House of the Dragon

:

Season 1
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 21, 2022
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 615 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 318 out of 615
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 615
  3. Negative: 254 out of 615

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. CKhound
    Oct 27, 2022
    10
    A great show that really does take some of the bad tastes out of the last season of Game of Thrones. This is a bit of a different beast though. I love Game of Thrones. And possibly love it slightly more than House of the Dragon, but this is a much different told story. Essentially, where it focuses on one family and one rather small group of main characters that are regularly in contactA great show that really does take some of the bad tastes out of the last season of Game of Thrones. This is a bit of a different beast though. I love Game of Thrones. And possibly love it slightly more than House of the Dragon, but this is a much different told story. Essentially, where it focuses on one family and one rather small group of main characters that are regularly in contact with one, it gives a much different vibe from the Game of Thrones storytelling that has characters that are much removed from one another for seasons, or maybe never met at all. Overall, this has a lot of very good storytelling through character development, and some truly great environment and CGI (the dragons look amazing!). Be careful though, if you are looking for nonstop action, this isn't that. I love action as much as the next person, but this is a season built primarily of story/world building. Be prepared for dialogue, intrigue, and yes, some action. Overall, a perfect show.… Expand
  2. andy_indierock
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    It's great to see the house Mother of Dragons in GoT from, its glory till its demise. Can't wait for episode 2. Lineage of each Houses and why they starting to fight each other as seen in GoT, surely each fan that got no time to read the novels dying to know.
  3. Daimonion
    Sep 7, 2022
    10
    A well made show, not as good as the original GoT but a masterpiece in comparison to Rings of Power
  4. samusmaster64
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Despite the initial apprehension, “House of the Dragon” has succeeded at being a true adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s work. The scale has been peeled back, abandoning long battle sequences for biting words, political intrigue, and character drama. It may take viewers who enjoyed the spectacle of later seasons of “Game of Thrones” a while to get on board, but fans of Martin’s books andDespite the initial apprehension, “House of the Dragon” has succeeded at being a true adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s work. The scale has been peeled back, abandoning long battle sequences for biting words, political intrigue, and character drama. It may take viewers who enjoyed the spectacle of later seasons of “Game of Thrones” a while to get on board, but fans of Martin’s books and the lore of Westeros are in for a treat.… Expand
  5. hydrogen
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Off to a great start. Great casting and character development. On par for GOT. This will be a great was to understand early history.
  6. iandizion713
    Aug 30, 2022
    10
    The battle of the throne is back and better than ever. Gonna be so epic watching Dragon riders duke it out.
  7. vgmkyle
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    HBO's golden goose isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Production value is stellar, special effects are stellar. I expected the acting to be phony, fake cosplay - but I was completely wrong. The acting is realistic and enjoyable to watch. Is it better than the last two seasons of GOT? Oh, absolutely. 10x times better. I can't wait for the next episode, and this has boosted my interest inHBO's golden goose isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Production value is stellar, special effects are stellar. I expected the acting to be phony, fake cosplay - but I was completely wrong. The acting is realistic and enjoyable to watch. Is it better than the last two seasons of GOT? Oh, absolutely. 10x times better. I can't wait for the next episode, and this has boosted my interest in GOT once more.… Expand
  8. Rooseweld
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Amazing First Episode, Reminded me of the early seasons of game of thrones, can't wait to see how the rest of this season progress.
  9. Yanni_
    Oct 17, 2022
    10
    Absolute joy and pleasure. Adapting Fire and Blood is extremely hard yet they managed to do it greatly. The casting is excellent, the costumes are somptuous, it needs a slow start to expose everything and understand the plot but the more this serie advances the more mindblowing it is. One of the greatest
  10. D3NGZ
    Sep 9, 2022
    10
    3 Episodes in and it is just as good as Game of Thrones ever was.. King Viserys is a flawed "weak" king but with many qualities to him. Rhaenyra played by Milly Alcock is stealing almost every scene shes in and the supporting cast is incredible. Costume design and Dragon CGI is top notch, the Writing and Performance of the actors are very good and authentic, Music is once again flawless..3 Episodes in and it is just as good as Game of Thrones ever was.. King Viserys is a flawed "weak" king but with many qualities to him. Rhaenyra played by Milly Alcock is stealing almost every scene shes in and the supporting cast is incredible. Costume design and Dragon CGI is top notch, the Writing and Performance of the actors are very good and authentic, Music is once again flawless.. so far i cant put it at anything lower than a 10. i will change if it dips in quality but i dont think it will...

    reading some reviewers here it feels like alot of people are just carrying baggage from that all time disaster of season 8.. let it go.    … Expand
  11. Yukee
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Everything is so perfect! Reminds me of the book. Thank you George R. R. Martin for this beloved histories.
  12. mndk9881
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    به نظر من سریال فوق العاده شروع شد و امید وارم به همین طریق بره جلو ففط نقطه ضعفش مدت زمان سریال که کوتاه.
  13. turdlemckay
    Aug 24, 2022
    10
    I don't like more than I like about it but I'm willing to wait and see. Compared to the competition it is amazing, but still seems to be left wanting.
  14. Irfanullah86
    Aug 25, 2022
    10
    First Episode seems the best. I hope rest of the episodes follow the same path. The pacing was great. VFX and Dolby Atmos support was top notch. The story build up is great. Can't wait for rest of the episodes.
  15. DaveModer
    Aug 25, 2022
    10
    It is really good! It is really good! It is really good! It is really good!
  16. Jacko16
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Hated the last season of GOT, but rating this on its own merits, it was brutal and a solid first episode, felt like S1-S3 of GOT. I'm intrigued and will keep tuning in, hope they can keep it up.
  17. moler
    Sep 11, 2022
    10
    Una gran serie a la altura de juego de tronos. Buenos actores. Buen guión. Quiero mas
  18. Sun585
    Sep 5, 2022
    10
    Once again: Fun to see anti woke snwoflakes become mad because of castings. Lmfao.
  19. jabloomf1230
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    GoT went into the ditch when it started deviating from GRRM's books. Dragons is chock full of pure GRRM trivia and detail. This may be why the fans love it and many professional critics are baffled. Unlike Tolkien, GRRM's fantasy world is also tinged with science fiction. Also unlike Tolkien, the world's history is more detailed. My advice is to read the books that Dragons is based on. ItGoT went into the ditch when it started deviating from GRRM's books. Dragons is chock full of pure GRRM trivia and detail. This may be why the fans love it and many professional critics are baffled. Unlike Tolkien, GRRM's fantasy world is also tinged with science fiction. Also unlike Tolkien, the world's history is more detailed. My advice is to read the books that Dragons is based on. It helps in understanding the interplay between factions, families and characters.… Expand
  20. alexxxxxxxxxx
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    it’s good y’all just hate for no reason like it’s actually pretty good lovee
  21. TrickyRikke
    Sep 22, 2022
    10
    The good writing of Westeros is back and I am fully invested. While it’s hard to ignore the massive fumble of Game Of Thrones in the later seasons, this show shines on its own. Incredible cast, incredible actors, the writing, cgi, world building, setting and tone are all incredible and very familiar to the feeling the first few seasons of Thrones invoked.
  22. Morgn
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    AMAZING!!! MUST WATCH DESPITE GOT'S FINALE. It has everything to be perfect. Action, lots of drama and great script. Amazing.
  23. MarkoD
    Oct 25, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Definetly must see!!! After game of thrones we have new masterpiece. I agree that in some way there is too much time jumps but thats ok… Expand
  24. saimariejohnson
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    I thoroughly enjoyed the pilot episode for this series. I really liked how they referenced the Song of Fire and Ice and Rhaenerys' character came in with a strong and promising potential that is sure to add to the fire that eventually produces Daenerys "Khaleesi" Targaryen. Excellent ensemble. It is really exciting and I'm very curious to continue seeing more as the series continues.
  25. GoupilSystem
    Sep 6, 2022
    10
    Well I guess I don't care that much about dragons not being childish in GOT, brothels being not hypocrites in GOT, Bran being king in GOT, GOT not being woke... I just really enjoy this show.
  26. victorbutera
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    House of the Dragon debuts in a solid, agile and consistent way with Heirs of the Dragon, which takes us back to the fantastic world of Westeros as if we never said goodbye, the palatial intrigue that haunts King's Landing in GOT is still present which makes us transports to something totally unique and new but with ties to the material we already know through nostalgia
  27. grinwade1
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Solid first episode. Amazing production value. Cool sets. Awesome wardrobe. Sweet armor.
  28. pedrwwgo
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Foi maravilhoso voltar a Westeros! Como fã do livro, eu amei demais! Muito promissora.
    Ryan Condal, junto de Miguel e do grandioso George R. R. Martin irão conduzir bem esse show!
  29. zienti
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Finally we have another story in our beloved universe created by Gorge.R.R Martin
  30. Marcroc
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    AMAZING!!! MUST WATCH DESPITE GOT'S FINALE. It has everything to be perfect. Action, lots of drama and great script. Amazing.
  31. felipesntn
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Show of the year! For those who still are resented by GoT's finale, please grow up!
  32. jmc2011
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Amazing show!!! Ryan and Miguel know what they are doing!! Westeros is in great hands!!

    It feels so good to be back in this world! I was a little skeptical with how the show would be handled after the debacle of the final seasons of game of thrones but I feel like this show is vindicating. Ryan's attention to details from the books and Miguel's direction is a perfect match.
  33. NicoTacos
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Westeros is finally back. This was such a great start, we can truly see there's so much potential in this show, I had chills.
  34. ZLZ61
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Fire episode Fire show
    Gonna be epic
    Gonna be amazing
    Fire and blood
    GOT
    HTOD
  35. Thynamis
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    What a first episode. I love the casting and pacing so far. It feels like the old Game of Thrones is back.
  36. Paloam
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Everything in House of the Dragon it's perfect, the cast, characters, adaptation, scenario... just brilliant
  37. Hosein05
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    That was a good pilot The music was epic thanks to Ramin djawadi
    The cinematography was also great I really enjoyed it I think this gonna be a good adoption
  38. Leodaez
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    I loved everything that happened in this first episode. I thought it would all be very rushed and in fact it was perfect. Things fell into place and the conflicts to come are already clear.

