"Game of Thrones" has been making a play for a bigger TV audience as shown in the latest Nielsen data.
The American global information and measurement company estimates that there are about 8 million people who were glued to their TV sets during the initial telecast of HBO's "Game of Thrones" on Sunday. This has eclipsed the numbers posted by the show last year by 1.16 million more viewers, according to a report from Variety.
On the other hand, one theory that strongly suggests how the leak came to pass, is the story angle regarding the journalists' preview copies.
Preview streams, which are being sent to journalists for review before the actual TV airing, get watermarked with serial codes or the writers' names for the company to know who will be responsible in the instance of a leakage, according to The Independent.
In the case of the GoT online leak, the person behind it simply blurred out the code. And that has got to be something HBO needs to think about to do a better job next time.
The Independent even hinted to HBO that they could, perhaps, learn a thing or two from their rival network Showtime. They were able to devise a more innovative scheme to curb off piracy with the use of jumping codes "around the screen at different points for different users, so that if the code/name is blurred, their identity can still be tracked by its position."
Meanwhile, GoT fans can check out some of these cool homes inspired by the hit TV series as compiled by OnTheMarket.com. And, who cares if the "winter is coming" when you have these amazing structures to shield you against the elements.
Kingdom of the North
"The loch and a historical woodland help to make this Newton Stewart (Scotland) property a spectacular helm worthy of a king," says OnTheMarket.
The estate is situated in Glenmoriston, Inverness-Shire and has eight bedrooms and seven baths. It has gone through some refurbishments during the last five years. The lofty structure also features three reception rooms, a large kitchen/dining room, boiler room, utility room, and excellent cellarage.
Kingdom of the Mountains and Vale
"This property in Shepton Mallet, Somerset helps to soften the seclusion and offers 360 degree vistas from a magnificent watch tower with flagstone interiors for that lordly grandeur," OnTheMarket.com describes.
Back in the WWII, the property served as lookout tower for the Home Guard and Royal Corps of Signals but, nowadays, it has a weekend tea and gift shop during the spring and summer. This 19th century Victorian-themed building is also used by school groups and walkers.
Kingdom of the Rock
"Embrace Queen Cersei Lannister's lifestyle with this grand bare stone castle in Sutherland, Scotland. With rooms to spare, a life of banquets and festivals can be enjoyed," OnTheMarket.com notes.
This 15th century Scottish-castle hotel in Dornoch is 'B' listed and has 25 en-suite bedrooms, a bar and restaurant, and a walled garden.
Kingdom of the Stormlands
"Perched on top of a cliff with turrets, a tower and stunning coastal views, this Anglesey property can be the perfect noble retreat," writes OnTheMarket.com.
This 9 bedroom detached-house in Wales has two holiday cottages apart from the main house. This fortress of a structure is guarded within a castle-style walled courtyard that overlooks the nearby sea.
