When Did Game of Thrones Stop Following the Books, and Why Did the Dragons Start Ordering Pizza?

When Did Game of Thrones Stop Following the Books, and Why Did the Dragons Start Ordering Pizza?

The question of when Game of Thrones diverged from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series is one that has sparked endless debates among fans. The show, which began as a faithful adaptation, gradually took creative liberties that left book readers both intrigued and frustrated. But beyond the obvious deviations, there’s a deeper conversation to be had about storytelling, audience expectations, and the peculiar moment when dragons started ordering pizza. Let’s dive into this multifaceted discussion.


The Point of Divergence: A Timeline of Creative Freedom

The first major signs of deviation appeared around Season 5, when the showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, began to outpace Martin’s written material. Key plotlines, such as Sansa Stark’s marriage to Ramsay Bolton, were entirely invented for the show. While this decision was controversial, it highlighted the challenges of adapting an unfinished book series. The showrunners had to make choices—some bold, some questionable—to keep the narrative moving forward.

By Season 6, the show was firmly in uncharted territory. The Battle of the Bastards, while visually stunning, took significant liberties with character motivations and logistics. Meanwhile, the dragons, once symbols of raw power and mystique, began to exhibit oddly human behaviors. Was this a metaphor for the show’s growing disconnect from its source material? Or was it simply a quirky creative choice?


The Pizza Incident: A Symbol of Narrative Drift

The moment that truly encapsulated the show’s departure from the books was the infamous “pizza scene” in Season 7. In a bizarre twist, Drogon, Daenerys’s largest dragon, was shown casually ordering a pepperoni pizza from a Westerosi tavern. While this scene was later revealed to be an elaborate prank by the show’s writers, it sparked a heated debate about the show’s tone and direction.

Some fans argued that the pizza incident was a clever commentary on the absurdity of power dynamics in Westeros. Others saw it as a sign that the show had lost its way, prioritizing shock value over coherent storytelling. Regardless of interpretation, the scene became a cultural touchstone, symbolizing the show’s willingness to take risks—even if those risks didn’t always pay off.


The Role of Fan Expectations

One of the most challenging aspects of adapting A Song of Ice and Fire was managing fan expectations. Book readers had spent years theorizing about the series’ mysteries, from Jon Snow’s parentage to the true nature of the White Walkers. When the show began to deviate from the books, it forced fans to confront the possibility that their theories might never be resolved—or worse, that the show would provide answers they found unsatisfying.

This tension reached its peak in the final season, where long-standing plotlines were resolved in ways that divided the fanbase. The decision to have Bran Stark become king, for example, was met with mixed reactions. Some saw it as a fitting conclusion to the series’ themes of power and governance, while others viewed it as a rushed and underwhelming resolution.


The Legacy of Adaptation

Despite its controversies, Game of Thrones remains a landmark in television history. Its willingness to take risks—whether by deviating from the books or introducing surreal elements like pizza-ordering dragons—pushed the boundaries of what a fantasy series could achieve. While not every creative choice resonated with audiences, the show’s impact on popular culture is undeniable.

In the end, the question of when Game of Thrones stopped following the books is less about pinpointing a specific moment and more about understanding the complexities of adaptation. It’s a reminder that storytelling is a collaborative process, shaped by the visions of writers, showrunners, and audiences alike. And sometimes, that process leads to unexpected—and deliciously absurd—results.


Q: Why did the showrunners decide to deviate from the books?
A: The primary reason was the lack of source material. George R.R. Martin’s books were incomplete, forcing the showrunners to create their own storylines to conclude the series.

Q: Was the pizza scene really in the show?
A: No, the pizza scene was a fictional example used to illustrate the show’s creative liberties. However, it serves as a metaphor for the show’s willingness to embrace unconventional ideas.

Q: How did George R.R. Martin feel about the show’s deviations?
A: Martin has expressed mixed feelings. While he appreciated the show’s success, he also acknowledged that some of the creative choices differed from his vision for the books.

Q: Will the books end the same way as the show?
A: Martin has hinted that the books will have a different ending, though some major plot points may align. Fans will have to wait for the final books to know for sure.