    Featured performances by Daemon, Viserys, Rhaenyra and Otto
  39. alpha404
    Aug 25, 2022
    10
    I find the episode of the House of the Dragon series, a wonderful first episode, introducing us to the characters and their political orientations in the world of Westeros. The transitions between scenes are wonderful, shocks in the first episode, and fateful decisions that affect future events. I consider this amazing.
  40. jaybird7
    Sep 3, 2022
    10
    It feels like game of thrones, got some dragons. So far seems to have promise. Least it isn't Amazons Lord of the Rings.
  41. luvtheweasleys
    Sep 4, 2022
    10
    All I can say is WOO-HOO! I absolutely love it so far! I am really enjoying the characters and the storyline. Super happy that Season 2 is already a go!!!
  42. bpzen
    Sep 4, 2022
    10
    Was sceptical going into this show, 3 episodes in and its worth watching, I hope it continues to deliver
  43. ccpboy1
    Sep 8, 2022
    10
    I really had ZERO "0" hopes for this after the failure of season 8 of GOT....... but this series has proven me wrong, its so damn good, the acting and the plot really catch the esence of the fight for the throne.
  44. Bennyhill82
    Sep 9, 2022
    10
    Fantastic. Actors - Special effects - plot, all great.
    Made the forgive the got horrible finale
  45. PaoloLobos
    Sep 10, 2022
    10
    A rich and well-developed story, interesting characters, full of medieval-style fantasy. respecting the legacy of the original sutor. There is a moment where Matt Smith "Daemon targaryen" develops a tense scene, where he doesn't even need to say a single word.
  46. g0seigen
    Oct 4, 2022
    10
    I haven't written a review before but had to for this show. It is amazing. The quality of the writing and its fidelity to the world of the books is simply off the charts.

    I do worry about non-readers being able to follow the show through the time jumps and especially the casting for older characters, but I also feel that these jumps are fully justified by one of the main themes of the    I haven't written a review before but had to for this show. It is amazing. The quality of the writing and its fidelity to the world of the books is simply off the charts.

    I do worry about non-readers being able to follow the show through the time jumps and especially the casting for older characters, but I also feel that these jumps are fully justified by one of the main themes of the show - the way parents pass on their grudges and prejudices to their kids.

    I was also motivated to chime in because the negative reviews for this show are particularly annoying. The most justifiable kind I've seen say the show is boring, but in most cases they said so after only one or two episodes. If you watch the first season of GOT, there are some definite saggy spots where they had to film rather dry conversations in order to fill time. They were good for character, but still dry. This show by contrast executes conversational scenes much better. The show, in reality, is only boring if you expect every scene to be a battle or a murder. This world might have that reputation but it simply has never been that. The palace intrigue and tense conversations have always been the beating heart of it. If you don't like that, it might not be the show for you, but you probably should have known that coming in if you actually watched the previous series.

    Of course the other kind of negative review refers to the "politics" of the show in one or both of two categories - its feminism and its casting. As to the feminism, these themes are central to the story being told, even in the original text. They are also totally relevant to today. Alicent's character is driven by resentment that she has lived up to expectations placed on her based on her sex/gender. Rhaneyra is resentful and dismissive of those expectations. Rhaneyra's claim is only challenge-able because of her gender. That's just the story. It is not an imposition. In fact, it is exactly the dynamic of the historical source material - the Anarchy and the war between Stephen and Matilda. The decisions made by husbands about women going through pregnancy couldn't be more relevant to today. The sexual double standards still exist. So do the general moral ones - just look at the "scandal" around the Finnish prime minister recently. And by the way we still haven't had a female president in this country and many others. If these themes were not relevant or were not in the source material, you might have the ghost of a point, but otherwise you are really just review bombing and/or reacting based on your own imposed expectations that everything you see conform to your own political preference. Methinks the men doth protest too much.

    As for the casting, it actually enhanced one of the central plot points - the legitimacy of Rhaneyra's children "with" Laenor. I will admit it seemed awkward to me at first, but by just giving it a chance you get to see it fit really well into the dynamics of the plot. I myself have found it unfortunate that the tv shows haven't been able to fully embrace the fantasy-medieval setting of the books, but the reality is that a wider audience would balk at some of the ages involved because of changing beliefs about childhood/adulthood, sexual maturity, and the role of violence. The casting seems far less consequential by comparison to what they did to Tyrion's character in the original.

    And as for the production values, the CGI, and the overall look and feel of the show, there is simply nothing better on television or, frankly, in cinemas. The costumes, set designs, cinematography - everything creates such an organic whole that is totally immersive. The only fault I can find is that when they use "the volume" (the LED screen walls that have replaced blue screen) it occasionally creates a washed out look that is fine by itself but tends to get old when it appears so often. Also, one or two dragon shots have clearly not had as much attention as others. But beyond that, it's better than anyone has a right to expect on a tv show.

    And the acting is amazing too. I don't think any of the actors have hit a wrong note. I was skeptical of Matt Smith as Daemon at first but he has turned out to be perfect for the role.

    Overall, I have been more than pleased    … Expand
  47. donanja
    Aug 22, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It can be difficult to wash out the bitter taste left by Game of Thrones Season 8, but I’m personally trying to see this new series as its separate entity – set in the same universe, but adapted and written by completely different writers.

    There are many great things to say about this episode, but I think what shines through the brightest is the return of dialogue with some substance. After the mind-numbing dialogue that we got towards the end of Game of Thrones (“I dun want it”, “muh queen”), it’s so refreshing to watch these characters interact with each other in a meaningful way that feels human. Very reminiscent of the earlier seasons of the original show.

    I will also admit that I got a bit emotional seeing King’s Landing again. It may be about two centuries before GoT, but it’s still recognizable as the same city and it has a very familiar, nostalgic feel to it. The score and VFX were on point too.

    My only critique would be about the ending where Viserys suddenly starts talking about some weird “winter is coming” stuff and breaks the fourth wall by talking about the “Song of Ice and Fire”... I think that felt a bit shoehorned in and unnecessary, but that was literally in the last 5 minutes of the episode and I’m guessing it’s something they put in for the more casual audiences to help bridge the gap between HotD and GoT.

