Fans of the series have been watching the growing threat of the White Walkers as the battle for the Iron Throne heats up. Will Daenerys and Jon Snow prevail with their dragon glass against the Night King and his zombie army? Can Arya and Sansa continue to collaborate without killing each other? Will Cersei consolidate power in King’s Landing?

While we ponder those very important questions, here’s something else to keep in mind: “Game of Thrones” is a huge money maker for HBO and its former parent company Time Warner, acquired by AT&T for $85 billion in 2018. Not only is GoT the most-watched show in HBO history, but the GoT franchise is also worth over $1 billion, commanding nearly 30 million viewers per episode in the U.S. alone, according to the New York Times.

And viewership for season eight is expected to be more massive than the Wall—in no small part because HBO shelled out a staggering $15 million per episode for the six-part series, each episode the length of a feature film.

How does HBO make money?

HBO doesn’t rely on advertising, the way traditional television networks do. Instead, it depends on people paying $10 to $15 a month for cable and streaming subscriptions. Does that work? It seems so. HBO produced profits of $6 billion between 2015 and 2018, according to reports.

(HBO also spends billions of dollars each year, working with top producers to create cutting edge content, which helps it to add subscribers. In fact, in 2018, HBO broke its own record for new subscribers in 2017.)

Since HBO doesn’t use the traditional advertising model, it’s less concerned about what it makes when a new episode first airs. It’s more about how much it makes all year, and the year after that, even with the hugely popular Game of Thrones.

For example, HBO has sales from DVDs for its shows and various online products, which has also become a way for HBO to market to consumers around the world, according to experts.

The ‘Game of Thrones’ effect

Just the same, “Game of Thrones” is a huge part of HBO’s most recent success.

In 2014, GoT surpassed “The Sopranos”, HBO’s hit mafia-inspired show, as the network’s most popular series. And between subscriptions, merchandising, and the international market, “Game of Thrones” makes a significant contribution to HBO’s revenue.

In fact, over the decade, it has helped HBO add an impressive 50 million subscribers, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Although the number of viewers of a series like “Game of Thrones” can start to resemble major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, there are some important differences.

Unlike the Super Bowl, “Game of Thrones” isn’t necessarily meant to be consumed on a single night. If you miss the big game, you miss it—you know who’s won, and your family and friends have already eaten the guacamole.

GoT is a cultural phenomenon, and viewership can extend from its peak on Sunday evenings in North America, to other time zones around the world—regardless of spoilers.

And for HBO, it’s not about when you watch #GOT, it’s just about watching—now, or years from now. So, while Sunday night’s ‘Game of Thrones’ might not be raking in the dollars based on viewership alone in the way that traditional network TV events do, it contributes to HBO’s bottom line.

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Let’s consider how some of the most important TV show characters might advise you on how to invest your very own coin(s). Of note: we’re working with the TV series, and not going into the world of the books.

Cersei

Cersei looks great in a shame-based pixie cut or unnecessarily long braids, but she also shows a certain moral and fiduciary flexibility.  She’d be the type of certified financial planner (CFP) to tell you that you’d be a fool to waste even a cent on needy, pathetic relatives who ought to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. But once in awhile, she’d surprise you by urging you to donate to a truly worthy cause like a reputable children’s charity. And then she’d call you ugly and fire you as her client.

Tyrion

Tyrion himself succeeds Lord Baelish as Master of Coin under King Joffrey, and discovers to his dismay that Baelish put the kingdom into heavy debt to the Iron Bank. Tyrion ends up leaving his post when he’s unjustly accused of murdering King Joffrey (thanks, Olenna Tyrell—RIP, you badass.) But one can assume that Tyrion would tell you that borrowing heavily on credit is a slow but steady track to an unnecessary amount of stress.

Daenerys

Can Daenerys actually count? I’m not sure. But she says words with great conviction while various persons of lower status do the actual work for her, so that’s nice. Daenerys has been through real trauma but she’s a great example of how people born with a lot of privilege will always find other people (and winged creatures) to do the heavy lifting while they look pretty. She has some interest in equal pay for equal work, and certain labor protections, so she’d remind you to pay your union dues.

Jon Snow

Much like his dearly beloved Auntie Mother of Dragons, Jon Snow is very attractive and good at saying words with a specific facial expression. This is the guy who gives until it hurts, and then gives some more. He’d likely tell you to do the same, but remember that when it comes to emotional energy and money in the bank, you’ve got to manage your generosity so that you don’t burn out or wither away.

Arya

Arya is frugal, tough, and nearly fearless. She’s also sometimes unhealthily obsessive as she pursues her goals. This is a person who would monitor the NYSE, the NASDAQ, and the overseas stock exchanges constantly, chanting the names of your primary investments over and over again to herself. She’d be a tireless advocate for you, but she’d also call you at all hours of the night to discuss strategy. But if you’re into the dangerously intense approach, sure, hire her. Just don’t cross her.

Wildlings/Free Folk

How would these sexy, occasionally violent free-range hippies deal with modern personal finance? I guess they’re a great option for advice if you’ve got a truly edgy side and love to take risks. Put that hot bearded redheaded bro in a suit and tie, and let him convince you to invest in his cousin’s bow-and-arrow start-up. You’ll probably have to listen to said cousin tell you all about how he once met Elon Musk on “the playa” at Burning Man, but hey, maybe you’ll make a million bucks (you won’t).

White Walkers

Wow, do you hate yourself? Then you’re in luck—this financial advisor hates you too! Hire a White Walker to figure out your investment strategy and you’ll find your credit tanked and your bank account empty. Also, your identity will be stolen and you might die. There are a lot of cheats, con artists and miscreants out there, and those who don’t call themselves “life coaches” are probably calling themselves “financial planners.” This is why you need to find yourself a CFP with a proven track record.¹

So, while characters can illustrate life themes, don’t look to Game of Thrones for financial lessons.  Instead, research your financial advisors, whether they are Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), certified public accountants (CPAs) or just bestselling authors with cool-sounding ideas. And have fun this season. Because this spring, we’re gonna have one hell of a winter.

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