We finally know when Game of Thrones will return to HBO: July 16. Normally, the show would premiere in the spring, but thanks to unusually sunny weather, it’s returning later than usual.
Unlike previous seasons, which typically consisted of ten episodes, season 7 will only consist of seven episodes. And, similar to last season, the show will deviate from the source material, largely because George R. R. Martin hasn’t yet released the newest entry in his A Song of Ice and Fire series.
Since filming for season 7 began, the actors have been hyping up the show’s return. Last summer, actor Maisie Williams told fans to start preparing themselves now. “Sh*t gets REAL,” Williams said in a Tweet. “Holy BALLS,” Williams said in another.
The season’s premiere date was unveiled in a clever way on Facebook live, using fire to slowly melt a block of ice, which eventually revealed when the show would return. At one point, over 150,000 people were watching ice melt.
Mark your calendars
Between Game of Thrones and Stranger Things season two, it’s going to be a grueling next few months as we patiently wait for these shows to return.
The great war is here. #GoTS7 premieres 7.16. pic.twitter.com/1Jna10kNuQ
— Game Of Thrones (@GameOfThrones) March 9, 2017