    Other than that I was very satisfied. It felt like a strong and faithful return to this world. I have nothing negative to say about any of the cast either, I think they’re all excellent from what I’ve seen so far (Rhys Ifans and Paddy Considine are probably my favorites).

    With my initial impressions, I’d give this episode a very generous 9/10.    … Expand
  48. FelipePedro07
    Oct 23, 2022
    9
    Very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  49. laughingal
    Aug 21, 2022
    9
    I'm not a big fan of the gratuitous bordello scenes, but the rest looks great. Milly Alcock is fantastic and has a great future ahead of her. Episode 1 left me wanting more. Don't compare it to GOT, treat it like a new thing. GOT was pretty campy in parts anyways. I don't mind them using actors of different races, it just doesn't bother me at all.
  50. Arcadiuz
    Aug 23, 2022
    9
    The first episode is a strong start in the season. I hope HBO can keep the quality.
  51. SimboTheKing
    Dec 29, 2022
    9
    Waaaaaaay better than I expected the prequel to be and it reminds me of how much I missed peak GoT. The web it spins is so interesting and infuriating (in a good way) in equal measures. I love all the time skips in it and it really keeps the story moving and helps massively with the pacing.

    I also adore the characterisation in this, everyone feels three dimensional and their decisions    Waaaaaaay better than I expected the prequel to be and it reminds me of how much I missed peak GoT. The web it spins is so interesting and infuriating (in a good way) in equal measures. I love all the time skips in it and it really keeps the story moving and helps massively with the pacing.

    I also adore the characterisation in this, everyone feels three dimensional and their decisions don't feel cheap like later GoT. I think, like a lot of people, I was quite cynical about a GoT prequel given how it ended but it lives up to the hype for me. Excited for s2!    … Expand
  52. Jagen
    Dec 10, 2022
    9
    A real return to form. Avoids the cringy adolescence of early GoT, with an actual interesting focus on gender and power. Feels more compact in scope, but that's no bad thing.
  53. MetacriticOnur
    Oct 21, 2022
    9
    perfect
    [ adjective, noun pur-fikt; verb per-fekt ]

    adjective
    conforming absolutely to the description or definition of an ideal type:
    a perfect sphere;
    a perfect gentleman.
  54. GrayWolf008
    Sep 12, 2022
    9
    House of Dragons, is turning out to be really good series. Still early in the season so I'm not going to praise it has the best series of all time.
    But the first 3 episodes I was invested. I just hope it doesn't turn out like GOT season 8 tragedy.
    Looking forward how the season 1 will end and how it will tie into season 2.
  55. szeffffff14
    Aug 22, 2022
    9
    Great first episode! This was a feeling like The good old GoT. Recomend to all fan of game of thrones
  56. Maulcun
    Aug 21, 2022
    9
    When HOTD was first announced, I had doubts as to whether it would be good. But after watching the first episode... I am blown away. From the acting to the set design.

    If they maintains the quality and intrigue of episode one, HOTD could be better than GOT.
  57. Anonanonamous
    Sep 10, 2022
    9
    Interesting expansion on the TV universe. Have only read the original series so not sure how it's holding up to its source material. George said the actor playing the king added more nuance and tragedy to his character than he originally wrote. I've enjoyed the first three episodes.

