Game of Thrones season 6
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2016}}
{{Infobox television season
| season_number = 6
| bgcolour = #31485C
| image = Game of Thrones Season 6.jpeg
| caption = Region 1 DVD cover
| showrunner = {{Plainlist|
- David Benioff
- {{nowrap|D. B. Weiss}}
}}
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Peter Dinklage
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
- Lena Headey
- Emilia Clarke
- Kit Harington
- Liam Cunningham
- Carice van Houten
- Natalie Dormer
- Indira Varma
- Sophie Turner
- Maisie Williams
- Conleth Hill
- Alfie Allen
- Gwendoline Christie
- Jonathan Pryce
- Michiel Huisman
- Michael McElhatton
- Iwan Rheon
- Iain Glen
- Nathalie Emmanuel
- Kristofer Hivju
- Tom Wlaschiha
- Dean-Charles Chapman
- Isaac Hempstead Wright
- John Bradley
- Hannah Murray
- Aidan Gillen
- Rory McCann
- Jerome Flynn
}}
| num_episodes = 10
| network = HBO
| first_aired = {{Start date|2016|4|24}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2016|6|26}}
| episode_list = List of Game of Thrones episodes
}}
The sixth season of the fantasy drama television series Game of Thrones premiered on HBO on April 24, 2016, and concluded on June 26. It consists of 10 episodes, each of approximately 50–60 minutes long. Much of the season's storyline is derived from content not yet published in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, although a significant amount of material from A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons and the upcoming sixth novel The Winds of Winter, which Martin outlined to showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, was used.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/game-of-thrones-season-6-finale-david-benioff-d-b-weiss-hbo-1201780242/|title='Game Of Thrones' David Benioff & D.B. Weiss On Shocking Season 6 Finale|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|date=June 28, 2016|access-date=June 29, 2016|archive-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816120112/http://deadline.com/2016/06/game-of-thrones-season-6-finale-david-benioff-d-b-weiss-hbo-1201780242/|url-status=live}} The series was adapted for television by Benioff and Weiss. HBO had ordered the season on April 8, 2014, together with the fifth season, which began filming in July 2015{{cite web|title=Game of Thrones Season 6 Premiere Date Revealed|url=http://tvline.com/2016/01/07/game-of-thrones-season-6-premiere-date/|publisher=TVLine|first=Kimberly|last=Roots|date=January 7, 2016|access-date=January 7, 2016|archive-date=December 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219060913/http://tvline.com/2016/01/07/game-of-thrones-season-6-premiere-date/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://ign.com/articles/2014/04/08/game-of-thrones-renewed-for-season-5-and-season-6|title=Game of Thrones Renewed for Season 5 and Season 6|last=Goldman|first=Eric|publisher=IGN|date=April 8, 2014|access-date=April 8, 2014|archive-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821120407/http://ign.com/articles/2014/04/08/game-of-thrones-renewed-for-season-5-and-season-6|url-status=live}} primarily in Northern Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Iceland and Canada. The season cost over $100 million to produce.
The season follows the continuing struggle among the noble families of Westeros for the Iron Throne. The Starks and allies defeat the Bolton forces in the "Battle of the Bastards" reuniting Sansa Stark and Jon Snow, who is proclaimed the King in the North, while Ramsay Bolton is killed. In Essos, Tyrion Lannister rules Meereen while Daenerys Targaryen is held captive by the Dothraki, after which she burns the Khals, emerges from the flames of their temple alive leading the surviving Dothraki to pledge her their loyalty. At King's Landing, Margaery Tyrell capitulates to the High Sparrow, who becomes more powerful by influencing King Tommen. The imprisoned Cersei avoids her trial by destroying the Great Sept with wildfire, killing the Sparrows, her uncle, and the Tyrells. Tommen commits suicide in the wake of the blast, and his mother is crowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Ellaria Sand and Oberyn Martell's daughters kill Doran and Trystane Martell and seize control of Dorne. Arya Stark finishes her assassin training and returns to Westeros to resume her revenge list. Bran Stark becomes the Three-Eyed Raven, escapes the White Walkers, and returns to the Wall. Yara Greyjoy fails in her bid to be queen of the Iron Islands, so she and Theon ally with Daenerys. Varys secures an alliance for her with Olenna and the Dornish.
Game of Thrones features a large ensemble cast, including Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, and Kit Harington. The season introduced new cast members, including Max von Sydow, Pilou Asbæk, and Essie Davis, and returned Isaac Hempstead Wright and David Bradley to the series. Additionally, Rory McCann returned to the series after his character, Sandor Clegane, was presumably left for dead in the fourth season. The season also marked the final appearances of Iwan Rheon, Michael McElhatton, Kristian Nairn, Natalie Dormer, Jonathan Pryce, and Finn Jones.
Critics praised its production values, writing, plot development, and cast. Game of Thrones received the most nominations for the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, with 23 nominations, and won 12, including that for Outstanding Drama Series for the second year in a row. U.S. viewership rose compared to the previous season, and by approximately 13 percent over its course, from 7.9 million to 8.9 million by the finale.
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Synopsis
{{see also|List of Game of Thrones episodes}}
=Background=
At this point in Game of Thrones, Margaery has married the new King Tommen Baratheon, Joffrey's younger brother, in King's Landing. The Sparrows, a group of religious fanatics, impose their views upon the city, imprisoning Margaery, her brother Loras, and Cersei for committing various sins. Jaime travels to Dorne to take back Myrcella Baratheon. However, Oberyn Martell's lover, Ellaria, and his bastard daughters kill Myrcella as revenge for Oberyn's death. In Winterfell, the new seat of House Bolton, Baelish arranges Sansa's marriage with the now-legitimized son of Roose Bolton, the sadist Ramsay. Stannis's unsuccessful march on Winterfell, which leads to his death, allows Sansa the opportunity to escape with Theon. At the Wall, as the newly elected Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Jon Snow forms an alliance with the Wildlings to save them from the White Walkers and their army of reanimated corpses. However, Jon is stabbed to death by some brothers who see him as a traitor. Arya arrives in Braavos, where she finds Jaqen H'ghar whom she had previously helped escape and begins training with the Faceless Men, a guild of assassins. In Essos, Tyrion becomes an advisor to Daenerys. Ser Jorah saves the life of Daenerys against a revolt of slavers, who flees Meereen on Drogon's back.{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/every-game-of-thrones-season-recapped-and-explained.html|url-access=limited|title=So, Uh, What Happened on Game of Thrones?|date=April 4, 2019|first=Nate|last=Jones|website=Vulture|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210612194929/https://www.vulture.com/article/every-game-of-thrones-season-recapped-and-explained.html|archive-date=June 12, 2021|url-status=live|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
=Episodes=
|EpisodeNumber = 51
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = The Red Woman
|DirectedBy = Jeremy Podeswa
|WrittenBy = David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|4|24}}
|Viewers = 7.94{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901123724/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/04/26/sunday-cable-ratings-april-24-2016/|archive-date=September 1, 2016|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/04/26/sunday-cable-ratings-april-24-2016/|title=Sunday cable ratings: 'Game of Thrones' opens slightly lower, still dominant|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=April 26, 2016|access-date=April 26, 2016|url-status=dead}}
|ShortSummary = Alliser Thorne assumes command of the Night's Watch, while Ser Davos and several loyalists bolt themselves inside a room with Jon's body; Edd leaves Castle Black to seek help. At Winterfell, Ramsay briefly mourns Myranda, while Sansa and Theon are pursued by Bolton men. Brienne and Podrick arrive, killing the pursuers. Sansa formally accepts Brienne into her service. Jaime arrives in King's Landing with Myrcella's body and vows to Cersei to take back everything taken from them. Obara and Nymeria murder Trystane Martell while, in Sunspear, Ellaria and Tyene kill Prince Doran and Areo Hotah after Doran learns of Myrcella's murder. In Meereen, Tyrion and Varys discover ships are burning in the harbor. Jorah and Daario Naharis continue tracking Daenerys, whom the Dothraki take to Khal Moro. In Braavos, a blinded Arya begs on the street. Each day, the Waif beats her with a staff and forces her to fight. In her bedchamber, Melisandre removes her bejeweled necklace revealing her true form, a frail and elderly woman.
|LineColor = #31485C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Game of Thrones season 6
|EpisodeNumber = 52
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = Home
|DirectedBy = Jeremy Podeswa
|WrittenBy = Dave Hill
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|5|1}}
|ShortSummary = In a vision of the past, Brandon sees his father Ned, uncle Benjen, their sister Lyanna, and young Hodor at Winterfell. Edd returns to Castle Black with Tormund and a group of Wildlings, imprisoning Thorne and the other mutineers. Tommen asks Cersei to help him be strong, as the High Sparrow threatens Jaime. Astapor and Yunkai have reverted to slavery. In the catacombs, Tyrion unchains Rhaegal and Viserion. In Braavos, Jaqen allows Arya to return to the House of Black and White. Roose Bolton's wife gives birth to a boy; Ramsay murders Roose, his stepmother, and the infant. En route to Castle Black, Brienne tells Sansa that she had encountered Arya. Theon leaves to head home to the Iron Islands. Euron Greyjoy also returns to Pyke Island and murders his brother, King Balon. Melisandre attempts and apparently fails to resurrect Jon, but after everyone leaves the room, Jon awakens.
|LineColor = #31485C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Game of Thrones season 6
|EpisodeNumber = 53
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = Oathbreaker
|DirectedBy = Daniel Sackheim
|WrittenBy = David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|5|8}}
|ShortSummary = En route to Oldtown to train as a Maester, Samwell first visits Horn Hill, his family home, intending to leave Gilly and Little Sam with his family, claiming Little Sam is his biological son. In a vision, Brandon sees young Ned and Howland Reed, Meera's father, dishonorably defeat a Targaryen Kingsguardsmen at the Tower of Joy in Dorne. Varys discovers that the masters of Slavers' Bay are financing the Sons of the Harpy. In King's Landing, the High Sparrow preaches to Tommen, while Jaime, Cersei and her bodyguard, Ser Gregor Clegane, interrupt a small council meeting, only to be shunned by Kevan Lannister and the Tyrells. The Waif rigorously trains Arya, whose sight is restored after accepting herself as "no-one". In Winterfell, Smalljon Umber asks Ramsay to help protect the North from the Wildlings, presenting Rickon Stark, Osha, and the head of Rickon's direwolf as gifts. Jon executes Thorne, Olly, and the other mutineers. He renounces his oath and puts Edd in charge of the Night's Watch.
|LineColor = #31485C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Game of Thrones season 6
|EpisodeNumber = 54
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = Book of the Stranger
|DirectedBy = Daniel Sackheim
|WrittenBy = David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|5|15}}
|ShortSummary =
Sansa, Brienne and Podrick arrive at Castle Black. Sansa wants Jon to retake the North. In Meereen, Tyrion offers the masters of Slaver's Bay peace in exchange for slavery being abolished within seven years; this angers former slaves. Littlefinger returns to the Vale to mobilize its soldiers against Ramsay. Daario learns about Jorah's greyscale; they find Daenerys in Vaes Dothrak. In King's Landing, Margaery is allowed to visit Loras in his cell. Cersei, Jaime, Kevan, and Olenna shelve their differences and plot to defeat the Sparrows. Theon arrives at Pyke Island and supports Yara's claim to the Iron Islands throne. In Winterfell, Ramsay kills Osha, who tries to assassinate him. Ramsay sends Jon a message, threatening Rickon unless Sansa is returned. Sansa convinces Jon to retake Winterfell. In the temple of the Dosh Khaleen, Daenerys tells the Khal leaders that they are not fit to lead the Dothraki. She ignites the temple, killing them. When she emerges unscathed, the Dothraki horde kneels before her.
