Game of Thrones is the most illegally downloaded TV show for the fifth year running
The Walking Dead, Westworld and The Grand Tour also ranked
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Game of Thrones is the most illegally downloaded TV series for the fifth consecutive year.
Torrent Freak's annual reveal may come as no surprise with each episode totalling around 350,000 downloads per episode.
The HBO fantasy series' sixth season addressed the fate of Jon Snow (Kit Harington) while setting up the remaining 13 episodes in thrilling fashion.
Rounding out the top three are The Walking Dead and HBO's other big-hitter Westworld which is being lined up as a Thrones replacement; it's debut season became the premium cable network's most-watched debut season of all time.
The list conflicts with previous reports that suggested Amazon series The Grand Tour was the most illegally downloaded in TV history; the motoring series, while downloaded a staggering number of times in the UK, sits at number ten when considering global hits. It remains to be seen whether co-host Richard Hammond's offensive comments affect the series' popularity.
Other TV shows to feature in the top ten include The Flash, Arrow, The Big Bang Theory, Vikings, Lucifer and Suits.
Game of Thrones returns for its penultimate season this summer while The Walking Dead's current run returns from hiatus in February. Westworld's eagerly-anticipated sophomore season won't hit screens until 2018.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments