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Game of Thrones season 7

Game of Thrones season 7 is the seventh season of the HBO fantasy drama series Game of Thrones, based on George R.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Game of Thrones season 7 is the seventh season of the HBO fantasy drama series Game of Thrones, based on George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels. It originally aired in 2017 and consists of seven episodes, following the converging storylines of Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, Cersei Lannister, and the Night King as the series moves toward its final conflict. In Canada, the season aired on HBO through Canadian distribution arrangements and remained a major part of the series’ North American television audience.

Premise

Season 7 continues the power struggle among the surviving factions in Westeros while the supernatural threat from beyond the Wall becomes more urgent. The season moves the main political and military conflicts toward an eventual showdown.

Major plot developments

The season includes Daenerys's arrival at Dragonstone, Jon Snow's efforts to secure dragonglass, and Cersei's consolidation of power in King's Landing. The finale confirms Jon's true parentage and ends with the Wall breached by the Night King's forces.

Reception and significance

Season 7 was widely discussed for its accelerated pacing and for setting up the final season. It is also described in commentary as the show's most-watched season.

Setting and adaptation

The season adapts material from George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire universe while advancing beyond published novels in some storylines. It is set primarily in Westeros and nearby waters.

Key facts

  • Season 7 has seven episodes and aired in 2017.
  • Daenerys Targaryen arrives in Westeros and establishes herself at Dragonstone.
  • Jon Snow and Daenerys join forces against the Night King and the White Walkers.
  • The season finale reveals that Jon Snow is actually Aegon Targaryen, the legitimate son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark.
  • The Night King destroys part of the Wall using the reanimated dragon Viserion.
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Canadian context

Game of Thrones aired on HBO in Canada through Canadian distribution arrangements, and it remained a major part of the series’ North American television audience.

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes are in Game of Thrones season 7?
Season 7 has 7 episodes.
When did Game of Thrones season 7 air?
It originally aired in 2017.
What is the main story of season 7?
The season centers on the growing alliance against the Night King, Daenerys's arrival in Westeros, and the struggle for power among the remaining claimants in Westeros.
What happens in the season 7 finale?
The finale reveals Jon Snow's true parentage, shows Littlefinger's death, and ends with the Wall being breached by the Night King's undead dragon Viserion.
Is season 7 based on a book?
Yes. The series is based on George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire novels, though later seasons diverge from the published books in some details.

References

  1. TVLine — https://www.tvline.com/recaps/game-of-thrones-season-7-full-recap-episode-details-1039833/
    Supports: Finale events including Jon’s parentage reveal, Littlefinger’s death, and the Wall being breached.
  2. The Week — https://theweek.com/game-of-thrones/97156/game-of-thrones-a-recap-of-season-seven
    Supports: Season 7’s main developments, including Daenerys and Jon joining forces and the Wall falling.
  3. Vanity Fair — https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/04/game-of-thrones-recap-season-7-what-to-know
    Supports: Season 7’s major plot developments and note that it was the show’s most-watched season.
  4. Screen Rant — https://screenrant.com/game-thrones-season-7-recap/
    Supports: Season 7 plot summary, including Daenerys at Dragonstone, Littlefinger’s execution, and Jon’s true parentage.
  5. Fandom — https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Game_of_Thrones:_Season_7
    Supports: Season 7 episode count and setting limited to Westeros and surrounding seas.