|LineColor = #31485C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Game of Thrones season 6
|EpisodeNumber = 55
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = The Door
|DirectedBy = Jack Bender
|WrittenBy = David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|5|22}}
|ShortSummary = Sansa secretly meets with Littlefinger, who offers the Vale's forces and says her great uncle, Brynden Tully, is building an army in Riverrun. Distrusting him, Sansa declines his help. Jon and Sansa leave Castle Black to gather Northern houses' support. Sansa sends Brienne to meet with her great-uncle, Brynden Tully. In Braavos, Arya is tasked to assassinate Lady Crane, an actress. Beyond the Wall, Bran learns that the Children of the Forest created the White Walkers to protect themselves from mankind. In the Iron Islands, Euron wins the Kingsmoot, despite killing Balon; Yara, Theon, and their supporters flee, taking many ships. In Essos, Daenerys orders Jorah to find a cure for his greyscale, then return. In Meereen, Kinvara, a red priestess, meets Tyrion and Varys and promises to support Daenerys. In Bran's unaccompanied vision, the Night King touches him, leaving his mark and making the cave vulnerable. The Night King, White Walkers, and hordes of wights attack the cave, killing the Three-Eyed Raven, several Children, Summer, and Hodor, whose younger self was rendered mentally disabled by Meera’s order to "Hold the door".
|LineColor = #31485C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Game of Thrones season 6
|EpisodeNumber = 56
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = Blood of My Blood
|DirectedBy = Jack Bender
|WrittenBy = Bryan Cogman
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|5|29}}
|ShortSummary = Meera escapes the cave with Bran, who is immersed in the Three-Eyed Raven's transferred visions. In the forest, the wights attack, but a man on horseback saves them. At Horn Hill, Sam's father, Randyll, demeans him as a soft bookworm and insults Gilly for being a Wildling. That night, Sam takes House Tarly's ancestral Valyrian steel sword, Heartsbane, and leaves with Gilly and Little Sam. Arya warns Lady Crane of her planned assassination, then retrieves Needle. Jaqen allows the Waif to find and kill Arya. Jaime attempts to rescue Margaery from the Faith Militant, only to find she has repented and Tommen has forged an alliance with the Faith. Tommen forbids Jaime to serve as a King's Guard in King's Landing and orders him to aid Walder Frey, who is holding Edmure Tully hostage, to retake Riverrun from Brynden Tully. Benjen Stark, who saved Meera and Bran, says he was turned by the White Walkers but the Children of the Forest unturned him with Dragonglass. Daenerys mounts Drogon and inspires the Dothraki to cross the Narrow Sea and conquer Westeros for her.
|LineColor = #31485C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Game of Thrones season 6
|EpisodeNumber = 57
|EpisodeNumber2 = 7
|Title = The Broken Man
|DirectedBy = Mark Mylod
|WrittenBy = Bryan Cogman
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|6|5}}
|ShortSummary = The Hound is alive and living a simple, non-violent life, having been saved by a Septon and his followers. When rogue Brotherhood members threaten and eventually slaughter the group, the Hound seeks revenge. Margaery convinces her grandmother to return to Highgarden after the High Sparrow threatens to punish Olenna following her and Jaime's confrontation with the Faith. Margaery then secretly signals to Olenna that she has not converted to the Faith. Jon, Sansa, and Davos recruit the wildlings, House Mormont, and others but remain outnumbered by the Boltons. Sansa secretly sends a message to the Vale requesting aid. Jaime arrives in Riverrun with Bronn and assumes command of the siege. Jaime unsuccessfully parleys with Brynden Tully. Theon and Yara spend their last night in Volantis before sailing to Meereen to ally with Daenerys. Arya prepares to return to Westeros until the Waif, disguised as an old crone, viciously stabs her.
|LineColor = #31485C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Game of Thrones season 6
|EpisodeNumber = 58
|EpisodeNumber2 = 8
|Title = No One
|DirectedBy = Mark Mylod
|WrittenBy = David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|6|12}}
|ShortSummary = Tommen abolishes trial by combat, to Cersei's dismay, who planned to win her trial with the Mountain as her champion. In Riverrun, Brienne fails to persuade Brynden Tully to surrender the castle and ride safely North. After Jaime threatens to kill Edmure's infant son, Edmure enters the castle and orders Tully forces to stand down. Brynden is killed fighting the Lannisters while Brienne and Podrick escape. Varys departs for Westeros on a secret mission. Meereen comes under naval assault by the slaving cities; Daenerys returns on Drogon, accompanied by the Dothraki. The Hound kills four of the rogues, then encounters Beric Dondarrion and Thoros, who captured the others. They execute them and ask Clegane to join the Brotherhood. Arya seeks out Lady Crane, who tends her wounds. The Waif kills Lady Crane and pursues Arya through the streets. Arya leads the Waif into darkened catacombs and kills her using Needle. Arya places the Waif's face in the House's columned collection room. She tells Jaqen that she is Arya Stark of Winterfell, and she is going home.
|LineColor = #31485C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Game of Thrones season 6
|EpisodeNumber = 59
|EpisodeNumber2 = 9
|Title = Battle of the Bastards
|DirectedBy = Miguel Sapochnik
|WrittenBy = David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|6|19}}
|ShortSummary = On Tyrion's advice, Daenerys meets with three slave masters to negotiate a surrender, which they refuse. The three dragons attack and burn the slavers' ships. Grey Worm kills two masters, leaving one alive to report what he witnessed. Theon and Yara meet with Daenerys and Tyrion to offer an alliance in exchange for the Iron Islands being independent. Near Winterfell, the Stark and Bolton armies meet on the battlefield. Ramsay feigns releasing Rickon before killing him with an arrow. In the battle, the Stark forces are pinned by Bolton soldiers until the Knights of the Vale arrive and overwhelm them. Ramsay flees to Winterfell, but the wildling giant Wun Wun breaches the gate and Ramsay is taken prisoner after Jon beats him senseless. Later, Sansa watches Ramsay's starving hounds devour him.
|LineColor = #31485C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Game of Thrones season 6
|EpisodeNumber = 60
|EpisodeNumber2 = 10
|Title = The Winds of Winter
|DirectedBy = Miguel Sapochnik
|WrittenBy = David Benioff & D. B. Weiss
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2016|6|26}}
|ShortSummary = Before her trial, Cersei destroys the Sept of Baelor by wildfire, killing the High Sparrow, the Tyrells, Lancel and Kevan Lannister, hundreds of nobles, and the Faith Militant; Qyburn has Pycelle killed. Cersei reveals her incest with Jaime and that she killed Robert Baratheon to Septa Unella before having Ser Gregor Clegane torture Septa Unella until she dies. Distraught over Margaery's death, Tommen commits suicide. In Dorne, Varys meets with Olenna and Ellaria, seeking an alliance between Daenerys and their Houses against the Lannisters. Davos confronts Melisandre over Princess Shireen's death, resulting in Jon banishing her. Led by Lyanna Mormont, the Wildlings and the surviving northern houses pledge loyalty to Jon as King of the North. Sansa rebuffs Littlefinger's romantic overtures. Sam and Gilly reach the Citadel in Oldtown. Benjen accompanies Brandon and Meera to the Wall but is unable to go further. In a vision, Bran sees Ned finding Lyanna Stark as she lies dying after giving birth (to Jon Snow) during King Robert's rebellion. Jaime returns to King's Landing, and Cersei crowns herself Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Daenerys names Tyrion Hand of the Queen and sails for Westeros with the Greyjoys, her armies, and her dragons, leaving Daario Naharis and the Second Sons behind to rule Meereen until new leaders are elected.
|LineColor = #31485C
}}}}
Cast
{{see also|List of Game of Thrones characters}}
===Main cast===
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|style=width:80%|
- Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister{{cite press release |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2016/04/07/emmy-and-golden-globe-winning-hbo-series-game-of-thrones-returns-for-sixth-season-april-24-627514/20160407hbo01/ |title=Emmy(R)- and Golden Globe-Winning HBO Series "Game of Thrones" Returns for Sixth Season April 24 |publisher=HBO |date=April 7, 2016 |access-date=April 25, 2016 |archive-date=June 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160629160632/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2016/04/07/emmy-and-golden-globe-winning-hbo-series-game-of-thrones-returns-for-sixth-season-april-24-627514/20160407hbo01/ |url-status=live }}
- Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister
- Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
- Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen
- Kit Harington as Jon Snow{{cite web |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/blog/kit-harington-tells-us-jon-snow-will-return-in-game-of-thrones-season-6-030416 |title=Kit Harington tells us Jon Snow will return in 'Game of Thrones' season 6... |work=Time Out London |first=Andrzej |last=Lukowski |date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-date=December 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219102315/https://www.timeout.com/london/blog/kit-harington-tells-us-jon-snow-will-return-in-game-of-thrones-season-6-030416 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-season-6-jon-882432|title='Game of Thrones': Kit Harington Remains in Season 6 Opening Credits|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Wigler|first=Josh|date=April 11, 2016|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=April 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411145812/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-season-6-jon-882432|url-status=live}}
- Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth{{cite web|last=Couch|first=Aaron|title=Comic-Con: 'Game of Thrones' Stars Talk Jon Snow Theories, Rape Controversy|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/comic-con-2015-game-thrones-807035|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 10, 2015|access-date=July 19, 2015|archive-date=April 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422230832/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/comic-con-2015-game-thrones-807035|url-status=live}}
- Carice van Houten as Melisandre
- Natalie Dormer as Margaery Tyrell
- Indira Varma as Ellaria Sand
- Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark
- Maisie Williams as Arya Stark
- Conleth Hill as Varys
- Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy
- Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth
- Jonathan Pryce as the High Sparrow
- Michiel Huisman as Daario Naharis
- Michael McElhatton as Roose Bolton
- Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Bolton
- Iain Glen as Jorah Mormont
- Nathalie Emmanuel as Missandei
- Kristofer Hivju as Tormund Giantsbane
- Tom Wlaschiha as Jaqen H'ghar
- Dean-Charles Chapman as Tommen Baratheon
- Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark
- John Bradley as Samwell Tarly
- Hannah Murray as Gilly
- Aidan Gillen as Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish
- Rory McCann as Sandor "The Hound" Clegane{{cite web|title=Game of Thrones: Cast and Crew|access-date=May 1, 2018|url=https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/cast-and-crew|publisher=HBO|archive-date=December 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202155343/https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones/cast-and-crew|url-status=live}}
- Jerome Flynn as Bronn
}}
=Guest cast=
The recurring actors listed here are those who appeared in season 6. They are listed by the region in which they first appear:
{{col-begin|width=80%}}
{{col-2}}
==In the North, including the Wall==
- Daniel Portman as Podrick Payne
- Natalia Tena as Osha{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/09/game-of-thrones-season-6-cast|title=Game of Thrones: Everything We Know About the Season 6 Cast|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Joanna|last=Robinson|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308201254/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/09/game-of-thrones-season-6-cast|url-status=live}}
