We asked AI to write Game of Thrones season 9 and it got confused

The eighth and final season of Game of Thrones is four years gone at this point, but HBO is keeping the memory of the series alive with prequel series like House of the Dragon. Still, some fans can’t help but wonder what would happen if the show continued. What might folks like Jon Snow, Sansa Stark and Tyrion Lannister get up to next?

With the advent of generative AI, we can try and answer those questions. We asked Open AI’s chatbot ChatGPT to outline a hypothetical ninth season of Game of Thrones, and the results were…confusing.

"I don’t think the chatbot quite knew what to do with the question, because while it did outline several episodes, the story seems to pick up halfway through season 8, after the Night King is dead but before the gang heads south to face down Cersei Lannister. Take a look:Episode 1: “A New Dawn”The season begins with the aftermath of the Battle of Winterfell and the defeat of the Night King. The surviving characters mourn the losses and assess the damages caused by the battle.Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and their allies regroup to plan their next moves against Cersei Lannister, who still holds the Iron Throne.Bran Stark uses his abilities to gather crucial information about Cersei’s forces and strategies.Meanwhile, Arya Stark sets out on a mission to track down and assassinate those on her list who are still alive.Episode 2: “Shadows of the Past”Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen face internal conflicts and growing tensions as they try to consolidate their power and deal with the consequences of their actions.Jaime Lannister reunites with Brienne of Tarth and tries to redeem himself by joining the fight against Cersei.Sansa Stark strengthens her hold on the North and prepares for a potential clash with the remaining Lannister forces.Euron Greyjoy’s fleet poses a threat to Daenerys’ fleet and they engage in naval battles, leading to surprising alliances and betrayals.Episode 3: “The Battle for King’s Landing”The major battle of the season takes place as Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and their allied forces launch a full-scale assault on King’s Landing to remove Cersei from the Iron Throne.The battle is fierce and brutal, with casualties on both sides. Dragons clash in the sky, and ground forces engage in intense combat.Key characters face difficult choices, and some unexpected alliances and betrayals occur during the battle.The outcome of the battle ultimately determines who will rule the Seven Kingdoms.Episode 4: “A Final Confrontation”With Cersei defeated and King’s Landing in ruins, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen must confront the consequences of their actions and make difficult decisions about the future of Westeros.Jon struggles with his true lineage and the claim to the Iron Throne, while Daenerys grapples with the responsibility of ruling and the potential darkness within her.The remaining characters, including Tyrion Lannister, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, and others, gather to discuss the fate of the Seven Kingdoms and negotiate power dynamics.The season builds up to a climactic showdown between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen as they face the ultimate choice between power and love.Episode 5: “The Bittersweet End”The final episode of the series ties up loose ends and provides resolution for the remaining characters.Westeros faces a new era as the ruling power is decided and the aftermath of the conflicts is addressed.The fates of Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and other key characters are revealed, and the future of the Seven Kingdoms takes shape.The episode ends on a bittersweet note, highlighting the sacrifices made and the legacy left behind by the characters who have shaped the Game of Thrones universe."

Hm, weird. Not just because it basically repeats some beats from season 8, but it doesn’t give much detail. “The fates of Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and other key characters are revealed.” Okay, and those fates are? Also, how are dragons going to clash in the sky above King’s Landing? There’s only one left at this point: Daenerys’ dragon Drogon.

ChatGPT struggles to write more Game of Thrones

I was pretty dissatisfied with this answer, so I tried another prompt. This time, I asked ChatGPT to tell me what would happen on Game of Thrones if HBO made another season after the final one. This one is a bit better:

"The story picks up several years after the events of Season 8, as Westeros grapples with the aftermath of Daenerys Targaryen’s reign and the Battle of King’s Landing. The fragile peace forged by Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister begins to unravel as new threats emerge, and the remaining characters navigate their shifting roles and allegiances in the ever-changing political landscape.Plot Points:A New Power Struggle: The Iron Throne remains vacant, and various factions vie for control, including Jon Snow, who reluctantly assumes a position of leadership. He faces challenges from ambitious lords, regional powers, and the resurgence of old houses seeking to reclaim their former glory.The Threat of the Others: While the Night King was defeated, there are rumors of strange happenings beyond the Wall. A new threat emerges from the frozen wastes, forcing the fractured factions of Westeros to unite once again in the face of a common enemy.Political Intrigue and Machinations: Intrigue and political maneuvering continue to shape the destiny of the Seven Kingdoms. Characters like Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Tyrion Lannister, and new players rise to prominence as they navigate treacherous alliances and deadly plots to secure power.The Rebuilding of King’s Landing: The devastated capital undergoes a painstaking process of reconstruction, with different factions vying for influence in its rebuilding. The scars of war linger, and the challenge lies in rebuilding not just the physical city but also trust among the people.The Exploration of Essos: The focus expands beyond Westeros as characters embark on journeys to the vast and diverse continent of Essos. They encounter new cultures, ancient civilizations, and mystical forces that could impact the balance of power in Westeros.Dragons and Magic: The return of dragons becomes a pivotal aspect, as the surviving dragons’ offspring grow and the existence of magic reemerges in surprising ways. The balance between these powerful forces and their impact on the realm becomes a central theme.Personal Relationships and Redemption: Character arcs delve into personal relationships, redemption, and the consequences of past actions. Love, betrayal, and sacrifice play significant roles as characters grapple with the weight of their choices and seek to forge new paths.The Prophecy Unveiled: A long-hidden prophecy resurfaces, hinting at a pivotal figure who could shape the future of Westeros. This prophecy becomes a catalyst for conflict, as different factions interpret its meaning and seek to exploit its power.The Final Battle: The season builds towards a climactic battle, where the fate of Westeros hangs in the balance. Alliances are tested, sacrifices are made, and the ultimate destiny of the Seven Kingdoms is decided in a breathtaking finale."

So this time, ChatGPT does actually start the story after the end of Game of Thrones season 8, but everything is still very general. Like, there’s a prophecy and a battle and political machinations. Well, sure. And there are odd oversights. “The Iron Throne remains vacant.” Well, ignoring the fact that there is technically no Iron Throne anymore after season 8, what happened to King Bran the Broken?

Try this out yourself! With enough trial and error, maybe we can get ChatGPT to write us the season 9 of our dreams.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels