‘Game of Thrones,’ Lena Dunham’s ‘Girls’ win big at BAFTA TV Awards

Ready to take a quick trip across the pond? Well, it’s partially ironic, since in doing so we are also coming back here and talking about some popular American shows. The 2013 BAFTA TV Awards were recognized on Sunday in London, and when it comes to winners that most of our audience will actually recognize, there are two that stand out. Luckily for HBO, both of them will probably give them reasons to consider changing their full name from “Home Box Office” to “Honors Bubble Over.”

First of all, Lena Dunham and “Girls” took home a very prestigious prize in the top international program, in which it defeated the likes of “Homeland,” “Game of Thrones,” and a number of other series around the globe. This has to be an especially gratifying win given that not everyone liked “Girls” season 2, in particular that weird episode featuring Jessa’s father and those barely-legal boys. With great risk come great reward, though, and Dunham can ignore the critics while looking at her reflection in her shiny new award.

Meanwhile, “Game of Thrones” still emerged victorious in the epic battle for the Radio Times-sponsored audience award, which is voted on by the public. It’s no shock that the British people love their Lannisters, their Starks, and quite possibly both the butt-kicking and disrobing that takes place here. This show literally had higher ratings in Northern Ireland than the Olympics, which is a testament to how much the country cherishes the show making it a primary filming location.

While “Girls” may be off the air for the time being, it is currently in production. Meanwhile, “Game of Thrones” is getting close to the end of its third season. You can read more about what to expect from Sunday’s George R.R. Martin-penned “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” here.

Photo: HBO