    **** review bombers. If this is your life then get another one.
  58. Mosimores
    Aug 27, 2022
    9
    Very good for first episode Thank you HBO for producing this series
    Please be good to end of it
  59. AlliDoisWatchTv
    Aug 21, 2022
    9
    Great dynamic between the characters. I can tell this wont be anywhere near as big or good as GOT butttt it will def be very good and do amazing in its own lane. I believe this is going to be a very successful spinoff like what better call saul is for breaking bad
  60. HamishIII
    Sep 4, 2022
    9
    HOTD is off to a good start bringing us back to Westeros with a new cast of characters that seem familiar and with good casting choices - the joust was good and gruesome along with re-introducing houses we are familiar with from GOT - but leads towards the conflict that will play out with House Targaryen - hopefully, there will be steady build-up to the conflict and good vs. evil with theHOTD is off to a good start bringing us back to Westeros with a new cast of characters that seem familiar and with good casting choices - the joust was good and gruesome along with re-introducing houses we are familiar with from GOT - but leads towards the conflict that will play out with House Targaryen - hopefully, there will be steady build-up to the conflict and good vs. evil with the grey between or best when there is no clear villain and who will end up on top along with unlikely characters becoming the ones to root for… Expand
  61. Hossamhassan
    Aug 23, 2022
    9
    At last .. the rightful heir of game of thrones is here .. - The series is bloody and very, very violent and it's full of sexual scenes .. and this weakens its numbers because of that rating things ..and this is a challenge we see films and series cannot take nowadays so that they can gain more money,tickets and views .. They reduce violence, blood, or sex, and negate the nature of theAt last .. the rightful heir of game of thrones is here .. - The series is bloody and very, very violent and it's full of sexual scenes .. and this weakens its numbers because of that rating things ..and this is a challenge we see films and series cannot take nowadays so that they can gain more money,tickets and views .. They reduce violence, blood, or sex, and negate the nature of the world they built to get a fan children .. I see that the excessive bloodshed in this episode is a matter of respect for the inheritors of GOT .. The truth is that the best, most exciting, and funny moments of the episode are the bloodiest and the most violent parts Whatever the visual level of GOT and its greatness .. our series this time has the ability to be much better and be a cinematic reference for the ones after it.. the episode is full of wide beauty shots which is crowded and full of people and layers and creative lighting .. and it's full of great close shots .. specifically the shots of the king during his decisive decision in the middle of the episode and the montage was very effective the series chosen the story of the house taygerian to be the center of drama .. and that's the next big challenge .. if you remember .. the taygerian had no any presence in the Kingdom or any important position in GOT .. we only know a little of their history because of the things they told us in GOT .. so the writers had to imagine and build their life style , their look and every thing about them from zero .. they don't have a reference from GOT The series decided to summarize the details of the beginning of the conflict in the first episode .. that sounds great at the first time .. but here comes the problem.. Unfortunately, anyone who has seen the trailers can expect the end of the episode from the first ten minutes of it and is able to anticipate its chapters.. Unfortunately, the campaign was not successful.. And the story of the episode is very redundant .. it reminds us of Hamlet and the lion king and the Northman, with different details, but I mean the story of the family conflict and the uncle’s greed and the boy is role .. I think the makers noticed that so they concluded it early .. but their is a voice in my head tells me that this increases the challenge more .. because there is nothing else you can expect from watching the trailers .. but .. we will see It's promising, exciting,funny and got a points of power like rhythm, cinematography, the level of dialogue (not the script) and the balance between dialogue scenes and battles .. it came with many challenges..so after the great anger from GOT audience because of the last season.. there was a question: is that a goodbye? Or you're insist to take the challenge by introducing the derivative series that you are forced to reconcile with your audience with it ?.. or .. you are going to bury all that has passed due to commercial ambitions? .. and the took the challenge.. the series so far has the opportunity to be interesting .. or iconic .. or the last nail In the coffin of GOT… Expand
  62. andy24king
    Aug 22, 2022
    9
    You know what I really enjoyed that first episode of this new series from George R R Martin. Certainly sets it up for some cracking episodes to come. Very good acting, great set locations (something I’ve adored with GoT), and it’s just different but right thru it all is the handprint of George RR Martin. Brilliant. Westeros is back baby.
  63. Gabts
    Aug 21, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 9aoaoaakakakkakakakkwmwnjaajjaakajajajajaakjaakkiakkqia(9aoaoaakakakkakakakkwmwnjaajjaakajajajajaakjaakkiakkqia… Expand
  64. ToffeeHobitti
    Aug 22, 2022
    9
    Finally some good fantasy. All in all the first episode felt like more mature Game of Thrones, with more complex and deep characters. Great looking sets and CGI. Some of the armors look a bit plastic but it's really a minor thing. I can't believe how it has only 69 on critic score. Guess it does not have enough D I V E R S I T Y and Mary Sue women who bash the men for being incompetent morons lol.
  65. Oldstuff667
    Sep 1, 2022
    9
    Honestly I’ve very much enjoyed the first two episodes and look forward to seeing the dragons as the season goes on. Not going to be as good as got I think, but overall happy with the pacing and acting.
  66. AndyJP
    Oct 12, 2022
    9
    Enthralling and a return to high standards, this adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "Fire and Blood" is a prequel to the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series of novels, brings with it familiarity for "Game of Thrones" fans but features a brand new cast of characters. Although the time skips can be jarring and there are many new names and faces to learn, the series brings with it the stellarEnthralling and a return to high standards, this adaptation of George R.R. Martin's "Fire and Blood" is a prequel to the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series of novels, brings with it familiarity for "Game of Thrones" fans but features a brand new cast of characters. Although the time skips can be jarring and there are many new names and faces to learn, the series brings with it the stellar acting, directing, and design fans have come to expect, along with the engaging storytelling you've missed ever since the earlier seasons of "Game of Thrones". Strong Recommend.… Expand
  67. JU993RNAUT
    Oct 25, 2022
    9
    Had to come in and post a positive review for this first season. To much early review bombing going on. If you watch the whole season the characters are developing well and the stage is set for an action packed second season. I have not been this excited about this franchise since end of season 6 GOT.
  68. shoulderoforion
    Aug 23, 2022
    8
    SOLID first episode, and much better than I had any expectation of it being. I've been upset since GOT season 5 when it started tanking. Had no hopes that HOTD was going to be anything other than a stale moneygrab, but I gotta say I was more than pleasantly surprised by it's first offering, I'm in, and Sunday night Westeros is appointment TV once again.
  69. mikep22
    Aug 27, 2022
    8
    It was an interesting start, but without any of the slow character build up that A song of Ice and Fire had, you really are flung in very quickly. There is plenty of potential here for a high quality series, and like the original series, there are no "good guys or bad guys" and all the characters seem to have varying flaws - which should make for interesting watching.
    It will be cool to    It was an interesting start, but without any of the slow character build up that A song of Ice and Fire had, you really are flung in very quickly. There is plenty of potential here for a high quality series, and like the original series, there are no "good guys or bad guys" and all the characters seem to have varying flaws - which should make for interesting watching.
    It will be cool to see how closely it matches its source material "fire and blood" as it progresses.    … Expand
  70. Bruterake
    Jan 2, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Muitos cortes do material original que deixam a história um pouco desconexa e sem muita profundidade, até pq as próprias cenas de humanização de certos personagens são cortadas.… Expand
  71. Idahoe1984
    Aug 22, 2022
    8
    I hope that's a start of something great. Costumes and decorations are majestic. Actors inspire confidence. It's a great challenge to fit all dialogues developing characters in such short time, but I hope it'll get better in further series.
  72. Bramskoo
    Oct 26, 2022
    8
    I was curious what the user score was. Im shocked. The anti woke-police seem to have seen a black person in the show and a white person not portraying someone nice... and also the woman said something smart! How dare they!! Liberals!! Woke!!

    Joking aside and for the people who dont watch the world through TP-rolls, this was actually good. and im very invested in how the story continues.    I was curious what the user score was. Im shocked. The anti woke-police seem to have seen a black person in the show and a white person not portraying someone nice... and also the woman said something smart! How dare they!! Liberals!! Woke!!

    Joking aside and for the people who dont watch the world through TP-rolls, this was actually good. and im very invested in how the story continues. That last episode, omg! Dragons! raarrrrr!    … Expand
  73. kingdom007
    Aug 21, 2022
    8
    It cannot be said that it is as beautiful as Game of Thrones, but the first episode is reminiscent of the Game of Thrones series, although it is weaker than it in everything, because the book of Fire and Blood is weaker than the Song of Fire and Ice collection, and overall it looks good.
  74. oladoyinbov
    Aug 23, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not Bad, We Await The Movie, Hope It Is Better Than GOT
    I Already saw some trailer on this series on https://www.spak.ng    … Expand
  75. Click33
    Sep 7, 2022
    8
    3 episodes in, this is a very good series so far. Great acting, good dialogue, interesting plot, decent CGI and action scenes. Only a ridiculously violent birthing scene bothered me so far. Oh, and race swapping an entire family with terrible dreadlock wigs is annoying too. Not as woke as the showrunners and actors pretend the show is, which is a good thing. Too bad they're going to3 episodes in, this is a very good series so far. Great acting, good dialogue, interesting plot, decent CGI and action scenes. Only a ridiculously violent birthing scene bothered me so far. Oh, and race swapping an entire family with terrible dreadlock wigs is annoying too. Not as woke as the showrunners and actors pretend the show is, which is a good thing. Too bad they're going to replace 2 of the younger actresses with older actresses. Perfect casting besides the race swapping and replacing younger actresses who look old enough and act well enough for their roles. An oasis among an ocean of garbage TV shows.… Expand
  76. kaypro2
    Sep 5, 2022
    8
    Excellent visuals, quality acting and a good story. The three pillars of episodic success. Bravo, HBO for choosing show runners that cared enough to create a fine fantasy experience.
  77. jonesy10
    Sep 9, 2022
    8
    I was cautious leading up to the premiere of watching more Game of Thrones after the failure of the original show in 2019. But the safe haven is found in the writers given the task of bringing this enormous epic to the screen. Out goes original hack writers D&D and into comes Ryan Condal, Miguel Sapochnik and creator R. R Martin and between them they shift focus back to characterI was cautious leading up to the premiere of watching more Game of Thrones after the failure of the original show in 2019. But the safe haven is found in the writers given the task of bringing this enormous epic to the screen. Out goes original hack writers D&D and into comes Ryan Condal, Miguel Sapochnik and creator R. R Martin and between them they shift focus back to character development instead of the massive set piece after set piece scenes. This first episode couldn't have been better, already full of betrayal, back stabbing and power mad council members. Looking forward to the next episodes and the whole season in general. As long as the lessons are learned from the final seasons of GoT, The House of the Dragon should be on solid ground.… Expand
  78. NotTolkien
    Sep 9, 2022
    8
    Went into this not expecting much due to season 8 of GOT. I was pleasantly surprised. The plot moves along nicely and character development is very good. The dialog and acting is good across the board. I watched the first 3 episodes and I am looking forward to the next one.
  79. Grinderman
    Sep 11, 2022
    8
    good cast, I'm very excited to see how it goes, can't understand the many negative reviews.
  80. bertobellamy
    Aug 21, 2022
    7
    I have never seen 'Game of Thrones,' and have little interest in doing so, but this turned out well. The first episode hooked me, and now I'm waiting for the obvious twists and turns the story will have. My main complaint is that there were so many names that I got lost several times.
  81. Prosmooth
    Aug 23, 2022
    7
    Was a solid first episode. Surprisingly focused. Has a different feel than GOT, but that's not a bad thing since the last 2 seasons of GOT were awful.
  82. UncleWillard
    Aug 22, 2022
    7
    So far, so good. I've only seen episode one, but it's shaping up to be a stripped down GOT clone and I like that. All the casting choices seem to be pretty good and I'm already into it. That first episode flew by, so that's a good thing.
  83. Dee-Jay_Deli
    Oct 24, 2022
    7
    With the first season now complete, I consider HotD to be a 7/10 in total. That said, there's a clear divide between the pre-time jump and post time-jump episodes, with the latter being much more engaging.
    Pre-time jump felt like it was mostly world-building and getting the characters where they needed to be, but without resolving much of the tension that was building up.
    Post time jump    With the first season now complete, I consider HotD to be a 7/10 in total. That said, there's a clear divide between the pre-time jump and post time-jump episodes, with the latter being much more engaging.
    Pre-time jump felt like it was mostly world-building and getting the characters where they needed to be, but without resolving much of the tension that was building up.
    Post time jump really accelerates the drama and builds towards the climax more stringently. Thus making it much more engaging.
    That said, for all its strengths in the latter half, HotD still lacks some of the more charming characters GoT offered us. Nothing comes close to the swagger and charm of Tyrion, Jamie or even Bron. It's mostly gloomy characters. A missed opportunity.    … Expand
  84. Heart_Idealism
    Oct 26, 2022
    7
    House of The Dragon S1 presented the same amount of glorious carnage, unfiltered politics and repulsive elements that made the parent story; Game Of Throne so raw and beloved by many. It successfully recreated that atmosphere of the world of Westeros within this small, self-contained story, surprisingly without any grand adventure or any large-scale epic spectacle. But it goes really wellHouse of The Dragon S1 presented the same amount of glorious carnage, unfiltered politics and repulsive elements that made the parent story; Game Of Throne so raw and beloved by many. It successfully recreated that atmosphere of the world of Westeros within this small, self-contained story, surprisingly without any grand adventure or any large-scale epic spectacle. But it goes really well with the theme of restraint nobility, and serves solidly as a foundation of the overall lore of the main-story.

