016. Much to the dismay of makers of Game of Thrones, this is the fifth time in a row that the show has nabbed the title.

From the plot of each season, to its characters and the star cast, everything about Game of Thrones is of interest to fans. From season 1 to season 6, we have seen kings making friends, who later turned foes, the treacherous acts of leaders, the romantic inclination of siblings, power overtaking feelings, bravely, slaughter, etc. Within no time, the fast paced show has made for one of the most interesting watches of all time.

Game of Thrones has introduced some of the most interesting characters to fans, who will be remembered for decades. Jon Snow (Kit Harrington), who is a saviour and a hero for many, whom most look up to as the rescuer. Khaleesi (Emilia Clarke) or you can call her the mother of Dragons combats all sorts and situations with her calm and wit. The Stark sisters - Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) and Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) are like wildfire, who define courage and fearlessness with each move of theirs. One of the strongest characters on the show - Cercei Lannister (Lean Headey), for whom many might have developed hatred in their hearts, is the most charming on screen while demonstrating her evil deeds. Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) are among others to make the show a super hit.

The fantasy drama by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, which has revealed several theories during the tenure of six years now, is an adaptation of George R. R. Martin's series of fantasy novels- A Song of Ice and Fire, the first one being A Game of Thrones. It is set on fictional continents, which claim for succession to the Iron Throne that rules over the seven kingdoms. Each season has brought forth an interesting plot, which has attracted huge viewership. The Stark, Baratheons, Targaryens, Tyrells, Lannisters have all drawn attention because of their respective traits. The larger than life battles, substantial armies, audacious leaders, there is nothing that the makers have missed out on while planning and making of the show.

Another one of the reasons for the show being most pirated is the fondness among fans for the star cast. Refined actors like Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Maisie williams, Sophie Turner, Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, Natalie Dormer and the rest, who have taken us through all the season with our hearts in our mouth have proved their excellence in acting. Another interesting thing about the star cast is that the show shares some common actors with a superhit film series. We are well aware of the popularity that fictional film Harry Potter has drawn from all across the world, and not many know that there are many common actors in the movie and Game of Thrones. Natalia Tena (Osha) played Nymphadora Tonks; David Bradley (Lord Walder Frey) played Argus Filch; Julian Glover (Grand Maester Pycelle) voiced Aragog; Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark) played Mrs Granger in the seventh film; Ciarán Hinds (Mance Rayder) played Aberforth Dumbledore; Ralph Ineson (Dagmer Cleftjaw) played Amycus Carrow; Edward Tudor-Pole (Protestor at King's Landing) played Mr. Borgin and Ian Whyte (Gregor Clegane) played Madame Maxime in full-body shots. Cast member Stephen Dillane (Stannis Baratheon) is also the father of Frank Dillane, who played the young Voldemort/Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009).<br><br>Now that Game of Thrones 7 is going to roll out the coming year, there is a lot more excitement and predictably an increased number of viewers, who are counting days to its release.