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As far as series finales go, Game of Thrones will always be remembered for the massive amount of criticism it received. While some fans found it satisfying, it remains one of the most divisive endings in television history. But one thing that can’t be denied is the stellar performances from the entire cast.

Viewers rooted for their favorites, mourned character deaths, and celebrated the small victories throughout the TV show’s eight-season run. One person who helped kick off the GOT phenomenon is Sean Bean, a.k.a. Ned Stark. Fans may be surprised to hear that he didn’t even watch the finale.

Sean Bean attends the 2018 Wizard World Comic Con at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sean Bean attends the 2018 Wizard World Comic Con at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

Sean Bean only did one season of ‘Game of Thrones’

There were several events that set the actual game of thrones in motion, including the friction between the noble House Stark and the Lannisters. Sean Bean played the beloved patriarch Ned Stark whose loyalty and sense of honor eventually led to his death.

Game of Thrones Season 1 introduced Bean’s character as King Robert’s right hand and a protective, family-loving lord. Keen and trustworthy, he kept Jon Snow’s parentage a secret, and he also uncovered the truth about the Lannister bloodline.

It was to his detriment, and Joffrey executed the fan-favorite Ned, kicking off the War of the Five Kings. He never lived to see his family avenge House Stark or Arya’s transformation into a badass. And Bean himself didn’t watch the epic saga unfold either.

Sean Bean admits he hasn’t watched ‘Game of Thrones’

Highly regarded for his acting skills, Bean typically plays strong, brawny heroes and villains. He recently spoke with U.K.’s The Sunday Times about his upcoming BBC One series Time, but he also looked back on his role as Ned Stark.

Bean joked that his mother says, “Game of Kings and Lord of Thrones” when talking about his career, and he revealed that GOT “was a much earthier role” for him. However, Bean had no idea that the North became independent with Sansa as its ruler.

He was also in the dark about Bran ruling Westeros. He didn’t watch the show after Ned’s death. Bean asked the reporter to fill him in regardless of whether he plans to watch the series in the future. “So did Winterfell stay separate? Oh, good for them,” he said. Now he knows.

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Bean starring in a prison drama

Up next for Bean is the British prison series, Time, which debuts on BBC One on June 6. He plays Mark Hebden, a family man who receives a four-year prison sentence after killing someone in an accident.

Mark isn’t built for prison because he’s neither a fighter nor a tough criminal, and the experience is a rude awakening. “The uncertainty and fear and trepidation was something that I wanted to express, as though you’re looking at it through my eyes,” said Bean about the show.

Bean is also filming the second season of Snowpiercer, TNT’s futuristic sci-fi series that takes place on an always-moving train. Fans can also catch Bean in Wolfwalkers or re-watch him as Boromir in Lord of the Rings and as Lord Ned Stark in Game of Thrones.

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