'Game of Thrones' Still One of the World's Biggest Shows: Data shows

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HBO is developing a "Game of Thrones" sequel series starring Jon Snow, with actor Kit Harington set to return to the role.

Some headlines last week questioned the move. Paste asked if it could "reek any more strongly of desperation." Vice said that HBO has "hit rock bottom," writing "who asked for this?"

But data shows how popular "Game of Thrones," which ended its eight-season run in 2019, still is around the world three years after it concluded, and why HBO would want to expand the franchise. "House of the Dragon," a prequel series, debuts in August.

Parrot Analytics, a data firm that measures audience demand, told Insider that "Game of Thrones" was the fifth-most popular TV series in the US over the last 30 days as of June 21.

Audience demand reflects the interest in and engagement with, or overall popularity, of a series based on a number of factors, including viewership and online engagement.

"Game of Thrones" was 47 times more in demand than the average series in the US in that time period, similar to shows that are currently airing, such as AMC's "Better Call Saul" (No. 4) and Amazon's "The Boys" (No. 6).

Globally, "Game of Thrones" is an even bigger hit, ranking No. 4 in that same time period and was 78 times more in demand than the average show. It was behind shows that have recently aired new seasons like Netflix's "Stranger Things," "The Boys," and "Better Call Saul."

It ranked above Disney+'s latest "Star Wars" series "Obi-Wan Kenobi," which was the No. 5 biggest show worldwide.

And over the last three years, it has ranked consistently in Parrot Analytics' top 10 of most in-demand shows globally, and on average has been the most in-demand show in that time.

In other words, there is still a ton of interest in "Game of Thrones," leaving HBO with plenty of possibilities for exploring the IP.

Two months ahead of its premiere, "House of the Dragon" is trending high in popularity, too, according to Parrot Analytics.

It's maintained a more consistently higher demand than Amazon's upcoming "Lord of the Rings" series, "The Rings of Power," which debuts less than two weeks after "House of the Dragon."

The chart below, from Parrot Analytics, compares pre-release demand for the two shows over the last year.