Why Game of Thrones is the best ever as it makes history at the 2016 Emmy Awards

AS the world can’t get enough of violently warring families, dark magic and fire-breathing dragons, we look at why Game of Thrones is such a success.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, from left, Maisie Williams, Emilia Clarke, Sophie Turner, and Kit Harington winners of the award for outstanding drama series for Game of Thrones. Picture: AP

THE world can’t get enough of violently warring families, dark magic, fire-breathing dragons and a curly haired knight who knows nothing.

Game of Thrones made history at the Emmy Awards, becoming the most awarded scripted television show of all time with 38 wins over its six seasons.

The HBO fantasy series took out the biggest prize of the night with the Best Drama gong and also took out the Best Writing in a Drama series Best Directing in a Drama Series.

“We have the best cast that I think ever has been assembled,” executive producer David Benioff said.

Game of Thrones continues to dominate across the world. Picture: HBO

It now joins a formidable hall of fame that small screen greats like ER, The West Wing, Cheers, Frasier and The Simpsons.

Foxtel’s executive director of television Brian Walsh was in the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles for American TV’s night of nights and said Game of Thrones’ historic haul was a big win for the Australian subscription TV giant.

The cast and crew from Game of Thrones accept the award for outstanding drama series at the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards.

“We’ve just signed a new long-term deal to be the exclusive home of HBO in Australia,” Walsh said.

“In what’s a very competitive environment, partnering with the world’s best producers of content is great for us,” Walsh said.

The most recent season of Game of Thrones broke ratings records at Foxtel and is one of the company’s biggest content assets.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, from left, Maisie Williams, Emilia Clarke, Sophie Turner, and Kit Harington winners of the award for outstanding drama series for Game of Thrones at the Emmy Awards. Picture: AP

“I honestly believe it’s one of the greatest TV shows of all time,” Walsh said.

“It’s fantastic writing that’s faithful to the books with an extraordinary execution that’s almost cinematic. The cast is exceptional and so is the scenery. It has broken the mould.

“We’ve never had a TV show in history that’s had this scale, budget and technology to deliver such a spectacle on screen.”

Daenerys Targaryen (played by Emilia Clarke) in a scene from Game of Thrones.

Fans all over the world find the HBO series Game of Thrones addictive.

In addition, it’s a show that appeals to both men and women and crosses generations and languages, he said. Walsh described it as a “once in a generation” show.

News Corp Australia’s National TV Editor Tiffany Dunk said the TV epic ticked all the boxes when it comes to a series that’ll last the test of time and deserves its place among the best ever.

“Even those who don’t watch it regularly know a lot about Game of Thrones and acknowledge its high calibre storytelling,” Dunk said.

“It’s got violent battles, illicit romance, tense family feuds, stunning landscapes and, let’s face it, Jon Snow — how could you not be a fan?”

While it was the night for Game of Thrones, its stars Kit Harrington and Peter Dinklage were trumped in the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama category by Aussie actor Ben Mendelsohn for Bloodline.

The cast and crew from Game of Thrones accept the award for outstanding drama series. Picture: AP

Speaking from outside the HBO after-party, Walsh said he expected a festive shindig.

“If there was a year that cemented HBO’s strength in storytelling, it’s this year. Winning Best Drama, Best Comedy, Best Variety Show … it’s such an endorsement for them.

“It’s been a fantastic Emmys for Foxtel overall, not just with Game of Thrones but also Veep, This Week Tonight with John Oliver, Mr Robot and The Night Manager.

“It really is the golden age of television.”

EMMYS MOST-AWARDED SHOWS

Saturday Night Live — 44 wins, 199 nominations*

Game of Thrones — 38 wins, 106 nominations

Frasier — 37 wins, 108 nominations

The Simpsons — 32 wins, 85 nominations

The Mary Tyler Moore Show — 29 wins, 67 nominations

Cheers — 28 wins, 117 nominations

Hill Street Blues — 26 wins, 98 nominations

The West Wing — 26 wins, 95 nominations

ER — 23 wins, 124 nominations

Modern Family — 22 wins, 77 nominations

*The comedy variety series is number one overall

Originally published as Why Game of Thrones is the best ever as it makes history at the 2016 Emmy Awards