It may be July, but as any "Game of Thrones" fan knows, winter is here. And not a moment too soon. After a longer-than-usual wait, Season 7 finally begins on Sunday, July 16.

After an action-packed Season 6 finale, we're even more eager than usual for "Game of Thrones" Season 7. When last we saw the Lannisters, Starks, Daenerys Targaryen and more, major changes were in the wind, in the wake of epic battles and a jaw-dropping power grab by Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey.)

As usual, details about we can expect in Season 7 are in short supply. But the stage is set for confrontations we've been anticipating for years.

Daenerys (Emilia Clarke), determined to rule the Seven Kingdoms, is sailing toward Westeros, accompanied by allies, and Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), in his role as Hand of the Queen.

Jon Snow (Kit Harington) has won the Battle of the Bastards, and been hailed as the King in the North. But Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), who formed an alliance with Jon last season, isn't looking too happy with his ascension to the position she thinks is rightfully hers.

And let's not forget that Cersei has ruthlessly wiped out those who oppose her, and now sits on the Iron Throne.

Do you need to get ready to return to Westeros? Here's what you need to know:

Read my thoughts about why "Game of Thrones" stands out even in this era of Peak TV;

Where we left the major players at the end of Season 6.

And here's how to watch:

What: "Game of Thrones" Season 7 premiere

When: 9 p.m. Sunday, July 16

Channel: HBO

Streaming: You don't need to have a TV cable or satellite subscription to watch HBO shows. Stream them with an HBO Now subscription; there's a free month offer on now. After that, it's $14.99 a month. Here are details.

HBO has also made a deal with Hulu. Subscribers to Hulu can watch HBO programming, with the HBO add-on feature, which costs $14.99 per month.

-- Kristi Turnquist



kturnquist@oregonian.com

503-221-8227

@Kristiturnquist