--- description: Get all the updates on when Game of Thrones Season 8 will air, how many episodes it will have and when new spinoffs will premiere. title: Everything to Know About the Final Season of Game of Thrones image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blte8bb1f7a94a58aa9/698949cc16d884a5b5c3514b/gameofthronesdaenerysmadqueenseason8episode5.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [Entertainment](/section/entertainment/) ## Entertainment Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [Television](/tag/television/) ## Television Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # _Game of Thrones_ Season 8 Has Come to an End. Here's Your Complete Guide by [Eliana Dockterman](/author/eliana-dockterman/), [Megan McCluskey](/author/megan-mccluskey/) and [Andrew R. Chow](/author/andrew-r-chow/) Updated: Dec 13, 2023 4:25 AM CUTPublished: Aug 26, 2017 3:41 PM CUT  Helen Sloan/HBO by [Eliana Dockterman](/author/eliana-dockterman/), [Megan McCluskey](/author/megan-mccluskey/) and [Andrew R. Chow](/author/andrew-r-chow/) Updated: Dec 13, 2023 4:25 AM CUTPublished: Aug 26, 2017 3:41 PM CUT The eighth and final season of [_Game of Thrones_](http://time.com/game-of-thrones-2017/ "undefined") premiered on [April 14, 2019](http://time.com/5501931/game-of-thrones-teaser-bran-stark/ "undefined"). At last, [fans are finally](http://time.com/5570434/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-1-review/ "undefined") going to find out the ultimate fate of [Jon Snow](http://time.com/4900151/who-is-jon-snows-father/ "undefined"), Daenerys Targaryen and the rest of the Westerosi. _Game of Thrones_ will air every Sunday night until the series finale on May 19\. Until then, fans are [theorizing about how the show](http://time.com/5566093/game-of-thrones-season-8-fan-theories/ "undefined") will end — and who will [win the Iron Throne.](http://time.com/5550981/game-of-thrones-who-will-win/ "undefined") Here’s everything we know about season 8 so far. ## What time does _Game of Thrones_ air? It airs on 9 p.m. EST on HBO in the U.S., and at 2 a.m. on Sky Atlantic in the U.K. as part of the Transatlantic simulcast the show is offering this year. ## What happened in _Game of Thrones_ season 8 episode 5?  Arya Stark fights for survival in Game of Thrones season 8 episode 5. Helen Sloan—HBO _Game of Thrones_‘ final [penultimate episode](http://time.com/4371969/game-of-thrones-penultimate-episodes/ "undefined") saw Daenerys unleash a fiery spree of terror on King’s Landing despite the fact that Cersei rang the bells of surrender after Drogon destroyed the Iron Fleet and all of the scorpions lining the city’s outer walls. Jon and Tyrion then watched on in horror as Daenerys transitioned fully into the [Mad Queen](http://time.com/5587311/daenerys-mad-queen-game-of-thrones/ "undefined") some had long feared she would become. After Tyrion freed Jaime in hopes that he could convince Cersei to leave Westeros with him, Jaime attempted to sneak into the Red Keep to reunite with his sister. However, he was caught by Euron Greyjoy and forced into a fight to the death. Jaime ultimately came out on top, but was mortally wounded in the process. Despite his injuries, he still made it to Cersei’s side and the [twin Lannisters died together](http://time.com/5586743/game-of-thrones-cersei-jamie-death/ "undefined") as the castle crumbled around them. Meanwhile, after convincing Arya to abandon her quest for vengeance on Cersei, the Hound finally came face to face with the Mountain and it was time for [“Cleganebowl.”](http://time.com/5585926/game-of-thrones-cleganebowl-hound-moutain/ "undefined") The Hound managed to stab the Mountain through the stomach with a sword and through the eye with a dagger despite taking a horrific beating. But after realizing that his zombified brother couldn’t be killed by normal means, the Hound tackled the Mountain through the crumbling Red Keep wall and the two both fell to their deaths. Arya was then left to try to make her way out the city alone as Daenerys continued her carnage. In the final moments of the episode, a traumatized Arya found herself alone in the ruins of King’s Landing. But after discovering the burned bodies of a mother and daughter who had saved her from being trampled to death, she looked up to see a [lone white horse](http://time.com/5588151/game-of-thrones-white-horse-meaning/ "undefined") seemingly waiting for her. She then mounted the horse and rode off through the destruction. ## What happened in _Game of Thrones_ season 8 episode 4?  