16 | IT'S GOOD TO BE KING
Why Them? Some make a sport of bashing HBO, for years the undisputed leader of critically acclaimed content in cable and broadcast programming. In 2011 the The Box appeared vulnerable. Emmy wins were down, and just a single series got launched. Blood, as opposed to “True Blood,” seemed to be in the water. Was the quietly efficient trio of Plepler, Lombardo and Naegle acting out of desperation launching the fantasy “Game of Thrones,” a significant departure from traditional HBO fare of dramas, comedies, sporting events and stellar documentaries? Surely ye jest. Forward to May 2013, and “Thrones” has jumped the wall. In season three it overturned viewing totals for four weeks straight, and on May 5 the show attracted 5.5 million viewers, a series record. Across two plays that night gross audience was a monarchical 6.8 million, besting the total of three showings of the season’s premiere. Yes, winter may be coming to the Seven Kingdoms, but with these numbers and an industry-leading 23 Primetime Emmys in 2012, Plepler, Lombardo and Naegle are comfortably sitting on the Iron Throne. ?
