The phrase "Winter is Coming" is the title of the first episode of the medieval fantasy television series Game of Thrones. This episode premiered on April 17, 2011, and it serves as the series premiere that introduces the setting, main characters, and initial plotlines, including the Stark family and the complex political environment of Westeros. The episode was written by the show's creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, directed by Tim Van Patten, and is based on the first chapters of George R. R. Martin's book "A Game of Thrones." The title phrase "Winter is Coming" is also the motto of House Stark, which is repeated multiple times throughout the episode and series.