So, how much of the series do i have to know beforehand

[NorthernDruid]

I'm watching the TV series, but it'll be sometime before i get to actually read the books. Will i understand the story without having read much of the books? Or do i need to get a bit into the story first?

I'm not really afraid of spoilers for the books, i've long since learned to lock spoiler knowledge away from my mind when i read a story.

[teamfortles]

You'll be fine. At start you might be a bit confused though, about all the new characters and houses but won't be long until you learn 'em.