As the second episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms drew to a close, the creative team behind the series paid a touching tribute to a late member of the show’s writing team.
“In Memory of Aziza Barnes,” read the dedication card that closed out A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 1, episode 2, “Hard Salt Beef.” The episode was one of two episodes that Barnes contributed to as a writer on HBO’s newest series, making it a fitting tribute to the late member of the Knight of the Seven Kingdoms team.
Barnes died by suicide in December 2025, just weeks before A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiered on HBO. Barnes’ family confirmed the news of their passing via a statement released to The Hollywood Reporter.
“With heavy hearts, we regret to inform you of the passing of an undeniable and beloved artist, child, sibling, and friend Aziza ‘Z’ Barnes,” Barnes’ family and friends said in a statement. “Z has touched and inspired countless individuals both in their community and industry and will be deeply missed and endlessly loved by all who were fortunate to have experienced their presence and work. An incomparable talent, we look for understanding in Z’s words, and wish comfort and understanding as we grieve this loss.”
After earning their Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from New York University and Master’s in Fine Arts at the University of Mississippi, Barnes began their career in television working as a staff writer on the second season of FX’s Snowfall. Following their work on Snowfall, Barnes joined the writing team for Netflix’s Teenage Bounty Hunters working as a story editor on the coming-of-age dark comedy.
This would eventually lead Barnes to join the Knight of the Seven Kingdoms creative team, working as a writer on the series. Barnes is credited for writing on two of the show’s six-episode first season with work on both episode 2 and episode 4. In addition to their work as a writer, Barnes also is credited as a co-executive producer on the series premiere.
It’s tragic that Barnes never got to see the success of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and witness the positive reception the show has had among critics. Their contributions helped create the show that has won over both critics and fans alike, and it was a touching gesture by the creative team to honor Barnes’ legacy by dedicating the episode to their honor.
If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; international resources can be found through local health services.