- Art Parkinson as Rickon Stark
- Owen Teale as Alliser Thorne{{cite web|last=Wigler|first=Josh|title='Game of Thrones' Season 6 Premiere: 'The Red Woman' Reveals An Ancient Secret|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-season-6-premiere-885557|access-date=April 25, 2016|date=April 24, 2016|work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=April 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426145811/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-season-6-premiere-885557|url-status=live}}
- Ben Crompton as Eddison Tollett
- Brenock O'Connor as Olly{{cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/davos-defends-dead-jon-snow-in-new-game-of-thrones-clip-w202066|title=Davos Defends Dead Jon Snow in New 'Game of Thrones' Clip|first=Ryan|last=Gajewski|work=Us Weekly|date=April 8, 2016|access-date=April 13, 2016|archive-date=April 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411050711/http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/davos-defends-dead-jon-snow-in-new-game-of-thrones-clip-w202066|url-status=live}}
- Charlotte Hope as Myranda
- Elizabeth Webster as Walda Bolton{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/666440/Game-of-Thrones-season-6-Home-review-GOTS0602-Jon-Snow-alive|title=Game of Thrones season 6, Home review: Earth-shattering stuff|work=Daily Express|first=Neela|last=Debnath|date=May 2, 2016|access-date=May 8, 2017|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802085957/http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/666440/Game-of-Thrones-season-6-Home-review-GOTS0602-Jon-Snow-alive|url-status=live}}
- Paul Rattray as Harald Karstark
- Dean Jagger as Smalljon Umber{{cite web|url=http://www.melty.com/game-of-thrones-season-6-lord-karstark-and-smalljon-umber-to-appear-a1713.html|title=Game of Thrones Season 6: Lord Karstark and Smalljon Umber to appear|first=Léa|last=D|date=August 31, 2015|publisher=Melty.com|access-date=January 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228215202/http://www.melty.com/game-of-thrones-season-6-lord-karstark-and-smalljon-umber-to-appear-a1713.html|archive-date=December 28, 2015|url-status=dead}}
- Tim McInnerny as Robett Glover{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/gallery/game-thrones-season-6-first-look/2619478_sophie-turner-sansa-stark-kit-harington-jon-snow-liam-cunningham-davos-seaworth-tim-mcinnerny-robett |title='Game of Thrones' Season 6 First Look |first=James |last=Hibberd |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-date=November 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113235945/http://www.ew.com/gallery/game-thrones-season-6-first-look/2619478_sophie-turner-sansa-stark-kit-harington-jon-snow-liam-cunningham-davos-seaworth-tim-mcinnerny-robett |url-status=live }}
- Bella Ramsey as Lyanna Mormont{{cite news|last=Hawkes|first=Rebecca|title=Game of Thrones: who is Lyanna Mormont, the 10 year-old taking the show by storm?|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/06/07/game-of-throness-coolest-pre-teen-who-is-lyanna-mormont/|access-date=January 26, 2017|work=The Telegraph|date=June 8, 2016|archive-date=December 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216191644/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/06/07/game-of-throness-coolest-pre-teen-who-is-lyanna-mormont/|url-status=live}}
- Sean Blowers as Wyman Manderly{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/27/game-of-thrones-why-book-fans-loves-wyman-manderly|title=Game of Thrones: Why Book Fans Love Wyman Manderly|date=June 27, 2016|first=Terri|last=Schwartz|website=IGN|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Tom Varey as Cley Cerwyn{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/tom_varey|title=Tom Varey|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Richard Rycroft as Maester Wolkan{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-thrones-season-7-bolton-winterfell-maester-wolkan-richard-rycroft-a7345586.html|title=Game of Thrones season 7: Bolton ally spotted in Winterfell|date=October 5, 2016|first=Jack|last=Shepherd|website=The Independent|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Michael Condron as Bowen Marsh{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/04/game-of-thrones-season-6-clip|title=Jon Snow's Corpse and Davos's Sword Take Center Stage in New Game of Thrones Clip|first=Katey|last=Rich|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=April 8, 2016|access-date=April 20, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422231437/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/04/game-of-thrones-season-6-clip|url-status=live}}
- Brian Fortune as Othell Yarwyck{{cite web|url=http://www.newstalk.com/EXCLUSIVE:-meet-Game-Of-Thrones-actor-Brian-Fortune-the-man-who-killed-SPOILERS|title="Trying to keep that secret was like I really did murder somebody". Exclusive interview with Game Of Thrones actor Brian Fortune|website=Newstalk.com|date=November 25, 2015|first=Rory|last=Cashin|access-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116100403/https://www.newstalk.com/EXCLUSIVE:-meet-Game-Of-Thrones-actor-Brian-Fortune-the-man-who-killed-SPOILERS|archive-date=January 16, 2019|url-status=dead}}
- Ian Whyte as Wun Wun{{cite web|title=We spoke to Game of Thrones giant Wun Wun about his death|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/game-of-thrones-season-6-wun-wun-dies-giant-actor-ian-whyte-discusses-the-death-of-the-battle-of-the-a7097156.html|first=Christopher|last=Hooton|work=The Independent|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=January 26, 2017|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416095804/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/game-of-thrones-season-6-wun-wun-dies-giant-actor-ian-whyte-discusses-the-death-of-the-battle-of-the-a7097156.html|url-status=live}}
- Murray McArthur as Dim Dalba{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/05/13/every-single-soap-star-who-has-appeared-in-game-of-thrones-9415878/|title=Every single soap star who has appeared in Game Of Thrones|date=May 13, 2019|first=Daniel|last=Mackrell|website=Metro|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
==Beyond the Wall==
- Max von Sydow as the Three-eyed Raven{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/03/game-thrones-max-von-sydow |title=Game of Thrones recasts Three-Eyed Raven with Exorcist star |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=James |last=Hibberd |date=August 3, 2015 |access-date=August 3, 2015 |archive-date=August 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804003757/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/03/game-thrones-max-von-sydow |url-status=live }}
- Ellie Kendrick as Meera Reed{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-ellie-kendrick-unsure-if-meera-reed-and-jon-snow-are-related-a6878671.html |title=Game of Thrones season 6: Are Meera and Jon Snow related? Ellie Kendrick is unsure but would 'love it to be true' |work=The Independent |first=Jack |last=Shepard |date=February 17, 2016 |access-date=March 15, 2016 |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316022202/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-ellie-kendrick-unsure-if-meera-reed-and-jon-snow-are-related-a6878671.html |url-status=live }}
- Kristian Nairn as Hodor
- Joseph Mawle as Benjen Stark{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/05/29/game-thrones-coldhands-benjen-stark|title=Game of Thrones producer on the sudden return of that character|first=James|last=Hibberd|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=May 29, 2016|access-date=January 26, 2017|archive-date=January 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119053812/http://ew.com/article/2016/05/29/game-thrones-coldhands-benjen-stark/|url-status=live}}
- Kae Alexander as Leaf{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfXP1RHLLx4 |title=Game of Thrones: Season 6 Anatomy of a Scene: The Cave Battle (HBO) |publisher=YouTube |date=May 23, 2016 |access-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-date=May 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523201935/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfXP1RHLLx4&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}
- Vladimir "Furdo" Furdik as the Night King
==In the Riverlands==
- David Bradley as Walder Frey
- Clive Russell as Brynden Tully{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-brynden-the-blackfish-tully-returning-to-show-for-siege-of-riverrun-a6698516.html|title=Game of Thrones season 6: Brynden 'The Blackfish' Tully returning for Siege of Riverrun storyline|work=The Independent|first=Jack|last=Shepherd|date=October 19, 2015|access-date=November 16, 2015|archive-date=October 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005155838/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-brynden-the-blackfish-tully-returning-to-show-for-siege-of-riverrun-a6698516.html|url-status=live}}
- Tobias Menzies as Edmure Tully{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/613682/Game-of-Thrones-season-6-spoiler-Edmure-Tully-return-Riverrun-Tobias-Menzies|title=Game of Thrones season 6 spoilers: Edmure Tully returning in Riverrun storyline|work=Daily Express|first=Neela|last=Debnath|date=October 21, 2015|access-date=November 16, 2015|archive-date=November 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117025654/http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/613682/Game-of-Thrones-season-6-spoiler-Edmure-Tully-return-Riverrun-Tobias-Menzies|url-status=live}}
- Richard Dormer as Beric Dondarrion{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160921195029/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-season-6-kills-902064 |archive-date=September 21, 2016 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-season-6-kills-902064 |title='Game of Thrones' Season 6 Kills Several Someones in 'No One' |work=The Hollywood Reporter |last=Wigler|first=Josh|date=June 12, 2016|access-date=January 31, 2017|url-status=live}}
- Paul Kaye as Thoros of Myr{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-season-3-character-confirmed-for-return-a6988981.html|title=Game of Thrones season 6: Character last seen in season 3 to make return|work=The Independent|first=Jacob|last=Stolworthy|date=April 18, 2016|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=June 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609021722/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-season-3-character-confirmed-for-return-a6988981.html|url-status=live}}
- Tim Plester as Black Walder Rivers
- Daniel Tuite as Lothar Frey{{cite web|url=http://winteriscoming.net/2016/04/19/game-of-thrones-recasts-a-villain-from-season-3/|title=Game of Thrones recasts a villain from Season 3|publisher=Winteriscoming.net|first=Ani|last=Bundel|date=April 19, 2016|access-date=April 20, 2016|archive-date=April 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420125232/http://winteriscoming.net/2016/04/19/game-of-thrones-recasts-a-villain-from-season-3/|url-status=live}}
- Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Lem{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4368325/game-of-thrones-lemoncloak-lady-stoneheart-introduction/|url-access=limited|title=Game of Thrones Actor Performs Lady Stoneheart's Introduction|date=June 14, 2016|first=Megan|last=McCluskey|magazine=Time|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Ricky Champ as Gatins{{cite web|last=Garofalo|first=Alex|title='Game Of Thrones' Season 6 Spoilers: Ricky Champ Joins Cast As New Character Amid Jon Snow Buzz|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/game-thrones-season-6-spoilers-ricky-champ-joins-cast-new-character-amid-jon-snow-2022411|date=July 23, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2015|work=International Business Times|archive-date=August 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802083151/http://www.ibtimes.com/game-thrones-season-6-spoilers-ricky-champ-joins-cast-new-character-amid-jon-snow-2022411|url-status=live}}
