Game of Thrones: Every Season of Every Show, Officially Ranked

Game of Thrones completely transformed television. It was known for its shocking deaths and large-scale battles, and it consistently outperformed other shows during its time on air. After the series finale, HBO created two additional shows based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels.

While each series has had its strengths and weaknesses, they’ve all successfully broadened the scope of this incredible world to attract a wide range of viewers. If you like large casts, exciting survival stories, and political intrigue, Game of Thrones is for you. House of the Dragon appeals to fantasy fans who enjoy family drama, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers smaller, more personal stories about friendship set within a grand world. Considering some seasons are stronger than others, it might be helpful to see rankings of all the seasons from each Game of Thrones show that have aired so far.

House of the Dragon Season 2 Dropped the Ball

Though the groundwork was laid in its first season, House of the Dragon hadn’t really begun its central conflict. The second season, advertised as the start of the war between the Black and Green factions, spent much of its time revisiting the past, trying to revive a lost friendship. It also hinted at a major betrayal by Daemon Targaryen that ultimately didn’t happen.

Viewers were ultimately disappointed with the season, feeling like it didn’t offer much that was new. It largely consisted of characters thinking and debating, but rarely doing anything, and often making strange decisions. Considering the negative reaction to the final season of Game of Thrones, it was surprising to see House of the Dragon fall so flat.

Game of Thrones Season 8 Is One for the History Books

Honestly, the hype for the finale was insane, and I really think it got to David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. But you know what? Finishing a show as huge as that, one that meant so much to so many people, was probably the hardest thing they could have asked for. I really do give them credit for seeing it through, even if the ending wasn’t perfect. They didn’t abandon it, and that means something.

The final season felt strangely passive, as if the show was already giving up. Trying to conclude so many major plotlines – like the Night King’s invasion, Daenerys’s rise to power, and Jon Snow’s true family – in just six episodes felt incredibly rushed. While the ending wasn’t terrible, the path to get there was filled with setbacks and poor character development.

Game of Thrones Season 7 Was the Start of Many Problems

Looking back, the shorter length of Season 7 – only seven episodes instead of the usual ten – was an early sign of trouble. The following two seasons confirmed that extra time was needed. Season 7 was meant to be where the story really came together, with Daenerys arriving in Westeros, Sansa and Arya finally meeting again, and Jon Snow preparing for battle against the Night King.

The battles with Daenerys and Drogon are exciting, and Jon’s risky mission beyond the Wall to capture a wight is a standout moment. However, the season feels somewhat disorganized overall. Cersei Lannister, despite being queen, feels like a sidelined character, and some of the conflicts between characters just don’t make much sense. On the bright side, at least one character had a powerful and meaningful death.

Game of Thrones Season 5 Was a Bad Spell

Season 5 of Game of Thrones feels like a bridge between stronger seasons. While not terrible, it lacks the impact of what came before. The season feels slow because some storylines don’t move very quickly or capture much excitement. The detour with Jaime and Bronn to Dorne feels out of place, the introduction of the High Sparrow feels sudden, and Daenerys’s rule in Meereen seems to stall repeatedly.

While Arya’s training with the Faceless Men wasn’t as exciting as hoped, it was a highly anticipated storyline. The season did have some standout moments, though – the ‘Hardhome’ episode was particularly impressive, Stannis Baratheon’s story ended well, and Jon Snow’s death was a major shock. Though not the strongest season overall, it still left a lasting impression.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 Brought Light to Westeros

While not the absolute best, this installment of Game of Thrones is actually one of the strongest the show has produced lately. It’s not a bad season by any means—it just means there are even better ones—and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feels like a welcome change of pace for the series.

The first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms centers around the journey of Dunk and Egg to a tournament. Though less grand in scale than Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon, the show excels at developing its characters through heartfelt stories and funny moments. It also delivers moments of intense, realistic combat and boasts impressive visuals.

House of the Dragon Season 1 Went Above and Beyond

It ranks just slightly above the first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms because it was a surprising success. After the controversial ending of Game of Thrones, no one anticipated it would be so good. The show proved to be a compelling political drama, brilliantly exploring the unfair attacks on Rhaenyra Targaryen’s right to rule.

The series focuses on the Targaryen family when they were at their most powerful. After the queen dies, King Viserys marries his daughter Rhaenyra’s friend, Alicent Hightower, which sparks a bitter rivalry that ultimately tears House Targaryen apart. The first season of House of the Dragon stood out with its well-written dialogue (in both English and the fictional language High Valyrian), stunning visuals, and portrayal of incredibly dysfunctional relationships. And, of course, the dragons themselves are spectacular.

Game of Thrones Season 2 Was a Worthy Follow-Up to Season 1

Okay, so the second season of Game of Thrones wasn’t bad, not at all. But following the first season was a huge challenge, especially after they killed off Ned Stark! It really made you wonder where they were going with the story. What I noticed is they spent a lot of time introducing new players – characters like Stannis Baratheon, Melisandre, Brienne, and Margaery – and really started leaning into the more fantastical, magical elements of George R.R. Martin’s world. It felt like they were building something new, but it was definitely a different pace.

While Daenerys’ time in Qarth wasn’t a highlight, the season is saved by other exciting developments. The conflict for the Iron Throne, known as the War of the Five Kings, really gets going, leading to the impressive Battle of the Blackwater – the show’s first large-scale battle. At the same time, Jon Snow encounters intriguing characters beyond the Wall, and Arya and Sansa develop fascinating relationships while interacting with the Lannisters.

Game of Thrones Season 6 Never Let Up

Season 6 of Game of Thrones often receives criticism because it was the first time the show had less source material to work with. Although it’s not perfect, this season was a significant step up from Season 5 and delivered the exciting, suspenseful storytelling that fans loved.

Season six was when everything started to really come together after years of build-up. It was incredible to finally see Ramsey Bolton get what he deserved, with Sansa and Jon Snow teaming up to take him down – that was a moment! I was so satisfied when Arya finally got her revenge on Walder Frey for the Red Wedding, and honestly, Cersei blowing up the Sept was shocking but amazing, especially with that music playing. But the Hodor reveal? That absolutely broke my heart. And we finally found out the truth about Jon’s family! Looking back, it feels like that was the last season of Game of Thrones that truly felt perfect and glorious.

Game of Thrones Season 1 Was the Beginning of Something Magical

Many viewers see the first season as mostly setting up the characters and the world of Westeros, and that’s partly right. It does introduce a lot of people and places quickly. However, it also begins to peel back the layers of this seemingly magical world, revealing the difficult challenges the characters will face.

Most TV shows don’t carry the weight of their early seasons throughout their entire run, but that’s what sets Game of Thrones apart. Iconic moments like Bran Stark’s fall and Daenerys’ dragons are hallmarks of the show’s shocking twists. However, nothing was more surprising than , which proved that absolutely no character, not even the main ones, was safe.

Game of Thrones Season 3 Made the Show Iconic

Season 3 of Game of Thrones is packed with events, but it’s most famous for a particularly shocking and unforgettable storyline. This season raised the bar for all television dramas and forever changed how weddings are viewed within the Game of Thrones universe. What made it so impactful was that the shocking turn of events, while foreshadowed, was still deeply affecting, even for viewers who didn’t particularly like the characters involved.

Season 3 has a lot of surprising depth. We see Arya traveling with the Hound, Jon Snow falling for Ygritte while stationed north of the Wall, and Daenerys Targaryen establishing herself as a true liberator in Slaver’s Bay. Plus, Jaime Lannister loses his hand, which sets him on a path towards earning forgiveness and changing for the better.

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2026-02-28 23:11