Key Finale Date and Broadcast Details
The Game of Thrones series finale aired on Sunday, May 19, 2019 on HBO in the United States. The episode, titled "The Iron Throne," served as the 10th episode of Season 8 and the 73rd episode overall. This date marks the conclusion of the television series run that began in 2011. The following table summarizes the verified broadcast and episode details.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Series Finale Air Date | May 19, 2019 | HBO Press Release |
| Episode Number | 73 (Season 8, Episode 10) | HBO/IMDb |
| Episode Title | The Iron Throne | HBO/IMDb |
| U.S. Network | HBO | HBO Schedule |
| Time Zone (U.S. Eastern) | 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT | HBO Announcement |
| Timeshift (HBO Go/Now) | Available on Demand following linear airing | HBO On Demand |
Episode Information and Viewing Context
"The Iron Throne" ran approximately 80 minutes in length and was the capstone to a decade-long serialization. HBO presented the finale live across its linear channels and made it available on demand immediately after the telecast. The episode resolved major character arcs and brought narrative threads that had spanned eight seasons to a conclusion. For viewers who recorded or streamed via HBO Max, the finale remained accessible on the platform following its original airing.
Global Premiere Dates and Times
Because Game of Thrones was a global HBO series, premiere timing varied by region. The table below outlines a selection of key regions and the local air date and time where available. These windows are useful for understanding international audience access and for comparing regional marketing or press cycles.
| Region | Local Air Date | Local Time (Typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (HBO) | May 19, 2019 | 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT | Live linear premiere |
| United Kingdom (Sky Atlantic) | May 20, 2019 | 9:00 PM BST | Next-day simulcast |
| Canada (HBO Canada) | May 19, 2019 | 9:00 PM ET | Simulcast with U.S. |
| Australia (Foxtel/BBC First) | May 20, 2019 | 8:30 AM AEDT (next day) | Delayed broadcast; streaming via Binge |
| India (Star World) | May 26, 2019 | 11:00 PM IST | Week-delayed window |
Historic Context and Series Timeline
Game of Thrones debuted on HBO in April 2011 and ran for eight seasons. The finale in 2019 capped a 176-episode run across eight years, making it one of the longest-running premium cable fantasy dramas in U.S. television history. The show frequently set cultural conversation and became a benchmark for prestige television eventization. Key series milestones are outlined below for reference.
| Milestone | Date or Season | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Series Premiere | April 17, 2011 (Season 1) | Launch of the franchise on HBO |
| Peak Live+Same Day Viewership | Season 7, Episode 7 (August 27, 2017) | Recorded highest live+3 day audience before finale |
| Finale Broadcast | May 19, 2019 (Season 8, Episode 10) | Conclusion of television series run |
| Spin-off Commission | 2022 (House of the Dragon prequel ordered) | Extended franchise on HBO |
Post-Finale Legacy and Availability
Since the May 19, 2019 finale, all eight seasons have remained available on HBO Max and licensed broadcasters, sustaining strong viewer engagement and ongoing critical discussion. The conclusion continues to perform in streaming rankings and remains a reference point for event television discourse. Creator showrunners participated in retrospective interviews, and the series maintains relevance in pop culture analysis, academic curricula, and award season conversations.
Risks, Common Misconceptions, and Clarifications
Because the series finale aired several years ago, some queries conflate the original broadcast date with renewal announcements, spin-off release windows, or fan event commemorations. It is important to distinguish between:
- The series finale (Season 8, Episode 10) — aired May 19, 2019.
- Spin-off or prequel release dates — e.g., House of the Dragon premiered in 2022.
- Behind-the-scenes documentaries or cast reunion specials — which may air at different dates.
When citing the "Game of Thrones finale date," use the May 19, 2019 air date for the episode "The Iron Throne" on HBO. If discussing related franchise launches or commemorative events, specify the event type and platform to avoid confusion.
Useful Comparisons
| Season/Event | Episode | U.S. Air Date | Approx. Live+Same Day Viewers (Household Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 4 (Red Wedding) | Ep. 10 | June 2, 2013 | ~15.7 million |
| Season 6 (Battle of the Bastards) | Ep. 9 | June 26, 2016 | ~7.9 million |
| Season 8 Finale | Ep. 10 | May 19, 2019 | ~19.3 million |
Note: Viewer metrics can vary by source (live+same day vs. consolidated/live+7). The figures above are representative examples drawn from publicly reported HBO ratings summaries.
Sources and Methodology
Information in this article is drawn from publicly available HBO press materials, network schedules, industry reporting (e.g., Nielsen ratings summaries), and platform availability listings. Where exact local schedules were unavailable for international regions, we note typical patterns (e.g., next-day or week-delayed windows). For questions on corrections or updates, refer to official HBO announcements.
FAQ
Reader questions
What time did the Game of Thrones finale air in the U.S.?
The finale aired at 9:00 PM Eastern Time and 6:00 PM Pacific Time on Sunday, May 19, 2019.
How many episodes were in Season 8?
Season 8 consisted of 6 episodes, with the series finale being the 10th episode of the season and the 73rd episode overall.
Where can I watch the finale now?
The finale is available to stream on HBO Max and remains part of the licensed catalog of many regional broadcasters.
Did the finale air on the same date globally?
No. Premiere timing varied by region; many territories received the episode one or more days after the U.S. simulcast.
What counts as the official finale date?
The widely recognized finale date is May 19, 2019, corresponding to the U.S. linear premiere of "The Iron Throne" on HBO.