- Ian Davies as Morgan{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/ian_davies|title=Ian Davies|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Ian McShane as Brother Ray{{cite web|title=Ian McShane Has No Regrets About Spoiling Game of Thrones|url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/07/ian-mcshane-has-no-regrets-about-spoiling-got.html|first=Kyle|last=Buchanan|publisher=Vulture.com|access-date=January 26, 2017|date=July 24, 2016|archive-date=November 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115170316/http://www.vulture.com/2016/07/ian-mcshane-has-no-regrets-about-spoiling-got.html|url-status=live}}
==On the Iron Islands==
- Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy{{cite web|last=Denham|first=Jess|title=Game of Thrones season 6: Yara Greyjoy returns as actress Gemma Whelan spotted in Belfast|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-yara-greyjoy-returns-as-actress-gemma-whelan-spotted-in-belfast-10404234.html|access-date=July 21, 2015|date=July 21, 2015|work=The Independent|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723004226/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-yara-greyjoy-returns-as-actress-gemma-whelan-spotted-in-belfast-10404234.html|url-status=live}}
- Patrick Malahide as Balon Greyjoy{{cite web|url=http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/exclusive-pictures-season-6|title=See Exclusive Pictures From Season 6|work=Making Game of Thrones.com|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=February 11, 2016|archive-date=March 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317035951/http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/exclusive-pictures-season-6|url-status=live}}
- Pilou Asbæk as Euron Greyjoy{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/02/game-of-thrones-pilou-asbaek-euron-greyjoy|title=Game of Thrones adds Lucy actor to play Euron Greyjoy|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Jonathon|last=Dornbush|date=September 2, 2015|access-date=September 2, 2015|archive-date=September 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904173232/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/02/game-of-thrones-pilou-asbaek-euron-greyjoy|url-status=live}}
- Michael Feast as Aeron Greyjoy
==In Dorne==
- Alexander Siddig as Doran Martell{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/04/game-of-thrones-spoilers-season-6-premiere-kit-harington-emilia-clarke-hbo-1201742905/|title='Game Of Thrones' Season 6 Opener Brings Reunions, Rescues, [Spoilers] & Revenge|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Dominic|last=Patten|date=April 24, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=April 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425051301/http://deadline.com/2016/04/game-of-thrones-spoilers-season-6-premiere-kit-harington-emilia-clarke-hbo-1201742905/|url-status=live}}
- Toby Sebastian as Trystane Martell
- Jessica Henwick as Nymeria Sand
- Keisha Castle-Hughes as Obara Sand
- Rosabell Laurenti Sellers as Tyene Sand{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/global/rosabell-laurenti-sellers-who-plays-tyene-sand-in-game-of-thrones-on-her-career-transition-from-rome-to-london-1201610078/|title='Game of Thrones' Star Rosabell Laurenti Sellers on Transition From Rome to London|work=Variety|first=Nick|last=Vivarelli|date=October 5, 2015|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-date=February 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229193832/http://variety.com/2015/tv/global/rosabell-laurenti-sellers-who-plays-tyene-sand-in-game-of-thrones-on-her-career-transition-from-rome-to-london-1201610078/|url-status=live}}
- DeObia Oparei as Areo Hotah{{cite web|url=http://zap2it.com/2015/09/game-of-thrones-deobia-oparei-concerned-about-trystane/|title='Game of Thrones': DeObia Oparei thinks people should be concerned about Trystane|first=Terri|last=Schwartz|publisher=Zap2it|date=September 7, 2015|access-date=April 20, 2016|archive-date=April 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428055949/http://zap2it.com/2015/09/game-of-thrones-deobia-oparei-concerned-about-trystane/|url-status=dead}}
{{col-2}}
==In King's Landing==
- Diana Rigg as Olenna Tyrell
- Julian Glover as Grand Maester Pycelle{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/04/julian-glover-game-of-thrones-pycelle.html |title=Game of Thrones's Julian Glover on Playing Pycelle, Auditioning for Dumbledore, and What He Won't Do on HBO |publisher=Vulture |first=Jennifer |last=Vineyard |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=April 26, 2016 |archive-date=April 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427235245/http://www.vulture.com/2016/04/julian-glover-game-of-thrones-pycelle.html |url-status=live }}
- Finn Jones as Loras Tyrell{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/12/game-thrones-finn-jones-loras-season-6|title=Game of Thrones Finn Jones: Ser Loras being treated 'very badly'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=James|last=Hibberd|date=April 12, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=April 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415094415/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/12/game-thrones-finn-jones-loras-season-6|url-status=live}}
- Anton Lesser as Qyburn{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/08/game-thrones-season-6-trailer|title=Game of Thrones season 6 trailer is finally here|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=March 8, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2016|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308220010/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/08/game-thrones-season-6-trailer|url-status=live}}
- Roger Ashton-Griffiths as Mace Tyrell{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/game-thrones-season-6-spoilers-olenna-confront-mace-tyrell-flashback-scene-hodor-2088325/|title=Olenna to Confront Mace Tyrell|work=International Business Times|last=Trivedi|first=Sachin|date=September 9, 2015|access-date=March 21, 2016|archive-date=September 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911235855/http://www.ibtimes.com/game-thrones-season-6-spoilers-olenna-confront-mace-tyrell-flashback-scene-hodor-2088325|url-status=live}}
- Eugene Simon as Lancel Lannister
- Ian Gelder as Kevan Lannister{{cite web|last1=Trivedi|first1=Sachin|title='Game of Thrones' Season 6 production update and Kristian Nairn on what 'Hodor' could mean|url=http://www.ibtimes.com.au/game-thrones-season-6-production-update-kristian-nairn-what-hodor-could-mean-1460759|access-date=August 17, 2015|date=August 17, 2015|work=International Business Times|archive-date=January 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131114938/http://www.ibtimes.com.au/game-thrones-season-6-production-update-kristian-nairn-what-hodor-could-mean-1460759|url-status=live}}
- Hannah Waddingham as Septa Unella
- Nell Tiger Free as Myrcella Baratheon{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-season-6-spoilers-864566|title=What HBO's New 'Game of Thrones' Photos Reveal About Season 6|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Wigler|first=Josh|date=February 12, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2016|archive-date=May 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503033029/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-season-6-spoilers-864566|url-status=live}}
- Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson as Gregor Clegane{{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-season-6-is-877171 |title='Game of Thrones': Season 6 Is In for a Mountain of Trouble |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Josh |last=Wigler |date=March 22, 2016 |access-date=April 27, 2016 |archive-date=April 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417000258/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/game-thrones-season-6-is-877171 |url-status=live }}
- Josephine Gillan as Marei{{cite web|url=https://people.com/tv/game-of-thrones-josephine-gillan-claims-baby-kidnapped-israel-social-services/|title=Game of Thrones' Josephine Gillan Claims Her Baby Was 'Kidnapped' by Social Services in Israel|date=August 15, 2019|first=Joelle|last=Goldstein|website=People|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Nathanael Saleh as Arthur{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/nathanael_saleh|title=Nathanael Saleh|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Annette Hannah as Frances{{cite web|url=https://www.chronicle.gi/comic-con-celebrities-inspire-youngsters/|title=Comic Con celebrities inspire youngsters|date=October 14, 2019|website=Gibraltar Chronicle|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
==In the Vale==
- Lino Facioli as Robin Arryn{{cite web|url=http://highlighthollywood.com/2015/12/lino-facioli-lord-robin-arryn-of-the-vale-returning-for-season-6-winter-is-coming-highlight-hollywood-news/|title=Lino Facioli (Lord Robin Arryn Of The Vale) Returning For Season 6, Winter Is Coming, Highlight Hollywood News|first=Tommy|last=Lightfoot Garrett|publisher=Highlighthollywood.com|date=December 2, 2015|access-date=January 26, 2017|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618052730/http://highlighthollywood.com/2015/12/lino-facioli-lord-robin-arryn-of-the-vale-returning-for-season-6-winter-is-coming-highlight-hollywood-news/|url-status=live}}
- Rupert Vansittart as Yohn Royce{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvpWli9X6GQ|title=Game of Thrones Season 5 & 6 Yohn Royce Interview – Rupert Vansittart|work=YouTube|date=June 17, 2015|access-date=July 23, 2015|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310145505/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvpWli9X6GQ|url-status=live}}
==In Braavos==
- Faye Marsay as the Waif
- Richard E. Grant as Izembaro{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/08/game-thrones-casts-richard-e-grant-mystery-role|title=Game of Thrones casts Richard E. Grant in mystery role|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=James|last=Hibberd|date=September 8, 2015|access-date=September 8, 2015|archive-date=September 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909192538/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/08/game-thrones-casts-richard-e-grant-mystery-role|url-status=live}}
- Essie Davis as Lady Crane{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/09/game-of-thrones-essie-davis-cersei-babadook|title=Game of Thrones Casts Babadook Star Essie Davis to Play Queen Cersei . . . Kinda [Updated]|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Joanna|last=Robinson|date=September 11, 2015|access-date=September 12, 2015|archive-date=September 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913032938/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/09/game-of-thrones-essie-davis-cersei-babadook|url-status=live}}
- Leigh Gill as Bobono{{cite web|url=https://www.fatherly.com/news/joker-sequel-leigh-gill/|title='Game of Thrones' Actor Endorses Fan Idea for a 'Joker' Sequel|date=December 10, 2019|first=Cameron|last=LeBlanc|website=Fatherly|access-date=June 12, 2021|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731220053/https://www.fatherly.com/news/joker-sequel-leigh-gill/|url-status=dead}}
- Eline Powell as Bianca{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/eline_powell|title=Eline Powell|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Rob Callender as Clarenzo{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/rob_callender|title=Rob Callender|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Kevin Eldon as Camello{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-brass-eyes-kevin-eldon-joins-richard-e-grants-theatre-troupe-10499514.html|title=Game of Thrones season 6: Brass Eye's Kevin Eldon joins Richard E. Grant's 'theatre troupe'|work=The Independent|first=Christopher|last=Hooton|date=September 14, 2015|access-date=September 14, 2015|archive-date=September 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916164917/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-brass-eyes-kevin-eldon-joins-richard-e-grants-theatre-troupe-10499514.html|url-status=live}}
==In Meereen==
- Jacob Anderson as Grey Worm
- George Georgiou as Razdal mo Eraz{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/george_georgiou|title=George Georgiou|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Eddie Jackson as Belicho Paenymion{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/youre-not-allowed-to-leave-anything-in-the-hotel-rooms-irish-actor-on-game-of-thrones-script-secrecy-34650525.html|title='You're not allowed to leave anything in the hotel rooms' - Irish actor on Game of Thrones' script secrecy|date=April 22, 2016|first=Aoife|last=Kelly|website=Independent.ie|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Enzo Cilenti as Yezzan zo Qaggaz
