Why is this such a phenomenon? Can somebody explain the sociological

Because everyone else is

>>87249815

Apart from drugs, it's the best form of escapism around, or it was during the earlier seasons. Fantasy setting, variety of characters, sex and violence, twists, political plots, high production value. It's has the things that appeal to people's traditional desires, like hierarchy, blood feuds, family honor, while also having an egalitarian universalist plot with Dany.

>>87249815
Because nerd shit is popular. Thank the internet. And M$ and Apple.

Enormous viral marketing campaign for the first season. You couldn't go anywhere without seeing "winter is coming" spammed.
They do the same shit now with ghostbusters and star wars trying to drum up some fake controversy.
People should just fucking stop.