Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

Game of Thrones fans watching the season eight premiere in China earlier this week missed out on the episode's violence, cursing, and sex scenes — basically all the bits that make Game of Thrones, well, Game of Thrones.

CNN reports that the premiere episode, which contained swearing, prostitution scenes, and celebrities getting arrowed through the eye, was heavily edited because of China's strict censorship rules.

The exclusive rights to stream HBO's show in China are held by conglomerate Tencent, which came under fire from viewers who stated that the censorship would push them toward illegal viewing means.

"I'm not unwilling to pay Tencent for this show, but how can I watch when they cut so many scenes?" one viewer wrote on movie review website Douban. "I'll have to download the video from the internet eventually."

Episode two of Game of Thrones' eighth and final season will air this Sunday, April 21.

We Recommend
  • It’s Game, Set, Match with On x Oyster Tennis Club
    • Sneakers
    • sponsored
  • adidas' Retro Runner Beats the Samba at Its Own Game
    • Sneakers
  • Birkenstock’s Flow Clog Is a Stylishly Slick Post-Game Gem
    • Sneakers
  • At the 2024 Olympics, Beauty Brands Put Their Game Face On
    • Beauty
  • Fashion's Game of Musical Chairs Heats Up
    • Style
What To Read Next
  • Nike’s Techy Air Max Mule Is the Craze-iest
    • Sneakers
  • 2024 Saw Huge Creative Director Reshuffles, but 2025 Is When the Fun Begins
    • Style
  • Miu Miu Made The Ultimate Miu Miu x New Balance Alternative
    • Sneakers
  • Wales Bonner, Is That You? adidas Unleashes Its Own Fur-tastic Samba
    • Sneakers
  • Nike's Jordan 4 "Skate Shoe" Looks Too Clean in Its Easter 'Fit
    • Sneakers
  • Converse's Military-Level Stomper Boot Is Built to Last
    • Sneakers