- Ania Bukstein as Kinvara{{cite news |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160817123724/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4802654,00.html |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4802654,00.html |title=Ania Bukstein on Game of Thrones |first=Itay |last=Segal |newspaper=Ynetnews |date=May 14, 2016 |access-date=January 27, 2017 |url-status=live}}
- Gerald Lepkowski as Zanrush{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/gerald_lepkowski_2|title=Gerald Lepkowski|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Meena Rayann as Vala{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/uk-regional/article/Game-Of-Thrones-Meena-Rayann-Amongst-Cast-For-Exchange-Theatres-THE-FLIES-20190513|title=Game Of Thrones' Meena Rayann Amongst Cast For Exchange Theatre's THE FLIES|date=May 13, 2019|first=Stephi|last=Wild|website=BroadwayWorld|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
==In Vaes Dothrak==
- Joe Naufahu as Khal Moro{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGHczrb2nvw |title=Game of Thrones Season 6: Episode #1 – A Widow's Future (HBO) |publisher=HBO |medium=YouTube |date=April 24, 2016 |access-date=April 25, 2016 |archive-date=April 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425084527/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGHczrb2nvw |url-status=live }}
- Andrei Claude as Khal Rhalko{{cite web|url=https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/vikings-season-6-new-cast-member-andrei-claude-keeps-sharing-images.html/|title='Vikings' Season 6: New Cast Member Andrei Claude Keeps Sharing Behind-The-Scenes Images|date=October 12, 2019|first=Amanda|last=Spence|website=Showbiz Cheat Sheet|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Tamer Hassan as Khal Forzho{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/love-island-s-belle-hassan-reveals-her-actor-father-tamer-hassan-got-her-on-the-show-a4208261.html|title=Love Island's Belle Hassan reveals how actor father Tamer got her on the show|date=August 8, 2019|first=Isobel|last=Frodsham|website=Evening Standard|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Staz Nair as Qhono{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/game-of-thrones-daenerys-dothraki-army-chief-is-actually-an-actor-from-kerala-see-pics/story-rszU4C2UtoCEiSwS2o1eBM.html|title=Game of Thrones: Daenerys' Dothraki army chief is actually an actor from Kerala. See pics|date=May 16, 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Chuku Modu as Aggo{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/04/game-of-thrones-season-6-dothraki|title=Game of Thrones: A Guide to Recognizing the Hunky Dothraki of Season 6|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Joanna|last=Robinson|date=April 22, 2016|access-date=April 26, 2016|archive-date=April 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425100615/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/04/game-of-thrones-season-6-dothraki|url-status=live}}
- Deon Lee-Williams as Iggo
- Souad Faress as the High Priestess{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4336622/game-of-thrones-women-sansa-cersei-yara-daenerys/|title=Game of Thrones' Women Are Finally Taking Over|date=May 15, 2016|first=Eliana|last=Dockterman|magazine=Time|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Hannah John-Kamen as Ornella{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/game-thrones-show-hannah-john-kamen-ornela-explained/|title=Hannah John-Kamen's Game Of Thrones Role: Ornela Explained|date=January 5, 2020|first=Padraig|last=Cotter|website=Screen Rant|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
==In the Reach==
- James Faulkner as Randyll Tarly{{cite web|last=Petski|first=Denise|title='Game Of Thrones' Adds 3 Tarlys To Season 6 Cast|url=https://deadline.com/2015/09/game-of-thrones-cast-tarly-season-6-james-faulkner-1201532471/|date=September 17, 2015|access-date=January 25, 2017|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-date=January 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126080113/http://deadline.com/2015/09/game-of-thrones-cast-tarly-season-6-james-faulkner-1201532471/|url-status=live}}
- Samantha Spiro as Melessa Tarly
- Freddie Stroma as Dickon Tarly
- Rebecca Benson as Talla Tarly
==In flashbacks==
- Robert Aramayo & Sebastian Croft as Eddard Stark{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/09/robert-aramayo-game-of-thrones-nocturnal-animals-1201550645/|title=Robert Aramayo Nabs Roles In 'Game Of Thrones' & 'Nocturnal Animals'|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Lincoln|first=Ross A.|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=September 30, 2015|archive-date=February 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223185802/https://deadline.com/2015/09/robert-aramayo-game-of-thrones-nocturnal-animals-1201550645/|url-status=live}}
- Matteo Elezi as Benjen Stark{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/game-of-thrones-benjen-stark-11275846|title=Meet the 10-year-old who is the latest Game of Thrones star|date=May 3, 2016|first=Eddie|last=Bisknell|website=Manchester Evening News|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Aisling Franciosi & Cordelia Hill as Lyanna Stark{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/game-thrones-jon-snow-revelation-means/|title=Game Of Thrones: the Jon Snow revelation and what it all means|first=James|last=White|work=Empire|date=June 27, 2016|access-date=January 26, 2017|archive-date=April 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423221451/http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/game-thrones-jon-snow-revelation-means/|url-status=live}}
- Wayne Foskett as Rickard Stark{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/wayne_foskett|title=Wayne Foskett|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Fergus Leathem as Rodrik Cassel{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/fergus_leathem|title=Fergus Leathem|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Annette Tierney as Old Nan{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/annette_tierney|title=Annette Tierney|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Sam Coleman as Hodor{{cite web|url=https://mashable.com/2017/06/28/sam-coleman-young-hodor-reddit-ama/|title='Game of Thrones' star who played Young Hodor absolutely killed his Reddit AMA|date=June 28, 2017|first=Sam|last=Haysom|website=Mashable|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Leo Woodruff as Howland Reed{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/game-of-thrones-loose-ends-series-finale/|title=13 Questions Game of Thrones Is Unfortunately Never Going to Answer|date=May 20, 2019|first=Rachel|last=Paige|website=TV Guide|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Luke Roberts as Arthur Dayne{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/09/03/what-has-luke-roberts-been-in-since-leaving-holby-city-10678638/|title=What has Luke Roberts been in since leaving Holby City?|date=September 3, 2019|first=Caroline|last=Westbrook|website=Metro|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- Eddie Eyre as Gerold Hightower{{cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/15/the-6-biggest-soap-stars-who-have-appeared-in-game-of-thrones-from-hollyoaks-nathalie-emmanuel-to-eastenders-ricky-champ-9169095/|title=The 6 biggest soap stars who have appeared in Game Of Thrones – from Hollyoaks' Nathalie Emmanuel to EastEnders' Ricky Champ|date=April 15, 2019|first=Stephen|last=Patterson|website=Metro|access-date=June 12, 2021}}
- David Rintoul as Aerys II Targaryen{{cite web |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2016/05/30/game-of-thrones-the-morning-after-the-fight-against-fate/ |title='Game of Thrones' the Morning After: The Fight Against Fate |first=Michael |last=Calia |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=May 30, 2016 |access-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-date=March 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305010422/http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2016/05/30/game-of-thrones-the-morning-after-the-fight-against-fate/ |url-status=live }}
{{col-end}}
Production
=Crew=
The writing staff for the sixth season includes executive producers and showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, producer Bryan Cogman, and Dave Hill. Author George R. R. Martin, who had written one episode for each of the first four seasons, did not write an episode for the sixth season, as he chose to resume working on the sixth A Song of Ice and Fire novel, The Winds of Winter.{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/3763149/george-rr-martin-game-of-thrones-season-6/ |title=George R.R. Martin Won't Write for Game of Thrones Season 6 |magazine=Time |first=Laura |last=Stampler |date=March 30, 2015 |access-date=June 29, 2015 |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316155327/http://time.com/3763149/george-rr-martin-game-of-thrones-season-6/ |url-status=live }} The directing staff for the sixth season was Jeremy Podeswa (episodes 1 and 2), Daniel Sackheim (episodes 3 and 4), Jack Bender (episodes 5 and 6), Mark Mylod (episodes 7 and 8), and Miguel Sapochnik (episodes 9 and 10). Sackheim and Bender were first-time Game of Thrones directors, with the rest each having directed two episodes in the previous season.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/23/game-thrones-season-6-directors|title=Game of Thrones directors revealed for mysterious season 6|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=June 25, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=June 26, 2015|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817123724/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/23/game-thrones-season-6-directors|url-status=live}}
=Writing=
With the end of the fifth season, the plot has reached the most recent novel in Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, A Dance with Dragons. Season 6 director Jeremy Podeswa said in August 2015, "Right now in season six, what we're shooting currently isn't based on anything in the book. It's fully based on discussions the writers have had with George Martin, because the series has now surpassed the books in terms of what's available."{{cite web|url=http://www.goldderby.com/news/10007/game-of-thrones-jon-snow-season-six-tease-emmys-entertainment-13579086-story.html|title='Game of Thrones' director Jeremy Podeswa dishes Jon Snow death, teases season six (Exclusive Video)|publisher=GoldDerby|last=Noble|first=Matt|date=August 18, 2015|access-date=August 21, 2015|archive-date=April 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403094457/http://www.goldderby.com/news/10007/game-of-thrones-jon-snow-season-six-tease-emmys-entertainment-13579086-story.html|url-status=live}} Actress Natalie Dormer, who plays Margaery Tyrell, later added that the show's writers "know where it's got to go and what [George Martin]'s intentions for the characters are. But they are just filling in the gaps."{{cite magazine|last=Dockterman|first=Eliana|title=Natalie Dormer Teases Her New Plot on Season 6 of Game of Thrones|url=https://time.com/4153662/natalie-dormer-game-of-thrones-season-six/|access-date=December 27, 2015|date=December 17, 2015|magazine=Time|archive-date=December 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228215033/http://time.com/4153662/natalie-dormer-game-of-thrones-season-six/|url-status=live}}
The season premiere starts off right where the fifth season ended.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/tv/game-of-thrones-jeremy-podeswa-qa-127725872315.html|title=Emmy-Nominated 'Game of Thrones' Director Discusses Sansa's Sinister Wedding, Looks Ahead to Season 6|work=Yahoo TV|last=Alter|first=Ethan|date=August 27, 2015|access-date=September 13, 2015|archive-date=April 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422092827/https://www.yahoo.com/tv/game-of-thrones-jeremy-podeswa-qa-127725872315.html|url-status=live}} Material from an excerpt of The Winds of Winter, published online, regarding a traveling theater troupe located in Braavos that stages a play called "The Bloody Hand", about the events that have taken place in King's Landing since the beginning of the series, is included in the sixth season.
=Filming=
File:Castillo de Zafra - Exterior.JPG in Guadalajara, Spain is among the filming locations.]]
