Game of Thrones: 10 alternate endings that could've saved the finale

Game of Thrones was not just a television series—it became a global phenomenon. It reset what fantasy storytelling on television could do. Based on the acclaimed novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, the show drew in millions of fans with its breathtaking twists, richly complex characters, and a thick, dangerous world.

Right from the start, it has captivated us with its epic storylines and big mysteries. There was a prophecy of Azor Ahai—the Prince That Was Promised—who was going to save the world from darkness.

There was the Night King and his army of the dead, a gruesome threat, building up to what we all thought was going to be a massive battle. And then there was the constant fight over the Iron Throne, with backstabbing, alliances being made, and betrayal.

The characters made it all happen so convincingly. We watched Daenerys Targaryen evolve from a cowering exile into a powerful queen. Jon Snow evolved from the "bastard of Winterfell" to an integral character with a hidden fate.

Arya Stark became a deadly assassin, and we waited for her moment of revenge. Each journey was personal, with the promise of a great, emotional conclusion.

Then there was last season in 2019, and for so many, it underwhelmed.

It all just felt rushed. Years' worth of storylines were wrapped up too fast. The Night King, built up over the years, was dealt with in a single episode. His backstory was never explained.

Daenerys's sudden shift into a tyrant who would do anything to be a queen wasn't deserved after all the gradual seasons. And Bran as a king was a decision felt random to so many individuals.

Fans were upset, and they complained. Protests broke out on social media. Fans felt cheated. The show had built up to so much after all these years just to race through the ending without regard to its own concepts and principles.

Because of that, some fans began to wonder what might have been. What if characters remained consistent? What if the mysteries got solved in a good way? Those are more than just entertaining concepts—those demonstrate how much people cared about the story. And they tell us what is a good ending.

So let's look at the potential ways Game of Thrones could have ended more satisfactorily—ways that would have provided us with the resolution we all desired.

---

10 alternate endings to the Game of Thrones

Daenerys takes the high seat

One of the toughest things to take from the season finale was Daenerys turning into a villain overnight. For years, she had desired to do good to humanity, and yet she burned King's Landing to ashes. It seems to have really not been their thing.

In an alternate ending, Daenerys might have heard the bells of surrender and called off the attack. Perhaps Jon Snow or Tyrion could have calmed her down, leading her to show mercy instead of vengeance. She might have been a stern but tormented queen, still fighting for change, but not at the expense of what she was.

Daenerys Targaryen could've been the breaker of the wheel that she aspired to be all along.

Her life would not be simple. She'd have political machinations and difficult decisions to navigate. But this would richly and deeply make her a character, not reduce her to a one-dimensional maniacal evil villain.

---

Jon and Daenerys as rulers

Some fans wanted Jon and Daenerys as lovers, but also as rulers. They were the last Targaryens, after all. What if they ruled together and restored their family to the throne?

Daenerys might still have been a reformist queen. Jon, who never desired power, may advise her with his clear conscience. They'd have opposition from other lords, but they'd try and repair the broken system together.

This conclusion would have still shown us how difficult it is to be a ruler, without hastening Daenerys to madness.

---

The Night King wins

Here's something risky: what if the Night King won?

Instead of being overpowered in an episode, he could have won. That would have shocked everyone, but in a way consistent with the show’s theme of brutal unpredictability. Imagine all old foes– Lannisters, Starks, and Targaryens– all joining forces for one final fight.

This would reflect the insignificance of human wars when there is a greater threat to be faced. The moral? We can only survive together.

---

Arya killing Cersei (or Daenerys) with Jaime's face

Arya's kill list. Her Faceless training. We all thought that she was going to do something epic with it.

One of the largest fan theories is that Arya kills Jaime, steals his face, and utilizes his face to infiltrate Cersei so she can assassinate her. Another one is that Arya would assassinate Daenerys after her torch-wielding rampage.

Either way, it would have been in character for Arya. She is a justice defender and freedom fighter from oppressors. To allow her to complete that mission would have been the proper course of action.

---

Bran is the Night King

Some fans had Bran and the Night King speculated to be linked, one and the same, due to time-traveling.

What if Bran pushed too far back in time and became the Night King? That would have added an emotional and unsettling twist to the battle at the end—a battle not of steel, but of fate and magic.

This would examine big ideas such as fate, power, and the price of meddling with time.

---

A Council of Lords rules

In the actual series finale, Bran was abruptly crowned king after an overly brief council scene—it felt random, right?

More realistic ending: Longer and more realistic battle of wits scenario with all the great houses fighting and negotiating about what comes next.

Rather than one ruler, Westeros could have been governed by a council. It would be shared power. That's in line with the show's emphasis on compromise and politics.

---

Jon becomes the new Night King

Here's another dark idea: what if Jon, devastated after he kills Daenerys, was overrun by darkness?

Perhaps the Night King's power overwhelms him. Or perhaps Jon decides to take the dead away from the world, hoping to save it.

The ending would be tragic, but strong. Jon saves them all—but himself. It illustrates the price of heroism and how wonderful people can be.

---

Tyrion on the throne

Tyrion was smart, loyal, and made it through. What if he were on the throne?

He did not want power, but he understood people. Perhaps he outwits Daenerys and Cersei and occupies the throne not because he wants it, but to bring peace.

His reign would never be without issues. He did make mistakes as well. But it would prove that leadership is not all about blood or the use of force.

---

Jon and Daenerys depart Westeros

Here is a softer conclusion. What if Jon and Daenerys, weary of war and of betrayal, departed Westeros?

They might have traveled east to begin anew. They relinquish the throne and all the squabbling. It would be melancholy, but quiet. Sentimental, even.

Westeros would continue without them. And they'd be legends—people spoken of in tales, not kings tethered by thrones and politics.

---

Aegon VI revealed

A twist show left out—but it's a huge one from the books. There is a character called Young Griff, who claims he is Aegon VI Targaryen, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell—the baby everyone believed had been killed.

Then imagine this: when King's Landing is torched by Daenerys, a new Targaryen appears. Raised in secret in the Narrow Sea, he comes with a mighty following—maybe even the Golden Company, barely used in the series.

His lineage is pure, his right seems solid, and he seems a just king—at least at first. But this is Westeros. Might he be real? Or just another pawn in the game? Either way, it would have been one shocking and compelling finale.