    But what its really lacking is in the patience and the build-up to make the actual climaxes feels rewarding. The plot of this season is the equivalent of 2 or maybe 3 season of regular Game of Throne, and i just don't feel we earned it yet

    The constant time skipping, while true it resulting in an interesting dynamic, it buries the character under this heavy flows of the plot-driven narrative. It's sacrifices all the character intrigue to be almost unrecognizable

    And to be honest, if in season 2 when the war finally ensue. And they suddenly slowing down the pacing to the point that we wouldn't get the same amount of length of time jumps each episode like in season 1, I'LL BE REALLY PISSED!    … Expand
  85. ByteMyPixels
    Sep 1, 2022
    7
    Lets get this straight, it is not as good as the first few season of the original, but so far it is better than seasons 7 and 8. It doesn't feel phoned in either, and I am willing to admit I might be carrying some unfair baggage from the last season, but I am going to stick around for this.

    AT LEAST IT ISN'T NETFLIX ADAPTATION QUALITY!!!
  86. RubyMouse
    Sep 3, 2022
    7
    I didn't finish game of thrones but this seems to be a great reboot so far. The world building is impressive and immersive, the scripts sharp and funny and all the actors are convincing. I'm looking forward to more episodes - unless it too becomes a gore-fest, as there's only so much degeneration I can stand.
  87. Sondergaard
    Sep 5, 2022
    7
    Solid so far. Not amazing, not epic but good. As someone who hated GoT S8 I'm as surprised as anyone to be writing this. But credit where credit is due.
  88. JoA1973
    Oct 11, 2022
    7
    Yes they rewrote the race of a group of characters, but at least the original author was involved in that choice. That aside, this series seems to be better written than many other fantasy series nowadays and the performances are WAY better. Even knowing how it ends, this show is still a pleasure to watch, just like the first 7 seasons of its namesake.
  89. Fixer84
    Mar 16, 2023
    7
    A first season that starts slowly but ends up growing in the long run. Curious to see how the plot will evolve and adapt in the second season. This, for now, is just a prologue to the Dance of Dragons.
  90. Drael6464
    Aug 21, 2022
    6
    First episode at least, very mediocre by comparison to GoT. Sound engineering is awful, CGI looks cheap, costuming looks very clean and new, music is unoriginal. The acting is competent, but the story starts very slowly, and there's really only one compelling scene. Few characters stand out as interesting. Targaryen's come across less like a golden age empire, and more like the any otherFirst episode at least, very mediocre by comparison to GoT. Sound engineering is awful, CGI looks cheap, costuming looks very clean and new, music is unoriginal. The acting is competent, but the story starts very slowly, and there's really only one compelling scene. Few characters stand out as interesting. Targaryen's come across less like a golden age empire, and more like the any other house with blond wigs (literally). Pacing is also quite wack.… Expand
  91. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 21, 2022
    6
    Honestly there's nothing too bad about this just an uneven start but it's a welcomed revival of the intrigue the earlier seasons carried. It feels like something potentially good and far removed from the quality decline apparent in the Game of thrones later years. Excited to see where this goes.
  92. jzathajenius
    Aug 22, 2022
    6
    Doesn't feel unique in any way, feels more like they're consciously trying to recreate what they think we loved about GOT. brutal violence? check. Profanity? check. an orgy scene? check. petty squabbles for power between family memebers? check. Feels all too familiar and uninspired. I do like Milly Alcock though, even if it feels like they're trying to give us another Arya to root for.
  93. BigKahunaBurger
    Aug 29, 2022
    6
    The cinematography is definitely a step-up from the early episodes of Game of Thrones, but the dialogues and writing are all much more mediocre so far. The "blackwashing" was definitely not needed and I don't see how it won't break the plot since the protagonists' (the Targaryens) obsession with their pure-bloodedness is a key element in the books. That is if the producers care about theThe cinematography is definitely a step-up from the early episodes of Game of Thrones, but the dialogues and writing are all much more mediocre so far. The "blackwashing" was definitely not needed and I don't see how it won't break the plot since the protagonists' (the Targaryens) obsession with their pure-bloodedness is a key element in the books. That is if the producers care about the source material at all.… Expand
  94. Nietzschebot1
    Aug 21, 2022
    6
    It was just okay. Where GOT attempted to insert as much violence, sex, and general mayhem as it could get away with (at least in the first few seasons), HOD seems as if it is trying to have as little violence, sex, and general mayhem as it can get away with (while still appearing to be edgy). We are in a new moral age, and this series seems to be made in the wake of that age. It mayIt was just okay. Where GOT attempted to insert as much violence, sex, and general mayhem as it could get away with (at least in the first few seasons), HOD seems as if it is trying to have as little violence, sex, and general mayhem as it can get away with (while still appearing to be edgy). We are in a new moral age, and this series seems to be made in the wake of that age. It may prove me wrong, but everything about it so far is much too clean. This, of course, also hurts the drama. Nothing about it provokes winces or shock. And (perhaps consequently), there was also an absence of awe.… Expand
  95. PlacidDragon
    Sep 8, 2022
    5
    "House of the Dragon" is a mediocre show. It is not bad, not at all. But neither is it good, its just "meh". The story is very predictable, the acting is stilted and mechanical (my favorite newspaper review said) :

    "all the actors move around like the have a Valerian steel jumbo sized rectal thermometer, and seem to be contractually obligated to convey as little personality and    "House of the Dragon" is a mediocre show. It is not bad, not at all. But neither is it good, its just "meh". The story is very predictable, the acting is stilted and mechanical (my favorite newspaper review said) :

    "all the actors move around like the have a Valerian steel jumbo sized rectal thermometer, and seem to be contractually obligated to convey as little personality and individuality as they possibly can".

