I agree it's a lot. I think over time I just got desensitized and learned to look at my phone or something during the basest of scenes. I don't enjoy that aspect, but I'm still totally obsessed. I actually had a dream last night that I was on the show; the first of its kind. Not sure where it came from, but it was super weird/awesome.

Anonymous wrote:I love how graphic it is! Best part about hbo. Sex is realistic.

You mean boring? That would be realistic.

Theon's plot takes a way different direction in the show as compared to the books. Also, wow there's a heck of a lot of incest and rape. But I am hooked.

I'm working my way through the books first, and now I'm addicted.

The books are also graphic, in both sex and violence, but I hear the show is much more so.

Switch to the books first!

I love how graphic it is! Best part about hbo. Sex is realistic.

The only thing that has really made me feel angry and too uncomfortable has been the Theon plotline. Unnecessarily extended.

I totally agree with you OP. even stuff on network TV I think is too graphic.
I look away for the gross scenes and I have my husband fill me in on what happens so I don't miss any plot points.
It gets much worse.

Read the books

I love the show, but I look away during the particularly gory scenes. Also, I felt like the first season had much more over the top graphic sex than the subsequent seasons (or maybe I have just been desensitized)

The books are better and they are what keep me watching the show.

Not sure if you are female - but the first few episodes bothered me the most - especially some of the treatments of women. However, if you read the book - it's quite a bit different. I don't like violence at all but the storytelling is just phenomenal - one of those shows I was always on the edge of my seat for. Just learn to close your eyes at times!

Anonymous wrote:I just started watching this after hearing so much about it. I am so intrigued, yet afraid to go on. The violence, blood and gore is just too much. I would much prefer the show without seeing so much. It makes me wonder, if a show like this is so popular, what does it say about us? I am curious, do people enjoy this aspect of the show, don't care for it but are not bothered, or lower the volume and look away like I do? I love the story lines, maybe I should just read the books?

I am only half way through the first season and never imagined there were so many horrific ways to kill or torture someone.

The solution to your problem is to read the book!

It gets worse. I'm like you, I wish it wasn't so gory and even the sounds bother me alot. But it is an awesome show other than that.

I think humans enjoy the ability to look at the baser, more instinctual, and often more horrific aspects of ourselves in a situation we know is actually completely safe. This goes very far back. Take a look at Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus, SO gory, even just the language is incredibly visceral. Greek drama can have a lot of the same tendencies as well.

Personally, I do cringe a bit when watching the violence, but wouldn't say that I go as far as turning the volume off and closing my eyes like you describe.

I just started watching this after hearing so much about it. I am so intrigued, yet afraid to go on. The violence, blood and gore is just too much. I would much prefer the show without seeing so much. It makes me wonder, if a show like this is so popular, what does it say about us? I am curious, do people enjoy this aspect of the show, don't care for it but are not bothered, or lower the volume and look away like I do? I love the story lines, maybe I should just read the books?

I am only half way through the first season and never imagined there were so many horrific ways to kill or torture someone.