Filming for the sixth season began in July 2015 and ended on December.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MigSapochnik/status/675615019023933440|title=Five days left...|work=Twitter|last=Sapochnik|first=Miguel|date=December 12, 2015|access-date=December 14, 2015|archive-date=2016-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513001658/https://twitter.com/migsapochnik/status/675615019023933440|url-status=live}} The budget for the sixth season increased compared to the previous seasons as each episode cost over $10 million, totaling over $100 million for the full season and setting a new high for the series.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/game-of-thrones/news/a788677/game-of-thrones-season-6-costs-a-lot-per-episode-budget-revealed/|title=Game of Thrones season 6 costs A LOT per episode: The HBO fantasy epic's massive budget is revealed|first=Ben|last=Lee|date=March 30, 2016|publisher=Digital Spy|access-date=April 1, 2016|archive-date=April 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402013700/http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/game-of-thrones/news/a788677/game-of-thrones-season-6-costs-a-lot-per-episode-budget-revealed/|url-status=live}} The season filmed in five different countries: Northern Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Iceland, and Canada.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/11/game-thrones-season-6-premiere-screening|title=Game of Thrones premiere screening reveals season 6 surprises|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=April 11, 2016|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413053520/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/11/game-thrones-season-6-premiere-screening|url-status=live}}
Like the previous seasons, a large amount of production took place in Northern Ireland, mainly in Belfast and on the Causeway Coast, including film locations in the Binevenagh, Magilligan area, which was used to film scenes for the Dothraki Grasslands, and Larrybane Quarry and Ballintoy Harbour, both used for scenes in the Iron Islands. For the siege of Riverrun, the small village of Corbet was used. As in previous seasons, some of Castle Black was set at the abandoned Magheramorne quarry.{{cite news |last=Loughrey |first=Clarisse |date=March 28, 2016 |title=Games of Thrones season 6: Castle Black set hit by rockslide during filming |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/games-of-thrones-season-6-castle-black-set-hit-by-rockslide-during-filming-a6956881.html |newspaper=The Independent |location=London |access-date=December 19, 2016 |archive-date=December 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201201214/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/games-of-thrones-season-6-castle-black-set-hit-by-rockslide-during-filming-a6956881.html |url-status=live }}
During September and October, the show also filmed in Spain, specifically in Girona, Navarre, Peniscola, and Almería.{{cite web|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|title=Predicting Game of Thrones Season-6 Story Lines Using Shoot Locations|url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/07/predicting-got-story-lines-using-shoot-locations.html|access-date=August 7, 2015|date=August 7, 2015|work=Vulture|archive-date=July 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724003200/http://www.vulture.com/2015/07/predicting-got-story-lines-using-shoot-locations.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hooton|first=Christopher|title=Game of Thrones season 6 wraps Spain filming, winter is finally coming|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-wraps-spain-filming-winter-is-finally-coming-a6706021.html|access-date=October 23, 2015|date=October 23, 2015|work=The Independent|archive-date=October 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024164032/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-wraps-spain-filming-winter-is-finally-coming-a6706021.html|url-status=live}} Specific locations included the Castle of Zafra in Guadalajara, the Bardenas Reales Natural Park in Navarre, the Alcazaba in Almería, and the Castle of Santa Florentina in Canet de Mar.{{cite web|title=Game Of Thrones season 6 filming location suggests return of Jon Snow|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/game-of-thrones-season-6-jon-snow-return-filming-location/1/452998.html|access-date=July 21, 2015|date=July 21, 2015|publisher=IndiaToday.in|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304134125/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/game-of-thrones-season-6-jon-snow-return-filming-location/1/452998.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Confirmadas nuevas localizaciones de rodaje de 'Juego de Tronos' T6 en España|url=http://www.canalplus.es/juego-tronos/fan-site/rodaje-t6/|access-date=July 23, 2015|date=July 21, 2015|publisher=canalplus.es|language=es|trans-title=Confirmed new filming locations of 'Game of Thrones' S6 in Spain|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713233453/http://www.canalplus.es/juego-tronos/fan-site/rodaje-t6/|archive-date=July 13, 2015|quote=HBO tiene el honor de confirmar nuevas localizaciones del rodaje de 'JUEGO DE TRONOS' en España. A las ya anunciadas Girona y Peñíscola se unen el Parque Natural de las Bardenas Reales, el Castillo de Santa Florentina, el Castillo de Zafra, y la Alcazaba de Almería.}}
In August 2015, HBO announced that for the first time since season 1 the show would not be filming any scenes in Croatia. The Croatian city of Dubrovnik has stood in for King's Landing since the beginning of season 2; nearby cities such as Klis, Split and Šibenik have been used to depict various other locations.{{cite web|last=Hooton|first=Christopher|title=Game of Thrones season 6 won't shoot in Croatia, HBO confirms, so don't expect much from King's Landing|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-wont-shoot-in-croatia-hbo-confirms-so-dont-expect-much-from-kings-landing-10464949.html|access-date=August 21, 2015|date=August 21, 2015|work=The Independent|archive-date=August 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821093209/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-wont-shoot-in-croatia-hbo-confirms-so-dont-expect-much-from-kings-landing-10464949.html|url-status=live}} Contradicting the statement by HBO, filming took place in Dubrovnik, where the cast of the show were seen in costume in October 2015.{{cite web|last=Hooton|first=Christopher|title=Game of Thrones season 6 spoilers: First look at Cersei Lannister following her infamous walk of shame|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-spoilers-first-look-at-cersei-lannister-following-her-walk-of-shame-a6686531.html|work=The Independent|date=October 9, 2015|access-date=October 23, 2015|archive-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701113102/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-spoilers-first-look-at-cersei-lannister-following-her-walk-of-shame-a6686531.html|url-status=live|quote="Cast and crew have this week been spotted shooting in Dubrovnik."}}
Only a very small portion of the season was filmed in Canada (north of Calgary, Alberta): the scenes featuring Jon Snow's wolf, Ghost (played by animal actor Quigly).{{cite news |last=Volmers |first=Eric |date=March 24, 2016 |title=Alberta wolf Quigly returns for Season 6 of Game of Thrones |url=https://calgaryherald.com/entertainment/television/alberta-wolf-quigly-returns-for-season-6-of-games-of-thrones |newspaper=Calgary Herald |location=Calgary, Alberta |access-date=December 19, 2016 |archive-date=October 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019013920/http://calgaryherald.com/entertainment/television/alberta-wolf-quigly-returns-for-season-6-of-games-of-thrones |url-status=live }} However, some of the special effects were created at Montreal's Rodeo FX studios which has won Emmy Awards previously for its work on the series.{{cite web |url=https://popgoesthenews.com/2016/04/25/season-premiere-of-game-of-thrones-was-very-canadian/ |title=Season premiere of 'Game of Thrones' was very Canadian |author= |date=April 25, 2016 |website=Pop Goes the News |publisher=John R Kennedy Media |access-date=December 19, 2016 |archive-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507145732/https://popgoesthenews.com/2016/04/25/season-premiere-of-game-of-thrones-was-very-canadian/ |url-status=live }}
=Casting=
File:Comic Con Germany 2018 by-RaBoe 288 (cropped).jpg plays Euron Greyjoy.]]
The sixth season saw the return of Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark, Kristian Nairn as Hodor, Ellie Kendrick as Meera Reed, Gemma Whelan as Yara Greyjoy, and Rory McCann as Sandor "The Hound" Clegane, who did not appear in the fifth season.{{cite magazine|last=Hibberd|first=James|title=Game of Thrones: Bran Stark actor confirms he's in season 6|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/07/13/game-thrones-bran-stark-season-6|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 13, 2015|access-date=July 18, 2015|archive-date=November 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130151940/https://ew.com/article/2015/07/13/game-thrones-bran-stark-season-6/|url-status=live}} Clive Russell, Tobias Menzies, Patrick Malahide, Richard Dormer, and Paul Kaye also returned to the show as Brynden Tully, Edmure Tully, Balon Greyjoy, Beric Dondarrion, and Thoros of Myr after not appearing since the third season. Jonathan Pryce as the High Sparrow was added to the series main cast after appearing in a recurring role in the previous season.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWCVg1byVnQ |title=HBO: Game of Thrones (Season 6) Intro / Opening Credits |publisher=YouTube |date=June 8, 2016 |access-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206163125/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWCVg1byVnQ |url-status=live }}
Across the Narrow Sea, Melanie Liburd plays a red priestess from Asshai who is in R'hllor's service.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/10/game-of-thrones-melanie-liburd-red-priestess-kit-harington-jon-snow-1201569313/|title='Game of Thrones' Adds Melanie Liburd As The Red Priestess|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Ali|last=Jaafar|date=October 8, 2015|access-date=October 8, 2015|archive-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121210841/http://deadline.com/2015/10/game-of-thrones-melanie-liburd-red-priestess-kit-harington-jon-snow-1201569313/|url-status=live}} At the Reach, House Tarly is introduced, with Freddie Stroma joining the cast as Samwell Tarly's brother Dickon, a character so far only mentioned in the novels.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/04/game-thrones-freddie-stroma-samwell-brother|title=Game of Thrones: Freddie Stroma cast as Samwell Tarly's brother|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=James|last=Hibberd|date=September 4, 2015|access-date=September 4, 2015|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905090412/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/04/game-thrones-freddie-stroma-samwell-brother|url-status=live}} Other members of House Tarly that were introduced were Randyll Tarly, played by James Faulkner; Melessa Tarly, played by Samantha Spiro; and Talla Tarly, portrayed by Rebecca Benson.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/09/game-of-thrones-sam-tarly-randyll-downton-abbey|title=Game of Thrones Reportedly Just Hijacked a Downton Abbey Actor|magazine=Vanity Fair|last=Miller|first=Julie|date=September 16, 2015|access-date=September 17, 2015|archive-date=December 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214084556/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/09/game-of-thrones-sam-tarly-randyll-downton-abbey|url-status=live}}
Veteran actor Max von Sydow was cast to play the Three-Eyed-Raven, Bran's trainer, previously played by Struan Rodger in the fourth-season finale, "The Children". David Bradley confirmed in August 2015 that he would be returning to the show as Walder Frey after last appearing in the third-season finale, "Mhysa", but he did not confirm when.{{cite web|url=http://zap2it.com/2015/08/game-of-thrones-david-bradley-walder-frey-return/|title=Walder Frey is coming back to 'Game of Thrones'|work=Zap2it|last=Schwartz|first=Terri|date=August 7, 2015|access-date=August 13, 2015|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305133147/http://zap2it.com/2015/08/game-of-thrones-david-bradley-walder-frey-return/|url-status=dead}} After the second official trailer was released, it was confirmed that Bradley would appear in the sixth season. Danish actor Pilou Asbæk joins the show as Theon Greyjoy's uncle, pirate captain Euron Greyjoy. Ricky Champ played Gatins, an outlaw in a band using religion to extort the people of the countryside. A young Ned Stark was portrayed by Sebastian Croft in a flashback scene.{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-young-ned-stark-cast-for-flashback-scene-10448302.html |title=Game of Thrones season 6: Young Ned Stark 'cast' for flashback scene |work=The Independent |first=Christopher |last=Hooton |date=August 10, 2015 |access-date=August 11, 2015 |archive-date=August 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812230554/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-young-ned-stark-cast-for-flashback-scene-10448302.html |url-status=live }}
The sixth season also included a traveling theater troupe located in Braavos that stages a play called "The Bloody Hand", about the events that have taken place in King's Landing since the beginning of the series. Essie Davis and Kevin Eldon joined the cast in this theater troupe, portraying actors playing Cersei Lannister and Ned Stark, respectively, while Richard E. Grant was cast as the troupe's manager.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/12/game-thrones-essie-davis|title=Game of Thrones casts Babadook actress in season 6|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=September 12, 2015|access-date=September 12, 2015|archive-date=September 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914222236/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/12/game-thrones-essie-davis|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-richard-e-grant-joins-the-cast-10490655.html|title=Game of Thrones season 6: Richard E. Grant joins the cast [confirmed]|last=Hooton|first=Christopher|work=The Independent|date=September 8, 2015|access-date=September 14, 2015|archive-date=September 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911005521/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-richard-e-grant-joins-the-cast-10490655.html|url-status=live}} Members of Icelandic indie band Of Monsters and Men appear as the musicians of the Braavos theatre group.{{cite magazine|last=Hibberd|first=James|title=Game of Thrones casts Of Monsters and Men for cameo|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/18/game-of-thrones-of-monsters-and-men|access-date=October 23, 2015|date=September 18, 2015|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=October 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023002740/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/09/18/game-of-thrones-of-monsters-and-men|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2016/05/22/music-on-tv-inside-of-monsters-and-mens-cameo-on-game-of-thrones/ |title=Music on TV: Inside Of Monsters and Men's Cameo on 'Game of Thrones' |first=Michael |last=Calia |date=May 22, 2016 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=June 28, 2016 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817123724/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2016/05/22/music-on-tv-inside-of-monsters-and-mens-cameo-on-game-of-thrones/ |url-status=live }}
=Music=
{{main|Game of Thrones: Season 6 (soundtrack)}}
The soundtrack for the season was digitally released in June 2016, and on CD late the following month.{{cite web |url=http://www.readjunk.com/news/tv/pandora-radio-previewing-ramin-djawadis-game-of-thrones-film-score/ |title=Pandora Radio Previewing Ramin Djawadi's Game of Thrones Film Score |publisher=Readjunk |first=Bryan |last=Kremkau |date=June 21, 2016 |access-date=June 22, 2016 |archive-date=August 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811230641/https://www.readjunk.com/news/tv/pandora-radio-previewing-ramin-djawadis-game-of-thrones-film-score/ |url-status=live }} The album reached No. 27 on the Billboard 200,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2016-07-16 |title=Billboard 200 |date=July 16, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129055630/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2016-07-16 |url-status=live }} No. 1 on Soundtrack chart{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/soundtracks/2016-07-16 |title=Soundtracks |date=July 16, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=August 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812002103/https://www.billboard.com/charts/soundtracks/2016-07-16 |url-status=live }} and No. 79 on the Canadian Albums chart on its digital release,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2016-07-16/canadian-albums |title=Billboard Canadian Albums |date=July 16, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=October 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029004610/http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2016-07-16/canadian-albums |url-status=live }} with the track from the season finale "Light of the Seven" reaching No. 1 on Billboard{{'}}s Spotify Viral 50 chart.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2016-07-16/spotify-viral-50 |title=Spotify Viral 50 |date=July 16, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-date=October 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007190128/http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2016-07-16/spotify-viral-50 |url-status=live }}
Reception
=Critical response=
{{Television Rotten Tomatoes scores| title = Game of Thrones
| label = Season 6| year = 2016| color = #2E4B59| align=right
| ref = {{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/game_of_thrones/s06 |title=Game of Thrones: Season 6 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandango |access-date=June 9, 2018 |archive-date=December 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230010832/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/game_of_thrones/s06/ |url-status=live}}
| 86| 87| 87| 100| 98| 88| 98| 85| 98| 99}}
On Metacritic, the season (based on the first episode) has a score of 73 out of 100 based on 9 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/game-of-thrones/season-6 |title=Game of Thrones – Season 6 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=August 19, 2016 |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817041047/http://www.metacritic.com/tv/game-of-thrones/season-6 |url-status=live}} On Rotten Tomatoes, the sixth season has an approval rating of 94% from 667 critics with an average rating of 8.25 out of 10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Bloody and captivating as always, Game of Thrones plunges back into the midst of a world touched by grief, dread, and precarious sexuality."