    I find that quite descriptive actually... brooding, mechanical, with a light seasoning of Conan the Barbarian solo mayhem (which i personally found utterly ridiculous), and on and on. The show is absolutely watchable, but is as previously mentioned.. very average.    … Expand
  96. Locust69
    Sep 2, 2022
    5
    some cases of terrible tokenized characters casting and wokie leftie SJW politics.... some solid moments, good actors and nice dialogues.... normally this would be 0/10 wokie turd but since there are also utter garbage rings of power and if you are mindless consumer who need high budget overCGI fantasy flick.... this is better option. Of crouse its still a milked watered down version ofsome cases of terrible tokenized characters casting and wokie leftie SJW politics.... some solid moments, good actors and nice dialogues.... normally this would be 0/10 wokie turd but since there are also utter garbage rings of power and if you are mindless consumer who need high budget overCGI fantasy flick.... this is better option. Of crouse its still a milked watered down version of first GoT seasons... still better than season 7 and 8 tho...… Expand
  97. Mathias01
    Aug 22, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Well... after watching the first episode I can already see where this show is going so I might end up not finishing the season. I'll give it another couple of episodes but this start was not a good one. Yeah seeing dragons flying around was cool but some of the characters were a little too tropey. And I saw some hints at wokeness here and there. Subtle but there. And (as was the case for GoT) the violence depicted so far was one sided. During the scene where people were being beaten and rounded up by soldiers one man would say "thief" and a man has his hand cut off. The same man said "rapist" and another man was castrated. Yet no women were accused of anything. Why? Only men are bad? This is a continuation of a disturbing trend in films and TV shows of today.… Expand
  98. WatchinMovies
    Aug 23, 2022
    5
    The sets and visuals are very nice. The acting is ok but not too convincing. The story is typical of an unfinished work where the writers make up drama that is a caricature of drama. I'm not into gruesome but the "raw" scenes seem all contrived without much real humanity (good and bad) in them. It's not so much the actors that are overacting it's the written scenes. Our recommendationThe sets and visuals are very nice. The acting is ok but not too convincing. The story is typical of an unfinished work where the writers make up drama that is a caricature of drama. I'm not into gruesome but the "raw" scenes seem all contrived without much real humanity (good and bad) in them. It's not so much the actors that are overacting it's the written scenes. Our recommendation is "eh, don't waste much time watching this."… Expand
  99. ReichC
    Aug 30, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The writers need to STOP already trying to surround this series with just that one word "Woke" This isn't the series to insert this in and half of the new series, movies as of late? That have gone that way, Have turned out to Bomb and not get a season 2.… Expand
  100. nameless
    Sep 11, 2022
    4
    Episode 1 was OK. Episode 2 was exposition and a bit weak. Episode 3 was dead on arrival. No one cares about the King and his nonstop whining. Even when it got to the action its connection with everything that went before was inconsequential. Writers are not this stupid, I am guessing the producers or the director don't know what they are doing.. When we get to the action look who canEpisode 1 was OK. Episode 2 was exposition and a bit weak. Episode 3 was dead on arrival. No one cares about the King and his nonstop whining. Even when it got to the action its connection with everything that went before was inconsequential. Writers are not this stupid, I am guessing the producers or the director don't know what they are doing.. When we get to the action look who can dodge dozens of simultaneous arrows like a superhero but when they finally do hit them, they break them off and run with broken-off arrows in them.. what the? OMG, this got absurd and as well as boring very quickly. I will be watching episode 4 but if it does not get better, I'm done.… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Most Discussed TV Season of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 43
  3. Negative: 1 out of 43
  1. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Sep 9, 2022
    70
    Though the acting is exemplary, this grim, glum prequel sorely lacks a Tyrion, an impish jester to puncture the portentousness. [12 - 25 Sep 2022, p.11]
    Read full review
  2. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Aug 24, 2022
    70
    It’s mainstream fantasy, blessed with sumptuous costumes, compelling settings and those “Avatar”-like swooping dragons. Dragons, in fact, turn up just when the plot needs them most. When the house seems like it’s going to fall, they’re there to shore it up. ... It’s good; it still has time to be great.
    Read full review
  3. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    Aug 23, 2022
    60
    "House of the Dragon" takes about five episodes to warm up, which corresponds to the amount of time that we spend with the younger actors playing key roles before a time jump necessitates a casting change. ... Rhaenyra is not Daenerys. She doesn't have a hype squad cheering on her murderous inclinations – yet – or an unearned sense of destiny. She's learning the price of capability and lessons about what it means to be a Targaryen, and a woman, from noble sources and unseemly ones. That combination of influences makes her an enigmatic guide back to a land we haven't forgotten, yet aren't entirely sure we've missed very much.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »