The Boston Globe gave the season a positive review and stated, "The funny thing about Game of Thrones is that it's built on familiar genres and yet it appeals to those who may not be fans of those genres." [64] James Poniewozik of Time gave the season a positive review and stated, "Game of Thrones is flying, full tilt, toward a destination off the edge of our map of the known world. I can't wait to see what it finds there." [65] Salon.com gave the season a positive review and stated, "In the fifth season, the story has been distilled to just the moments of pathos and characterization and gorgeous direction that make the story work." [66] Slate was concerned about the fact that the season "pulls even further away from the novels (the Sansa plot will drive some fans crazier than King Aerys)", though still thought it was "better for it". [67] Hale, Mike (April 9, 2015). "On 'Game of Thrones,' a Change of Scene". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331 . Retrieved July 27, 2021.

Giardina, Carolyn (February 20, 2016). "Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards: The Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved February 21, 2016. Histories & Lore": Learn about the mythology of Westeros as told from the varying perspectives of the characters themselves. [147] [149] National Television Awards 2016: Winners list". BBC. January 20, 2016 . Retrieved January 20, 2016. Hibberd, James (July 15, 2014). " 'Game of Thrones' season 5 directors chosen". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved July 15, 2014. A Day in the Life": Takes you behind-the-scenes of production in three countries, offering an inside look at the production process of Season 5.Stephenson, Kristen (June 26, 2016). "Arm yourself for Game of Thrones season finale with these Westeros-themed records". Guinness World Records . Retrieved September 3, 2016. Crow, David (June 17, 2015). "Game of Thrones: The 15 Best (and 11 Worst) Book Changes". Den of Geek . Retrieved May 18, 2019.

Tinoco, Armando (June 12, 2016). "MTV MIAW 2016 Winners List: J Balvin, Maluma, Plus Who Won At Millennial Awards?". Latin Times . Retrieved June 19, 2016. Hammond, Pete; Andreeva, Nellie (December 16, 2015). "AFI Awards: Disney & Majors Dominate Film; Rookies Shine On TV Side". Deadline.com . Retrieved January 20, 2016. audio commentaries by, among others, Benioff, Weiss, Dinklage, Headey, Harington, Coster-Waldau, Glen, Williams, Dormer, Christie and more.Giardina, Carolyn (February 2, 2016). "VES Awards Winners: 'Star Wars' Takes Top Prize". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved February 3, 2016. Couch, Aaron (April 9, 2015). " 'Game of Thrones' EPs: Season 5 "Diverges a Bit More" From the Books (Video)". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved May 6, 2015. Gilbert, Matthew (April 9, 2015). "Review: New Season Promises More Bold Moves". The Boston Globe . Retrieved July 27, 2021. [ permanent dead link] Best. Ever. TV. Awards 2015: And the Winners Are!". E! Online. June 29, 2015 . Retrieved January 14, 2016. Game Of Thrones - Season 5". jbhifi.com.au. Archived from the original on May 16, 2016 . Retrieved November 14, 2016.