New York Daily News wrote about the premiere episode, "It's finally back - in all its gory grandeur."{{Cite web |last=Dillon |first=Nancy |title=SNOW RESOLUTION: Jon Snow is still dead in "Game of Thrones" season 6 opener |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/snow-resolution-jon-snow-dead-game-thrones-debut-article-1.2611290 |date=April 24, 2016 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |website=New York Daily News}} New York Post praised the "gloriously brutal moments" in the premiere episode.{{Cite web |last=Rorke |first=Robert |date=April 25, 2016 |title='Game of Thrones' premiere sets up a season of revenge |url=https://nypost.com/2016/04/24/game-of-thrones-premiere-sets-up-a-season-of-revenge/|access-date=July 29, 2021 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}} Mary McNamara of the Los Angeles Times praised some of the humorous moments in the premiere.{{Cite web |last=McNamara |first=Mary |date=April 23, 2016 |title=Review: In Season 6 'Game of Thrones' goes off-book but, as always, keeps us guessing |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-game-of-thrones-review-20160423-story.html|access-date=July 29, 2021 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} The Boston Globe called the premiere a "busy hour, leaping from place to place to catch us up with the Game of Thrones gang and set the stage for the sixth season... But fun was afoot."{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Matthew |title='Game of Thrones' premiere: A fast start, a big surprise |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2016/04/24/game-thrones-premiere-fast-start-big-surprise-and-jon-snow-still-dead/xR8aikxfN4U0uPt7tDAhCL/story.html|access-date=July 29, 2021 |date=April 25, 2016 |website=The Boston Globe |language=en-US}} Vulture gave the premiere a score 4 out of 5 and found the episode more "compelling" than season 5,{{Cite web |title=Game of Thrones Season Premiere Recap: The Gray Lady |url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/04/game-of-thrones-recap-season-6-episode-1.html |date=April 25, 2016 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |first=Jen |last=Chaney |website=Vulture |language=en-us}} while Observer.com praised the episode for not "overly-rushing".{{Cite web |date=April 25, 2016 |title='Game of Thrones' Season 6 Premiere: Dorne to Be Wild |url=https://observer.com/2016/04/game-of-thrones-season-6-premiere-dorne-to-be-wild/|access-date=July 29, 2021 |website=Observer |first1=Vinnie |last1=Mancuso |first2=Ben |last2=Philippe |language=en-US}}
The Orlando Sentinel eulogized the show for "playing by its own rules", and not "pander for fans' affection and take easy storytelling routes" like other shows.{{Cite web |last=Boedeker |first=Hal |title='Game of Thrones': Melisandre in private wows |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/tv-guy/os-game-of-thrones-melisandre-in-private-wows-20160425-story.html |date=April 25, 2016 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |website=Orlando Sentinel}} Slate gave the premiere a positive review and stated, "Game of Thrones is finally off book, having lapped George R.R. Martin's slowly gestating A Song of Ice and Fire series. Finally, it seemed, anything could happen."{{Cite web |last=Paskin |first=Willa |date=April 25, 2016 |title=Game of Thrones Finally Breaks Free of the Books, and It's Kind of Thrilling |url=https://slate.com/culture/2016/04/game-of-thrones-season-6-premiere-the-red-woman-reviewed.html|access-date=July 29, 2021 |website=Slate |language=en}} Matt Zoller Seitz of Vulture gave the premiere positive review and stated, "The world the characters inhabit is still a hugely dangerous one, but at no point did I feel as though the writers were showing us beautiful butterflies in preparation of pulling their wings off."{{Cite web |title=Game of Thrones Feels Warmer in Its Sixth Season |url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/04/game-of-thrones-season-six-feels-warmer.html |date=April 25, 2016 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |first=Matt Zoller |last=Seitz |website=Vulture |language=en-us}} Entertainment Weekly gave the premiere a score of 'B' and stated, "Few shows on television look better than this one, but it's coming up on great-drama retirement age. Game of Thrones is getting older. But it's not dead, yet."{{Cite magazine |title='Game of Thrones' review: 'GoT' is getting older, but it's not dead yet |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/04/25/game-thrones-review-season-6-premiere/ |date=April 25, 2016 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |first=Darren |last=Franich |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}} NPR praised the season for "reaching new heights", and "setting up its endgame in spectacular, meticulous fashion".{{Cite web |title='Game Of Thrones' Finale Sunday Caps A Season Of Satisfaction |url=https://www.npr.org/2016/06/27/483667380/-game-of-thrones-finale-sunday-caps-a-season-of-satisfaction |date=June 27, 2016 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |first=Eric |last=Deggans |website=NPR |language=en}}
= Ratings =
{{see also|Game of Thrones#Viewer numbers}}
The season finale had 8.89 million viewers on its initial airing on HBO, up 10 percent from the previous season's finale, the previous most-watched episode.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2016/06/game-of-thrones-ratings-record-high-season-6-finale-lena-headey-veep-hbo-1201779999/ |title='Game Of Thrones' Ratings Hit Series High With Season 6 Finale |first=Dominic |last=Patten |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=June 28, 2016 |access-date=July 13, 2016 |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716040647/http://deadline.com/2016/06/game-of-thrones-ratings-record-high-season-6-finale-lena-headey-veep-hbo-1201779999/ |url-status=live }} The average gross viewing figure per episode for the show, which includes streaming, DVR recordings, and repeat showings, reached over 25 million for this season,{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-ratings-show-brought-in-251-million-viewers-on-average-per-episode-a7144261.html |title=Game of Thrones season 6 ratings: Show brought in 25.1 million viewers on average per episode |first=Jack |last=Shepherd |work=The Independent |date=July 19, 2016 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-date=August 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819214019/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-ratings-show-brought-in-251-million-viewers-on-average-per-episode-a7144261.html |url-status=live }} and it was described as the last consensus show on television.{{cite news |url=https://time.com/4385886/game-of-thrones-final-record-ratings/ |title=Game of Thrones Finale Ratings Record Proves It's the Last Consensus Show on TV |first=Eliana |last=Dockterman |date=June 28, 2016 |magazine=Time |access-date=July 6, 2016 |archive-date=July 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703195742/http://time.com/4385886/game-of-thrones-final-record-ratings/ |url-status=live }} The figure went up by 25 percent compared to the previous year,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/07/game-of-thrones-most-popular-show-ratings |title=Game of Thrones Is Even More Insanely Popular than You Think |first=Joanna |last=Robinson |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=July 19, 2016 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713104709/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/07/game-of-thrones-most-popular-show-ratings |url-status=live }} and viewing figures of the show for this season on its on-demand services HBO Now and HBO Go went up by over 90 percent, new records for HBO. Almost 40 percent of viewers watched this season on HBO digital platforms. The show also broke records on pay television channels in 2016 in the United Kingdom with an average audience of more than 5 million across all platforms{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jul/06/game-of-thrones-most-popular-sky-series-ever-as-16m-download-show |title=Game of Thrones most popular Sky series ever with 5m viewers |first=John |last=Plunkett |work=The Guardian |date=July 6, 2016 |access-date=July 6, 2016 |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910043635/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jul/06/game-of-thrones-most-popular-sky-series-ever-as-16m-download-show |url-status=live }} and in Australia with a cumulative average audience of 1.2 million viewers.{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/game-of-thrones-season-six-finale-sets-australian-audience-record-for-foxtel-20160629-gpu4kj.html |title=Game of Thrones season six finale sets Australian audience record for Foxtel |date=June 29, 2016 |first=Michael |last=Idato |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=July 6, 2016 |archive-date=July 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702083442/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/game-of-thrones-season-six-finale-sets-australian-audience-record-for-foxtel-20160629-gpu4kj.html |url-status=live }}
{{Television episode ratings
| noshare = y
| title1 = The Red Woman
| date1 = April 24, 2016
| rs1 = 4.0
| dvr1 = 1.0
| dvrv1 = 2.11
| total1 = 5.0
| title2 = Home
| date2 = May 1, 2016
| rs2 = 3.7
| dvr2 = 0.9
| dvrv2 = 1.92
| total2 = 4.6
| title3 = Oathbreaker
| date3 = May 8, 2016
| rs3 = 3.7
| dvr3 = 1.0
| dvrv3 = 1.96
| total3 = 4.7
| title4 = Book of the Stranger
| date4 = May 15, 2016
| rs4 = 3.9
| dvr4 = 1.1
| dvrv4 = 2.22
| total4 = 5.0
| title5 = The Door
| date5 = May 22, 2016
| rs5 = 4.0
| dvr5 = 1.4
| dvrv5 = 2.76
| total5 = 5.4
| title6 = Blood of My Blood
| date6 = May 29, 2016
| rs6 = 3.2
| dvr6 = 2.0
| dvrv6 = 3.61
| total6 = 5.2
| title7 = The Broken Man
| date7 = June 5, 2016
| rs7 = 3.9
| dvr7 = 1.5
| dvrv7 = 2.81
| total7 = 5.4
| title8 = No One
| date8 = June 12, 2016
| rs8 = 3.9
| dvr8 = 1.5
| dvrv8 = 3.0
| total8 = 5.4
| title9 = Battle of the Bastards
| date9 = June 19, 2016
| rs9 = 3.8
| dvr9 = 1.7
| dvrv9 = 3.42
| total9 = 5.5
| title10 = The Winds of Winter
| date10 = June 26, 2016
| rs10 = 4.3
| dvr10 = 1.6
| dvrv10 = 3.19
| total10 = 5.9
}}
{{note|ratings-1|1}} Live +7 ratings were not available, so Live +3 ratings have been used instead.
