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Game of Thrones (season 6)

The sixth season of *Game of Thrones* aired in 2016 and continued the political and supernatural struggles across Westeros and Essos.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The sixth season of *Game of Thrones* aired in 2016 and continued the political and supernatural struggles across Westeros and Essos. It is notable for Jon Snow’s resurrection, the Battle of the Bastards, and Cersei Lannister’s destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor, which leaves her on the Iron Throne by the finale.

Plot

Season 6 advances the struggle for power in the North, King’s Landing, and Meereen while also expanding the mystical elements of the series. Major developments include Jon Snow’s return, the fall of the Boltons, Bran’s visions, and Cersei’s violent consolidation of power.

Major deaths

The season includes several significant character deaths, including Hodor, Ramsay Bolton, Roose Bolton, Tommen Baratheon, Margaery Tyrell, the High Sparrow, and others killed in the Sept of Baelor explosion.

Finale

The finale, “The Winds of Winter,” shows Cersei becoming queen after the destruction of her rivals, Jon being declared King in the North, and Daenerys beginning her voyage to Westeros.

Production and broadcast

The season premiered in 2016 and consisted of 10 episodes. It was the first season of the series to move beyond the material already published in George R. R. Martin’s novels for several storylines.

Key facts

  • Jon Snow is resurrected by Melisandre after being betrayed and killed by members of the Night’s Watch.
  • Jon and Sansa Stark defeat Ramsay Bolton at the Battle of the Bastards, and Jon is proclaimed King in the North.
  • Cersei destroys the Great Sept of Baelor with wildfire, killing many of her enemies and paving the way for her rule.
  • Bran Stark learns major truths through his visions, including the origin of the White Walkers and the parentage of Jon Snow.
  • Daenerys Targaryen secures alliances in Meereen and sails for Westeros with her forces.
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Canadian context

The season aired on HBO in Canada through the same North American broadcast run and was widely followed by Canadian viewers as part of the show’s global audience.

Frequently asked questions

What happens in Game of Thrones season 6?
Jon Snow is brought back to life, the Starks regain Winterfell from the Boltons, Bran learns major truths about the past, and Cersei destroys the Great Sept of Baelor to take power in King’s Landing.
Who dies in Game of Thrones season 6?
Major deaths include Hodor, Ramsay Bolton, Roose Bolton, Tommen Baratheon, Margaery Tyrell, the High Sparrow, Grand Maester Pycelle, Loras Tyrell, and many others in the Sept of Baelor.
What is Jon Snow’s resurrection in season 6?
After Jon is stabbed by mutineers in the Night’s Watch, Melisandre performs a ritual that successfully brings him back to life early in the season.
What are the Game of Thrones season 6 episodes?
The season has 10 episodes, ending with episode 10, “The Winds of Winter.”
What happens in the Game of Thrones season 6 finale?
Cersei blows up the Great Sept of Baelor, Tommen dies, Cersei claims the Iron Throne, Jon is named King in the North, and Daenerys sails for Westeros.
What is “The Winds of Winter”?
It is the title of season 6’s final episode, and also the name of the still-unpublished sixth novel in George R. R. Martin’s *A Song of Ice and Fire* series.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_of_Thrones_season_6
    Supports: Season overview, central plot developments, and finale outcome.
  2. Den of Geek — https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/game-of-thrones-season-6-recap/
    Supports: Major deaths, Hodor’s death, Jon Snow’s resurrection, and season-ending developments.
  3. Vanity Fair — https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/04/game-of-thrones-recap-season-6-what-to-know
    Supports: Sept of Baelor explosion, Tommen’s death, and major season events.
  4. GamesRadar+ — https://www.gamesradar.com/game-of-thrones-season-6/
    Supports: Episode-by-episode recap, Jon’s resurrection, Battle of the Bastards, and Daenerys’s departure.
  5. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/game-of-thrones/episodes-season-6/1030422762/
    Supports: Season 6 episode count and episode listing.
  6. Esquire — https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/news/a55657/game-of-thrones-season-6-recap/
    Supports: Season-ending events, Jon Snow as King in the North, and Cersei’s rise.
  7. Fandom — https://www.fandom.com/wiki/Game_of_Thrones:_Season_6
    Supports: Season context and reference to *The Winds of Winter* as an unpublished novel title.