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'Game of Thrones' after-show seeks to keep fans engaged after the credits

HBO is creating a TV show, 'After the Thrones,' that will center on discussion of the latest happenings in the hit fantasy program. 

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Helen Sloan/HBO
'Game of Thrones' stars Gwendoline Christie.

To capitalize on “Game of Thrones," HBO has announced a new program, “After the Thrones," which will examine the happenings on the network's massive fantasy hit.

Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald, who formerly hosted a “Game of Thrones” podcast, “Watch the Thrones,” for the website Grantland, will host “After.” 

HBO has announced that the show will be available On Demand and on the network’s streaming options, HBO Now and HBO Go, but hasn’t yet mentioned when the show will be on TV. “After” will make its first appearance on April 25, the day after “Thrones” returns for its sixth season.

“After” won’t be a totally serious examination of the often tragic HBO drama – according to a statement from the network, the show will be “a lively, humorous and sophisticated look” at the program. “After” will air weekly. 

TV is, of course, currently in what is widely described as a Golden Age, with a large amount of quality programming being produced from broadcast networks, cable networks, and streaming services. The popularity of “binge-watching” also means that a viewer can discover a show at any time, rather than waiting for new episodes to air. 

The desire among viewers to hear more about their favorite shows became apparent with the recent popularity of the podcast “The West Wing Weekly,” which is co-hosted by “West” actor Joshua Malina and recently ranked at number one on the iTunes ranking of podcasts.

Another current hit show also recently proved viewers will stick around for discussion after the closing credits. In 2011, AMC created “Talking Dead,” a program discussing the latest events on the network’s hit show “The Walking Dead.” “Talking” has, like “Walking,” proven popular.

“This show has really capitalized on the power of social media,” Brad Adgate of the ad company Horizon Media said of “Talking” in an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2013. “'The Walking Dead' is one of the most popular shows on Twitter and Facebook, and this devoted following has always elevated 'The Talking Dead.'”

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