The Game of Thrones season 8 premiere was watched by one billion people around the world, making it one of the most popular television shows ever. We asked readers if they had seen the most recent episode and if they would ever take a day off work for their favourite show.

  • Alex Elliott-Welch, a 27-year-old community cafe worker from Woolston, said: "I have never watched Game of Thrones because I don't have the channel it's on. I don't want to watch it either because it takes fantasy a bit too far. I like The Simpsons. I wish I could take the day off work but it would be impossible. It's a hard decision to make."
  • Jamie Lockwood, an 18-year-old marine engineering student at Solent University, said: "No, because I am in the Merchant Navy so I can't take days off. I have not seen one episode. I do not watch television. All of my time is spent studying and learning about shipping disasters. Quite a few of my mates watch it but I am excluded from the conversation. I have Amazon Prime because I am more of a film person."
  • Charlie Zhao, a 22-year-old photography student at Solent University, said: "I would not take the day off work or university but I would find a way to watch it before classes. I have watched the most recent episode. It was not as action-packed as I thought it would be, but I am waiting for the next episode. I do not know how it will end."
  • Karla Butler, a 45-year-old community support worker from Sholing, said: "I am going to watch it but I do not finish work until 9pm. I will be upset when it finishes. It's surprising how many people watch the show. It's got everything going for it. It's action packed and has a good story line. I would not call in sick, I am not that sad. I have Sky Plus anyway."