Helen Sloan—HBO After mourning [the fallen of the Battle of Winterfell](http://time.com/5578054/game-of-thrones-battle-of-winterfell-deaths/ "undefined"), those left alive spent some time celebrating their victory against the Night King in episode 4, “The Last of the Starks.” But Daenerys’ spirits were dampened when she saw firsthand how much people adore Jon, prompting her to beg him to never reveal his true identity. Jon, however, felt compelled to tell Sansa and Arya, and the truth then spread to Tyrion and Varys. Things only went from bad to worse for Daenerys when [Rhaegal was killed](http://time.com/5583497/game-of-thrones-missandei-rhaegal/ "undefined") and Missandei was captured during a surprise attack by Euron and the Iron Fleet at Dragonstone. News of this assault sent Jaime — who had spent the episode [growing closer to Brienne](http://time.com/5583501/game-of-thrones-brienne-jaime-sex/ "undefined") — into a downward spiral, and the Kingslayer fled Winterfell in the night to return to Cersei despite Brienne’s tearful pleas for him to stay. Daenerys and her entourage then made their way to King’s Landing to try to parlay with Cersei and save Missandei, but [Tyrion’s attempt to convince Cersei to surrender](http://time.com/5583976/game-of-thrones-tyrion-cersei-baby/ "undefined") to save her unborn child fell on death ears. As Tyrion, Grey Worm and Daenerys watched on in horror, the Mountain beheaded Missandei on Cersei’s orders. ## What happened in _Game of Thrones_ season 8 episode 3?  Iain Glen as Jorah Mormont and Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen Helen Sloan—HBO “The Long Night” episode of _Game of Thrones_‘ eighth season didn’t waste any time jumping right into the action of the Battle of Winterfell. After [Melisandre showed up](http://time.com/5579333/game-of-thrones-melisandre-arya/ "undefined") to set the Dothrakis’ swords ablaze with an incantation she presumably learned during her time in Volantis, the showdown with the Night King and his army of dead quickly got underway. Unfortunately, even with Daenerys and Jon flying into battle on the backs of Drogon and Rhaegal, it seemed like the living didn’t stand a chance against the dead from the get-go — especially once the Night King raised all of the soldiers who had been killed to revitalize his forces. But Melisandre still had one more trick up her sleeve. After [Beric Dondarrion sacrificed himself](http://time.com/5578054/game-of-thrones-battle-of-winterfell-deaths/ "undefined") to save Arya, Melisandre gave her the push she needed to realize [she was the one who was fated to kill the Night King](http://time.com/5579429/game-of-thrones-arya-stark-azor-ahai/ "undefined"). Arya then sprinted to the godswood, where the Night King was preparing to kill Bran after cutting down Theon, and stabbed the leader of the White Walkers with her Valyrian steel dagger. Once the Night King was vanquished, all of the dead — including zombie Viserion — fell too, ending the Great War. ## What happened in _Game of Thrones_ season 8 episode 2?  Brienne of Tarth gets knighted by Jamie Lannister at last. Helen Sloan/HBO “[A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms](http://time.com/5565378/best-game-of-thrones-season-8-e2-memes/ "undefined")” was another dialogue-heavy, table-setting episode, as everyone at Winterfell hunkered down and prepared for the White Walkers’ impending siege of the city. Jaime Lannister was met with skepticism when he arrived at Winterfell and announced he had defected from his sister Cersei. But after Brienne of Tarth vouched for his integrity, he was set free; Jaime returned the favor by knighting her, creating one of [show’s most touching and uplifting moments](http://time.com/5575440/game-of-thrones-brienne-reactions/ "undefined"). Daenerys sparred with two Stark siblings: [Sansa](http://time.com/5575244/game-of-thrones-daenerys-mad-queen/ "undefined") (over the issue of Northern independence) and [Jon](http://time.com/5574969/game-of-thrones-daenerys-jon-snow-related/ "undefined") (after he revealed his true identity, which gave him a claim to the Iron Throne). Theon returned and pledged to defend [Bran Stark](http://time.com/5575355/game-of-thrones-battle-of-winterfell-night-king/ "undefined"), who is expecting a visit from the Night King during the Battle of Winterfell. Arya received a weapon from Gendry; the pair consummated their long-held crushes for each other. Podrick sang a [hymn](http://time.com/5575011/game-of-thrones-jennys-song-explained/ "undefined"), “Jenny’s song.” As many characters exchanged their farewells before the war, from Grey Worm to Missandei to the Hound to Jorah to Brienne to Sam, it was hard not to think that many of them might be saying goodbye for good. ## What happened in the _Game of Thrones_ season 8 premiere?  Helen Sloan/HBO The [_Game of Thrones_ season 8 premiere](http://time.com/5570434/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-1-review/ "undefined") opened with Jon, Daenerys and their combined entourage arriving at Winterfell to begin preparing for the war against the dead, a development that led to several long-awaited reunions between fan favorite characters. After Sansa and Tyrion got nostalgic about Joffrey’s murder, [Jon and Arya shared an emotional moment](http://time.com/5570426/game-of-thrones-jon-arya-reunion/ "undefined") in the godswood, and Gendry agreed to make Arya a [fancy new dragonglass weapon](http://time.com/5570457/game-of-thrones-arya-gendry-weapon/ "undefined"). As was speculated by fans, [Jon finally rode Rhaegal](http://time.com/5570339/game-of-thrones-jon-snow-rides-rhaegal/ "undefined"), the dragon named after his father, and Bran spent the majority of the episode [staring at people](http://time.com/5570835/game-of-thrones-season-8-episode-1/ "undefined") from across the Winterfell courtyard while [“waiting for an old friend”](http://time.com/5570716/game-of-thrones-bran-stark-old-friend/ "undefined") — a.k.a. Jaime. Meanwhile, the Night King and his army were busy sending a message by leaving the dead body of young Ned Umber impaled to a wall and surrounded by a [spiral of severed limbs](http://time.com/5570506/game-of-thrones-spiral/ "undefined") for Tormund, Beric and Dolorous Edd to discover at [Last Hearth](https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Last%5FHearth "undefined"). And last but not least, Jon finally learned that he is the [trueborn son of Rhaegar Tarygaryen and Lyanna Stark](http://time.com/5570093/game-of-thrones-jon-snow-father-parents/ "undefined"), not the bastard of Ned Stark as he was raised to believe. Unfortunately, since that means Jon is not only related to Daenerys, but also the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, this discovery seems likely to throw a wrench their budding romance. ## Here’s what we learned from the official [_Game of Thrones_](http://time.com/5544114/game-of-thrones-season-8-trailer-analysis/ "undefined")season 8 trailer when it came out. The two-minute preview was all about building up to the [final showdown](http://time.com/5544114/game-of-thrones-season-8-trailer-analysis/ "undefined") between the living and the dead that’s supposed to blow the Battle of the Bastards out of the water. All eyes were on an injured Arya Stark running away and in another key shot, an uninjured Arya with a a dragonglass dagger in hand. Another revelation? Tormund and Beric live! And most interesting of all, Daenerys and Jon visit Drogon and Rhaegal, [fueling speculation](http://time.com/5544633/jon-snow-riding-dragon/ "undefined") that it might be time for Jon to ride the dragon named after his father. (And in the premiere, it happened.) > [](https://twitter.com/GameOfThrones/status/1117200794984402944) Watch the full trailer below. “Wig,” wrote Maisie Williams who was just one of the cast members to tweet about it. > [](https://twitter.com/Maisie%5FWilliams/status/1102978842451472385)  Game of Thrones season 8 poster shows a dragon eyeing the iron throne Game of Thrones season 8 poster ## How about those new _Game of Thrones_ season 8 teasers? With just days to go until the season 8 premiere, HBO dropped two new promos, “Together” and “Survival,” as well as a new teaser, “Aftermath,” to get fans hype for _Game of Thrones_‘ return. While both promos largely featured scenes that we already saw in the season 8 trailer — except for a shot of what looks to be the moments before Jon and Arya finally reunite — the teaser does not contain any show footage, according to HBO. Instead, it shows glimpses of Tyrion’s Hand of the Queen pin, Arya’s sword Needle, [Lyanna’s feather](http://time.com/5502165/game-of-thrones-teaser-feather/ "undefined"), Bran’s wheelchair, Jaime’s golden hand, Daenerys’ dragon chain and Jon’s sword Longclaw in the snowy ruins of Winterfell, perhaps hinting at what’s to come if our heroes fail to defeat the Night King. ### _Game of Thrones_ season 8 “Together” video ### _Game of Thrones_ season 8 “Survival” video ### _Game of Thrones_ season 8 “Aftermath” video HBO also released a corresponding [poster to the “Aftermath” teaser](http://time.com/5563493/thrones-death-poster/ "undefined") that shows the bodies of nearly all of Westeros’ major players laid out in the snow in the shape of the Iron Throne.  HBO **READ MORE** **_:_** [**_Your Ultimate Guide to Binge-Watching Every_** ](http://time.com/5517025/game-of-thrones-binge-watch-recaps/ "undefined")[**Game of Thrones**](http://time.com/5517025/game-of-thrones-binge-watch-recaps/ "undefined")[ **_Episode_** ](http://time.com/5517025/game-of-thrones-binge-watch-recaps/ "undefined") ## What is the plot of _Games of Thrones_? The plot of the final season is still very much under wraps. HBO programming president Casey Bloys told [_Entertainment Weekly_](http://ew.com/tv/2018/07/25/game-of-thrones-final-season-trailer-plan/ "undefined") that the network has heightened security to prevent season 8 leaks and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau even revealed that the scripts the cast received would “self-destruct.” “They’re very very strict. It’s reached a crazy level this year,” he explained during an [interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time%5Fcontinue=2&v=WoW5S9iFgOo "undefined") at Cannes 2018\. “We actually