After the publication of "A Storm of Swords" in 2000, which contains the "Red Wedding" chapter, George R.R. Martin received numerous complaints and even death threats from readers.
"The Rains of Castamere" is the only episode where the end credits play in total silence.
The episode title refers to the song written about Tywin's crushing victory over rebellious House Reyne of Castamere and House Tarbeck, mentioned in Second Sons (2013). The song thereby serves as a reminder of the fate awaiting those who cross the Lannisters.
Michelle Fairley had never read the books, and was told of her character's fate shortly after the filming of the first season. She saw the episode for the first time while doing commentary for the DVD. By the end, she and her co-star Richard Madden were both in tears.
Many fans who had read the books set up cameras to catch their friends and family reacting to the Red Wedding. The popularity of these reactions were the impetus for the popularity of first time reaction videos for movies, television shows, and music on websites such as YouTube.