How does game of thrones end

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Game of Thrones ends with Daenerys Targaryen's death, Jon Snow's exile, and Bran Stark becoming king. In the series finale 'The Iron Throne' (aired May 19, 2019), Daenerys is killed by Jon after she destroys King's Landing, killing thousands. The remaining lords elect Bran as the new ruler of the Six Kingdoms, while Sansa Stark becomes Queen in the North. Jon is exiled to the Night's Watch beyond the Wall, where he reunites with Ghost and the Free Folk.

Key Facts

Series finale 'The Iron Throne' aired on May 19, 2019
Daenerys Targaryen killed by Jon Snow after destroying King's Landing
Bran Stark elected king of the Six Kingdoms by a council of lords
Sansa Stark crowned Queen in the North as an independent kingdom
Jon Snow exiled to the Night's Watch and travels beyond the Wall with the Free Folk

Overview

Game of Thrones, HBO's adaptation of George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, concluded its eight-season run in 2019 after premiering in 2011. The fantasy drama became a global phenomenon, winning 59 Primetime Emmy Awards including Outstanding Drama Series in 2015, 2016, and 2019. The final season consisted of 6 episodes (reduced from previous 10-episode seasons) and was watched by 19.3 million viewers for the finale across platforms. The story centered on the political conflicts among noble families vying for control of Westeros, while supernatural threats emerged from the North. Key characters included the Stark family of Winterfell, Daenerys Targaryen's quest to reclaim the Iron Throne, and Jon Snow's leadership at the Wall.

How It Works

The ending resolves through several key events: First, Daenerys Targaryen attacks King's Landing with her dragon Drogon despite the city's surrender, burning thousands of civilians and soldiers in a massacre that turns allies against her. Jon Snow confronts her in the throne room and kills her to prevent further destruction. With no clear heir, surviving lords including Tyrion Lannister, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, and Samwell Tarly convene to choose a new ruler. They select Bran Stark due to his supernatural knowledge as the Three-Eyed Raven, establishing a new elective monarchy. The North secedes as an independent kingdom under Sansa, while Jon accepts exile to the Night's Watch as punishment for regicide, though he ultimately leaves with the Free Folk.

Why It Matters

The controversial ending sparked significant debate among fans and critics, with the final season holding a 55% critic score versus 30% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. It influenced television storytelling by demonstrating both the cultural impact of serialized fantasy and the risks of diverging from source material (Martin's books remain unfinished). The conclusion's themes about the cyclical nature of power and the cost of vengeance resonated with contemporary political discussions. The series' legacy continues through spin-offs like 'House of the Dragon' (2022), which explores Targaryen history 200 years earlier.