get the scripts, and then when we’ve shot the scene—and we only have it digitally—and then when you’ve done the scene, it just vanishes. It’s like _Mission: Impossible_. ‘This will self-destruct.'” But that hasn’t stopped some of _Thrones_‘ biggest stars from teasing the action to come. “This season is bloodier than ever. It’s full of betrayal, full of war, full of danger,” Sophie Turner told [_1883 Magazine_](https://www.elitedaily.com/p/game-of-thrones-season-8-is-bloodier-than-ever-according-to-sophie-turner-9906575 "undefined")_. “_That’s all I can say without giving too much away.” ## How many episodes are there in season 8 of _Game of Thrones_? HBO split the final 13 episodes of _Game of Thrones_ into two shorter seasons. Season 8 will consist of six episodes and will have the longest average episode length of any _Game of Thrones_ season. The [run times for all six episodes](https://www.esquire.com/uk/latest-news/a26794020/all-the-game-of-thrones-season-eight-episode-lengths-have-been-revealed/ "undefined") have been confirmed by HBO, with the first four episodes set to run for 54, 58, 82 minutes and 78 minutes, respectively, while episode 5 and the finale will run for 80 minutes each. That’s an average episode length of 68 minutes and 20 seconds. > [](https://twitter.com/GameOfThrones/status/1070795722906316800) A November cover of [_Entertainment Weekly_](https://ew.com/tv/2018/11/01/game-of-thrones-season-8-ew-cover/ "undefined")also featured the first official photo from _Game of Thrones_ season 8\. The instantly iconic shot shows Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke cozied up to each other against a wintry Westeros backdrop. “End game,” reads the caption, which seems like a nod to both the final season of the show and possibly, [Jon and Dany’s romance](http://time.com/4915915/game-of-thrones-season-7-finale-jon-snow-daenerys-targaryen-romance/ "undefined"). > [](https://twitter.com/EW/status/1057969459166695424) On Feb. 6, HBO [released the first official photos](http://time.com/5523164/game-of-thrones-season-8-photos/ "undefined") from season 8\. The stills — which show Jon Snow (Kit Harington), Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) and others — don’t give much away about the plot.  Kit Harington as Jon Snow and Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen Helen Sloan—HBO The stills — which show Jon Snow (Kit Harington), Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) and others — don’t give much away about the plot, but they’re another sign that the premiere is getting closer.  Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister Helen Sloan—HBO HBO dropped a new collection of [character posters](http://time.com/5541092/game-of-thrones-character-posters-melisandre/ "undefined") featuring each of Westeros’ remaining power players — from Jon Snow to Daenerys Targaryen to Sansa Stark — on the Iron Throne back in February as well. HBO has also announced that David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, David Nutter and Miguel Sapochnik are the directors of the new season. Season 8 episodes were written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, Bryan Cogman and Dave Hill. In an interview with TIME in March 2017, [showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss told us](http://time.com/4791793/game-of-thrones-season-7-david-benioff-d-b-weiss/ "undefined") that they already knew “what happens in every scene.” ## How many more seasons of _Game of Thrones_ are there? Season 8 will be the final season of _Game of Thrones_. However, HBO has officially [greenlit a pilot episode](http://time.com/5308458/george-r-r-martin-game-of-thrones-prequel-title/ "undefined") for a [prequel series](http://time.com/5101228/game-of-thrones-prequels-timeline/ "undefined") from showrunner Jane Goldman (_X-Men: First_ Class, _Kingsman: The Secret Service_) that will take place thousands of years before the events of _Game of Thrones_ and chronicle “the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour.” Bloys told _EW_ that Goldman’s prequel won’t start shooting until at least early 2019. There’s also a chance we could be getting even more _Thrones_ spinoff series. “Three more _Game of Thrones_ prequels, set in different periods and featuring different characters and storylines, remain in active development,”George R.R. Martin wrote in a June [blog post](http://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2018/06/11/hbo-greenlights-goldman-pilot/ "undefined"). “Everything I am told indicates that we could film at least one more pilot, and maybe more than one, in the years to come.” ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4913247/game-of-thrones-season-8-premiere-date/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4913247/game-of-thrones-season-8-premiere-date/"},"headline":"Game of Thrones Season 8 Has Come to an End. 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