=Accolades=
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Game of Thrones}}
For the 32nd TCA Awards, the series was nominated for Program of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in Drama.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/tca-award-nominations-nominees-2016-mr-robot-people-v-oj-simpson-1201801152/ |title='Mr. Robot,' 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' Lead TCA Awards Nominations |first=Laura |last=Prudom |work=Variety |date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=June 22, 2016 |archive-date=November 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113063047/http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/tca-award-nominations-nominees-2016-mr-robot-people-v-oj-simpson-1201801152/ |url-status=live }} For the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, the series received 23 nominations, the most of any series. It won 12 awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, David Benioff and D. B. Weiss for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for "Battle of the Bastards", and Miguel Sapochnik for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for "Battle of the Bastards".{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/awards/game-of-thrones-2016-emmys-nominations-1201814023/ |title='Game of Thrones' Rules 2016 Emmy Race With 23 Nominations |work=Variety |first=Laura |last=Prudom |date=July 14, 2016 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830110843/http://variety.com/2016/tv/awards/game-of-thrones-2016-emmys-nominations-1201814023/ |archive-date=August 30, 2016 |df=mdy }}{{cite news |last=Stolworthy |first=Jacob |date=September 18, 2016 |title=Emmys 2016: Game of Thrones breaks record, wins best drama series – The HBO series won Outstanding Drama Series at this year's ceremony |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-wins-best-drama-emmys-2016-the-people-vs-oj-simpson-mr-robot-rami-malek-a7315666.html |newspaper=Independent |location=London |access-date=December 26, 2016 |archive-date=December 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227060211/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-wins-best-drama-emmys-2016-the-people-vs-oj-simpson-mr-robot-rami-malek-a7315666.html |url-status=live }} For the 7th Critics' Choice Television Awards, the series won for Best Drama Series.{{Cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/critics-choice-awards-2016-complete-winners-list/story?id=44134238 |title=Critics' Choice Awards 2016: Complete Winners List |work=ABC News |first=George |last=Costantino |date=December 12, 2016 |access-date=December 12, 2016 |archive-date=January 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110113908/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/critics-choice-awards-2016-complete-winners-list/story?id=44134238 |url-status=live }}
Release
The season was simulcast around the world by HBO and its broadcast partners. In some countries, it aired the day after its first release.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-release-date-hbo-confirms-us-start-uk-to-follow-on-sky-atlantic-a6801946.html|title=Game of Thrones season 6 release date: HBO confirms US start, Sky Atlantic to simulcast in UK|work=The Independent|first=Christopher|last=Hooton|date=January 8, 2016|access-date=January 6, 2017|archive-date=January 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107101050/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/game-of-thrones-season-6-release-date-hbo-confirms-us-start-uk-to-follow-on-sky-atlantic-a6801946.html|url-status=live}} By the end of 2016, the sixth season of Game of Thrones became the most-pirated TV series of the year.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226175113/https://torrentfreak.com/game-of-thrones-most-torrented-tv-show-of-2016-161226/ |archive-date=December 26, 2016 |url=https://torrentfreak.com/game-of-thrones-most-torrented-tv-show-of-2016-161226/ |title='Game of Thrones' Most Torrented TV-Show of 2016|work=TorrentFreak|first=Ernesto |last=Van der Sar |date=December 26, 2016 |access-date=December 26, 2016|url-status=live}}
=Marketing=
In November 2015, a teaser poster displaying Jon Snow was released on the official Game of Thrones Twitter account.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/11/game-of-thrones-season-6-jon-snow|title=The First Official Look at Game of Thrones Season 6 Is All About Jon Snow|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Katey|last=Rich|access-date=November 25, 2015|date=November 23, 2015|archive-date=November 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124151059/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/11/game-of-thrones-season-6-jon-snow|url-status=live}} A 41-second teaser trailer was released in early December, featuring Jon Snow from the fifth season episode "Hardhome", many of the previous seasons' highlights, and voice-overs from Max von Sydow as the Three-Eyed Raven and Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/game-of-thrones-trailer-teaser-video-season-6-1201652901/ |title='Game of Thrones' Trailer Hints at Jon Snow's Return |work=Variety |first=Justin |last=Kroll |date=December 3, 2015 |access-date=December 3, 2015 |archive-date=December 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204043100/http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/game-of-thrones-trailer-teaser-video-season-6-1201652901/ |url-status=live }} The first footage from the season was revealed in a new promotional video released shortly afterward by HBO highlighting its new and returning original shows for the coming year, showcasing scenes involving Daenerys Targaryen, Ramsay Bolton, Cersei Lannister, and Tommen Baratheon.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hbo-reveals-first-footage-game-846285|title=HBO Reveals First Footage From 'Game Of Thrones' Season 6|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Wigler|first=Josh|date=December 6, 2015|access-date=December 8, 2015|archive-date=December 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209192522/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/hbo-reveals-first-footage-game-846285|url-status=live}} On December 28, 2015, Entertainment Weekly released its "Exclusive First Look" issue, featuring an image of Bran Stark, who had shorter hair and was noticeably older from his last appearance in season four.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/12/28/game-thrones-bran-stark-season-6 |title=Game of Thrones: First look at Bran Stark in season 6 return |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=December 29, 2015 |date=December 28, 2015 |author=Hibberd, James |archive-date=December 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229040744/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/12/28/game-thrones-bran-stark-season-6 |url-status=live }}
In January 2016, three teaser trailers were released, with each teaser depicting the banners of the houses Targaryen, Lannister, and Stark and which included voice-overs by Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Bolton, Jonathan Pryce as The High Sparrow, and an unknown character speaking in Dothraki.{{cite magazine|title=Pledge allegiance to Game of Thrones houses in season 6 teasers|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/22/game-thrones-season-6-house-teasers|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=Jonathon|last=Dornbush|access-date=January 26, 2016|date=January 22, 2016|archive-date=January 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126031135/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/01/22/game-thrones-season-6-house-teasers|url-status=live}} The following month, HBO released 28 exclusive photos from the sixth season, picturing several of the main characters during the season and confirming the fates of Theon, Sansa, and Myrcella, while Jon Snow was notably absent. HBO released a teaser trailer on February 14, 2016, that shows the faces of a number of living as well as deceased characters such as Ned Stark, Robb Stark, Catelyn Stark, Joffrey Baratheon, Tywin Lannister, Stannis Baratheon, Ygritte, and, controversially, Jon Snow in the House of Black and White.{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2016/02/14/game-of-thrones-season-6-video-jon-snow-ned-stark-teaser/|title=Game of Thrones Season 6 Teaser: Is [Spoiler] a Goner?!|publisher=TVLine|first=Kimberly|last=Roots|date=February 14, 2016|access-date=February 15, 2016|archive-date=March 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323065226/http://tvline.com/2016/02/14/game-of-thrones-season-6-video-jon-snow-ned-stark-teaser/|url-status=live}} Later that month, HBO released 16 character posters of both deceased and living characters and two official posters featuring various characters.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/23/game-thrones-character-posters-jon-snow |title=Game of Thrones character posters tease dead Jon Snow in season 6 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=James |last=Hibberd |date=February 24, 2016 |access-date=February 24, 2016 |archive-date=February 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225100200/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/23/game-thrones-character-posters-jon-snow |url-status=live }}
A behind-the-scenes video of the sixth season was released at the end of February, focusing on camera operators working on the show.{{cite web|url=http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/behind-the-camera-operator|title=Behind the Cameras of Game of Thrones|work=Making Game of Thrones|date=February 29, 2016|access-date=February 29, 2016|archive-date=April 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401015415/http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/behind-the-camera-operator|url-status=live}} The first official trailer for season 6 was released on March 8, 2016. Another behind-the-scenes video was released almost a month later, focusing on the creative process of prosthetics, specifically the White Walkers. The video also contained new footage of White Walkers from the sixth season.{{cite web|url=http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/inside-game-of-thrones-prosthetics|title=Rubber, Latex and Gore: Go Inside GoT Prosthetics|work=Making Game of Thrones|date=March 22, 2016|access-date=March 23, 2016|archive-date=April 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402113814/http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/inside-game-of-thrones-prosthetics|url-status=live}} On March 24, Entertainment Weekly revealed a series of new issues titled "Dame of Thrones", featuring six of the female lead characters from the series and a focus on the sixth season.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/24/game-thrones-ew-cover|title=This Week's Cover: Game of Thrones women are set to rule season 6|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|first=James|last=Hibberd|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=April 1, 2016|archive-date=March 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331201124/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/24/game-thrones-ew-cover|url-status=live}} Shortly afterward, HBO released new photos from season six and a new promo named "March Madness", with new footage.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/gallery/game-thrones-season-6-photos/2536583_all-crops-gallery-game-thrones-2016-bts-airdate-tk|title='Game of Thrones': New Season 6 Photos Unveiled|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=March 25, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2016|archive-date=March 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328155249/http://www.ew.com/gallery/game-thrones-season-6-photos/2536583_all-crops-gallery-game-thrones-2016-bts-airdate-tk|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/26/game-thrones-new-season-6-trailer|title=Game of Thrones teaser has new season 6 footage|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=March 26, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2016|archive-date=March 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328180722/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/26/game-thrones-new-season-6-trailer|url-status=live}} After the screening of the season premiere, "The Red Woman", HBO released a second official trailer.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/11/game-thrones-third-trailer|title=Game of Thrones new season 6 trailer released: Most epic yet|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Hibberd|first=James|date=April 11, 2016|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=April 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414121500/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/11/game-thrones-third-trailer|url-status=live}} In July, HBO released a blooper reel online.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/news/motion-graphics/game-of-thrones-season-7-trailer-first-teaser-is-here-along-with-blooper-reel/ |title=Game of Thrones Season 7 trailer: the first teaser is here |author= |date=July 26, 2016 |website=Digital Arts |publisher=IDG |access-date=December 19, 2016 |archive-date=December 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217053833/http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/news/motion-graphics/game-of-thrones-season-7-trailer-first-teaser-is-here-along-with-blooper-reel/ |url-status=live }}
=''After the Thrones''=
{{Main|After the Thrones}}
After the Thrones, a live aftershow in which hosts Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan discussed episodes of the series, aired on the stand-alone streaming service HBO Now on the Monday following each episode of the show's sixth season.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/04/game-thrones-bill-simmons-after-show-hbo |title=HBO orders Game of Thrones weekly after-show from Bill Simmons |last=Snierson |first=Dan |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=April 7, 2016 |archive-date=April 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407040437/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/04/game-thrones-bill-simmons-after-show-hbo |url-status=live }}
=Home media=
The season was released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 15, 2016.{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H2JPULU/ |title=Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season [Blu-ray] |website=Amazon |access-date=December 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125161402/https://www.amazon.com/Game-Thrones-Complete-Season-Blu-ray/dp/B01H2JPULU |archive-date=January 25, 2017 |url-status=live}} The set includes extra background, behind-the-scenes material, and deleted scenes.
{{Television home release
| color = 31485C
| title = Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Season
| set_details =
- Format: AC-3, Blu-ray, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
- Language: English, French, Castilian, German
- Subtitles: English, French, Castilian, German, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Greek, Hebrew, Norwegian, Portuguese, Romanian, Swedish, Turkish
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- 5-disc set, 10 episodes
| special_features =
- "18 Hours At The Paint Hall": Shows how and where the season was filmed.
- "The Battle Of The Bastards": Behind-the-scenes on the various production challenges of the sixth season.
- "Recreating The Dothraki World": Showcases the creation of Vaes Dothrak,
- 13 audio commentaries by, among others, Benioff, Weiss, Dinklage, Headey, Harington, Coster-Waldau, Turner and more.
Blu-ray exclusive:
- "In-Episode Guide": In-feature resource that provides background information about several characters and locations.
- "Histories & Lore": The mythology of Westeros as told by the characters themselves. Also includes 8 history pieces.
| region1 = November 15, 2016{{cite web |url=http://winteriscoming.net/2016/07/18/complete-details-on-the-game-of-thrones-season-6-dvdblu-ray-boxset/ |title=Complete details on the Game of Thrones Season 6 DVD/Blu-ray boxset |publisher=Winteriscoming.net |first=Dan |last=Selcke |date=July 18, 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220090223/http://winteriscoming.net/2016/07/18/complete-details-on-the-game-of-thrones-season-6-dvdblu-ray-boxset/ |url-status=live }}
}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{official website|https://www.hbo.com/game-of-thrones|Game of Thrones}} – official website
- {{IMDb episodes|0944947|Game of Thrones|season=6}}
- {{Rotten Tomatoes TV|id=game-of-thrones/s06}}
{{A Song of Ice and Fire}}
{{Game of Thrones episodes|6}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Game of Thrones (season 6)
|list =
{{Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Drama Series}}
{{EmmyAward DramaSeries}}
{{ScreenActorsGuildAward StuntEnsembleTelevision}}
}}