Game Of Thrones is still regarded as one of the greatest fantasy shows in television history, regardless of opinions on how the series approached its end. It thrived when it had George R.R. Martin's stellar source material to draw from. It was rife with shocking twists and plenty of complex characters for the audience to get invested in but also copious and effective humor.
While much of the show is centered on politics and war, there are plenty of funny characters who helped balance out the serious tone. Most of these funny characters have become fan favorites because of the hilarityy they bring to the table. Whether fans are laughing at their expense or at their actual jokes, generating any kind of laughter in a story filled with betrayal and murder is a feat on its own.
10 Podrick Has Too Much Personality For A Simple Errand Boy
Podrick Payne is one of several Game Of Thrones characters whose mild incompetence makes them funny. However, Pod is more likable and relatable than the likes of Hot Pie and Edmure, which helps his funny comments and interactions hit that much harder.
Podrick even forms an unlikely friendship with both Tyrion Lannister and Bronn, and the trio shares various funny moments. He then takes this energy on his travels with the powerful Brienne of Tarth, providing plenty of hilariously awkward moments. Podrick endeared himself to fans while never overstaying his welcome.
9 Varys Is Comedy Gold When Paired With Tyrion
Varys and Littlefinger are considered two of Game Of Thrones' most dangerous characters, as they plot and scheme effectively with many different factions. However, their interactions exploit this clash of wit and intellect with surprisingly hilarious results, their verbal sparring feeling like the snappy dialog that marks film noir's greatest outings.
Varys always enjoys interjecting with a witty comment or simply reminding everybody that he knows their secrets. This makes his budding friendship with Tyrion all the more brilliant and the duo have hilarious chemistry. Conleth Hill's stellar performance as Varys turns him from an untrustworthy schemer into a funny fan favorite.
8 The Queen Of Thorns Shocks Everyone With Her Verbal Barbs
Lady Olenna Tyrell possesses more sass and fire than any other character in Game Of Thrones. She may be older than her contemporaries making plays in the Seven Kingdoms, but she is fearless in cutting everybody down to size.
Lady Olenna's quips and jabs are ruthless and humiliating, but incredibly entertaining for the audience. While her final hurrah, admitting to Joffrey's murder, was more shocking than anything she could have said, all of her other cutting comments were perfectly executed, in one of the great Diana Rigg's flawless final performances..
7 Samwell Tarly Goes From Being The Laughing Stock To Being Laughed With
When Samwell Tarly joins the Night's Watch halfway through Game of Thrones' first season, he seems like a physically incompetent coward. Yet his friendship with Jon Snow stands him in good stead, especially since he wants to become a Maester in the future.
Sam remains useless at many things throughout the series, but he finds an element of courage when he meets Gilly. The combination of awkwardness of increased self-confidence he brings to table makes him funnier as the show progresses. He also becomes a genuine wit, going from being laughed at to being laughed with. While Sam plays a serious role in learning Jon's true heritage, he is easily one of the series' funniest characters.
6 Davos Is The Kind & Funny Soul This World Does Not Deserve
Davos Seaworth is introduced as a loyal member of Stannis Baratheon's entourage, struggling to fend off the sinister plans of the Red Priestess, Melisandre. However, when Davos joins Jon Snow's service following Stannis' demise, he's able to both serve as a right-hand man and be himself at the same time.
Despite the horrors he faces, from learning about Shireen Baratheon's murder to facing the White Walkers, his comments serve as much-needed comic relief. Sometimes he cracks jokes, but other times he is just unwittingly funny. The way Davos introduced Jon to Danaerys Targaryen as with just "This is Jon Snow," tacking on a brief "He's King of the North," after a few pregnant seconds shows who he's not a man who stands on ceremony but who is big on laughs.
5 Edd's Cynical Outlook On Life Is Incredibly Funny
The plotline that centers around the Night's Watch fending off Wildlings and the undead is seriously bleak, but Eddison Tollett persists as some much-needed comic relief. Dolorous Edd is an extremely pessimistic character, always voicing his overblown concerns at the worst times.
However, Edd's his general aura of displeasure helps to make him funnier for viewers and even for his friends. Having both Edd and Tormund around Jon can even feel like overkill at times, but fans wouldn't want it any other way.
4 Bronn Doesn't Care What Happens As Long As He Gets What He Is Owed
As a highly skilled and dangerous mercenary, Bronn feels untouchable, thanks to his aura of arrogance and devil-may-care mindset. However, his unlikely friendship with Tyrion allows for some hilarious exchanges that catapult Bronn towards being one of the funniest characters in the entire show.
Bronn often says an unfiltered version of what the audience is thinking, often to the annoyance of everyone he's talking to. He leaves the politics to the nobility and just goes where the money is. Bronn doesn't care about the high stakes everyone around him is setting, easily making him one of GoT's most entertaining antiheroes.
3 The Hound's Exaggerated Approach To Everything Is Hilarious
Sandor Clegane is introduced as the no-nonsense butcher known as the Hound. Yet as he moves away from being a bodyguard for the Lannisters, he becomes a fan favorite. Fans love his exaggerated vulgarity, coupled with the fact that he so carefully hides his humanity from everyone around him.
After the turning point that sees the Hound set out after more benevolent goals, Sandor's gruff personality remains, leading to many hilarious interactions. His aggression is not always meant to get a laugh from his targets, but it certainly tickles everyone watching.
2 Tyrion's Weapons Are Words
Plenty of Game of Thrones' characters make fans laugh through their words and actions, but half the time Tyrion Lannister is actively making jokes. He consistently states that his brother Jaime was designed for fighting, while he is better with words and wit.
Tyrion certainly doesn't walk the show's easiest path, but he still tries to get a final clever or funny word in when he can. One of Game of Thrones' smartest heroes, he proves himself to be an excellent Hand for rulers, excels at handling awkward situations and interactions, and knows how to crack up friends and foes alike, often winning over anyone whose worth talking to.
1 Tormund Becomes The North's Best Comic Relief
When Tormund Giantsbane is initially introduced as a fierce Wildling in season three, he is mainly seen as an intimidating warrior. Yet after the Free Folk assault Castle Black, Tormund changes sides as he gains respect for Jon Snow.
Tormund quickly becomes a trusted ally for Jon and subsequently gets more screentime. The burly warrior has a unique outlook on life, and from his ridiculous stories to his cheeky smile, he quickly became one of Game of Thrones' fan favorites. Other characters may not always understand him, but Tormund stays funny throughout, only dropping the jokes to get serious in the middle of battles.