The final episode of Game of Thrones has aired and fans around the world have been sharing their reactions as the epic, eight-season programme came to an end.
Famous fans including Shirley Manson, Stephen King and more were sharing their anticipation of the final episode before it began in the early hours of Monday morning, whilst other fans speculated on how the show might end.
Cast members too were thanking fans for watching and sharing their memories of the last eight seasons – you can read some of their thoughts here:
PLEASE LET GOT BE GREAT TONIGHT. ?
— Garbage (@garbage) May 20, 2019
Before tonight's episode of GoT, big thanks to George R.R. Martin, David Benioff, and Dan Weiss for creating 8 seasons of enthralling fantasy (and human) drama. Few shows can truly be called groundbreaking. This is one of them. You guys rock!
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) May 20, 2019
Quiet in the realm.#TheFinalEpisode is here. #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/HKMWjdPEUx
— Game of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) May 20, 2019
I can’t believe it’s nearly over… ??… @GameOfThrones. What a ride it’s been ❤️❤️❤️
— Nathalie Emmanuel (@missnemmanuel) May 19, 2019
Almost there. It’s been utterly extraordinary. Thank you all. #GameOfThronesFinale #GamefThrones
— liam cunningham (@liamcunningham1) May 20, 2019
So tonight we have our very last episode. It’s the final step of a long and wonderful journey. A journey that, for me, started at 10am on Monday 19th of July 2010. I know this because recently I found my rehearsal… https://t.co/TUJ46AlaS6
— John Bradley (@johnbradleywest) May 19, 2019
The final episode of @GameOfThrones tonight folks. This was the adventure that was a life changer for myself and so many others, cast, crew and audience alike. Here's to the legacy of the greatest family of actors and friends ever. One last time #ForTheThrone #GameOfThronesFinale pic.twitter.com/79Ix6Xl4Fo
— Eugene Michael Simon (@Eugene_Simon) May 19, 2019
Early reactions to the start of the episode were largely positive, with fans praising the show’s pacing and action:
Superb opening 20 minutes, keep it up and we're on to a winner #GameOfThrones
— Will Gavin (@WillGav) May 20, 2019
(Genuinely feeling quite optimistic about this whole episode)
— CATS Fan Account (@chris_mandle) May 20, 2019
I'd honestly watch 8 more seasons of Tyrion walking through rubble… #GameofThrones
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) May 20, 2019
I know she's crazy and all but I just cant help but tear up that Dany is finally at her throne #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/zvwhOWjVrj
— Leni Weisberg (@Leni_Weisberg) May 20, 2019
The visuals with the dragons this episode is dope. @GameOfThrones #GameOfThronesFinale #GOTFinale #gameofthrones #gameofthronespredictions #got #jonsnow #theironthrone #Targaryen #Daenerys #dragons
— NYCWAO (@NYCWAO) May 20, 2019
This cinematography is perfect. Amazing. #gameofthrones
— Crenshaw Pete (@niisha_rae) May 20, 2019
This episode has been a solid 40 mins of slow walking. Cool cool cool #GameofThrones
— Nick Steinberg (@Nick_Steinberg) May 20, 2019
Half way in, and the first major shock of the episode arrived: Dany was killed by Jon. At this point, most of the internet melted but there was still a lot of love for Dany’s dragon, Drogo, who decided to burn the iron throne to a crisp:
jon: kills dany
drogon: FUCK YOU IRON THRONE YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS YOU DUMBASS CHAIR— ໊ (@anakihn) May 20, 2019
DROGON TRYING TO MOVE DANY AND WAKE HER UP I-#GameOfThronesFinale pic.twitter.com/3aXC6T4TX6
— vi misses badflower | 80 (@endlessreid) May 20, 2019
I’ve rooted for Dany for ten years just for her to be murdered by Jon Snow???#gameofthrones #demthrones pic.twitter.com/xRThIhLvKC
— Annie of House Targaryen ♈️ (@rickihazel) May 20, 2019
SO WHAT LESSON WE LEARN FROM #GOT TODAY THAT NEVER TRUST A MAN.#GameOfThronesFinale pic.twitter.com/JgefjJRrD1
— H. (@messyfav) May 20, 2019
No dany man ?
