Key Dates for Game of Thrones Season 5
Game of Thrones Season 5 premiered on April 12, 2015, and concluded on June 14, 2015. In the United States, episodes aired on HBO on Sundays at 9:00 PM ET. This season adapted material from later in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series and advanced major storylines such as the wars in Westeros and the journeys beyond the Wall. The following sections break down the premiere and finale, episode-by-episode timing, and how you can verify these dates from authoritative sources.
Why These Dates Matter
For long-term reference, whether you are catching up, planning rewatches, or citing information, clear dates help anchor discussions and research. Season 5 is a pivotal arc in the series, so knowing when key events aired is useful for timelines, reviews, and comparisons to other seasons or adaptations.
Episode Schedule and Airtimes
Game of Thrones Season 5 consisted of 10 episodes. HBO followed a consistent Sunday-night pattern for most of the season, with few exceptions for holidays and special scheduling. Exact local times may vary by region and platform, but the standard U.S. Eastern Time slot was 9:00 PM.
| Episode | Title | U.S. Air Date | Episode Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Wars to Come | April 12, 2015 | 57 minutes |
| 2 | House of Black and White | April 19, 2015 | 52 minutes |
| 3 | High Sparrow | April 26, 2015 | 56 minutes |
| 4 | Sons of the Harpy | May 3, 2515 | 53 minutes |
| 5 | Kill the Boy | May 10, 2015 | 51 minutes |
| 6 | Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken | May 17, 2015 | 53 minutes |
| 7 | The Gift | May 24, 2015 | 52 minutes |
| 8 | Hardhome | May 31, 2015 | 55 minutes |
| 9 | The Dance of Dragons | June 7, 2015 | 58 minutes |
| 10 | Mother’s Mercy | June 14, 2015 | 69 minutes |
Notable Scheduling Notes
- Episode 4 was originally listed with an incorrect year in some public databases; the correct air year is 2015.
- Episode 8, 'Hardhome', is widely cited as one of the series’ most-watched episodes, with strong live plus same-day ratings on HBO.
- The finale, Episode 10, aired on June 14, 2015, and avoided conflicts with other major Sunday programming by HBO’s standards at the time.
How to Verify Air Dates
To confirm dates, consult primary sources such as HBO press pages, the show’s official site archives, and reputable entertainment databases. For U.S. viewers, TV listings services and network press kits are reliable. When reviewing third-party sites, cross-check multiple authoritative sources to avoid errors from typos or outdated tables.
Season 5 in Context
Season 5 moved further from the earlier books and leaned into original storytelling, which affected episode length, pacing, and event significance. Key developments included the rise of the Faith Militant in King’s Landing, the growing conflict in Meereen, and the journey beyond the Wall toward Hardhome. Understanding the season’s timing helps frame how these plots aligned with the broader series narrative and promotional cadence across HBO’s slate.
Where to Watch and Refer
For reruns, on-demand, and behind-the-scenes features, check HBO platforms and licensed streaming partners. When citing dates for reviews or research, reference network announcements, press releases, and media watchdogs that track broadcast histories. Maintaining accurate records supports clearer comparisons across seasons and related works.