— AH (@dankmemking) May 20, 2019
OKAY DROGON IS THE GOODEST BOY EVER#GameOfThronesFinale #GOT pic.twitter.com/tbGbtFkHkr
— park sarang (@PARK_SARANG_) May 20, 2019
DROGON TAKES HER BECAUSE HE IS THE ONLY REAL FAMILY SHE HAS #GoT pic.twitter.com/exExPKq4Oy
— Stephanie? (@sogando94) May 20, 2019
Only thing that is making me somewhat okay right now is knowing that Khaleesi is back with her family #GameOfThrones #GOT pic.twitter.com/ksWFa5ag69
— Mary (@maryyyyrosee) May 20, 2019
can’t sit on it if it don’t exist anymore #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/jEmxeICswn
— Mollie Goodfellow (@hansmollman) May 20, 2019
And then perhaps the biggest shock of all arrived when Bran was named king. It was a decision many didn’t see coming and the reaction largely wasn’t a favourable one:
sorry but you absolutely cannot have an emo as king #GameOfThrones
— Mollie Goodfellow (@hansmollman) May 20, 2019
Please not Bran the Boring
— Fiona Sturges (@FionaSturges) May 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/judyberman/status/1130294543348314112
Everyone: Lord of winterfell?
Bran: I don’t have a desire to be Lord
Everyone: King?
Bran: pic.twitter.com/lhZTiX4D9L
— Hustler Kid⌚️ (@Chids__) May 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/KiwiSmalley/status/1130294547370713090
Bran about being a king: "I don't want it."
Tyrion about being a hand: "I don't want it."
Me about this finale: "I don't want it."@GameOfThrones #GameofThronesFinale
— Lance Lee (@lifewlancelee) May 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/orange9eat/status/1130291446567833600
I was in love with this #GameofThrones finale right up until they named fucking Bran the King.
— Brandon Katz (@Great_Katzby) May 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/sapphire_scout/status/1130291431606767616
when you do absolutely nothing during the group project and you get an A #GameOfThrones #GameOfThronesFinale pic.twitter.com/8e6eCJhnuL
— Kyle Parks (@kyparks18) May 20, 2019
All hail Bran the Broken, First of His Name, King of the Andals and the First Men, Lord of the Six Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm#GameofThrones #GOTFinale pic.twitter.com/mjsK8b8CO0
— Game of Thrones Facts (@thronesfacts) May 20, 2019
Meanwhile, one particular reunion towards the episode end made everyone feel a little better after the major curveball of Bran being named king:
When this scene is the ONLY satisfaction you got from the finale. #GameOfThronesFinale pic.twitter.com/GjYKUwVJ2a
— Joey ?? (@starmillennial) May 20, 2019
Can we all agree this was the best part of the episode #GOT pic.twitter.com/k3fCyNrf79
— Brandon Stacy (@bstacy217) May 20, 2019
They got one thing right pic.twitter.com/Nr0hBybBOn
— Molly (@Molly_Kats) May 20, 2019
Finally Ghost much deserved scene ? #GameOfThronesFinale pic.twitter.com/d1qwv42AsZ
— Paul John Balbesino (@pjbalbewho) May 20, 2019
I cried when I seen Ghost best feel of the episode for me. #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/rIKov94b3k
— Crystal Grieves (@crystalgrieves) May 20, 2019
The best fucking part. The worst part was when my baby Drogon cried ??? but at least my baby Ghost got a decent ending??? #GameOfThronesFinale pic.twitter.com/qhp7l34ULJ
— Johnetta (@just_johnetta) May 20, 2019
However, reactions to the ending have been mixed overall. Here’s some of the reaction so far:
“Best season ever” ? #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/xB8aEMdIOd
— GoT Things (@GoTthings_) May 20, 2019
Oof. That was a horrible way to end so many years of building the show up. Thanks for 6.5 decent seasons at least #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/hES2PBu4f6
— Akidintheway (@SamCart50923641) May 20, 2019
Me too. https://t.co/kUhZO6vJNg
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) May 20, 2019
Let the new era begin. ?
— Garbage (@garbage) May 20, 2019
Our watch has ended. ?
— Garbage (@garbage) May 20, 2019
End of an era. ?
— Garbage (@garbage) May 20, 2019
The final season has split viewers so far, with over 1 million people demanding a re-write of the final season. However, showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have said they are grateful for viewers sharing their reactions but rarely log on to read them.
“We don’t engage with it all that much, mainly because of the time and energy required to do so,” the pair told Rolling Stone.
“It’s gratifying to have people care enough about what you’re doing to feel like they need to comment on it in real time. Social media has been central to the way the show has been watched by many people.