The world of Westeros has expanded dramatically since Game of Thrones first premiered in 2011. With the original series concluded, House of the Dragon continuing into its third season, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms currently airing in 2026, fans new and old face an important question: where should you start your journey through the Seven Kingdoms?
This comprehensive guide breaks down all three series, their key differences, what makes each special, and which one AllBioHub recommends you watch first based on your preferences and viewing goals.
The Three Series: Quick Overview
Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
What It Is: The original HBO fantasy epic that started it all
Episodes: 73 episodes across 8 seasons
Timeline: Present-day Westeros (300 years after House of the Dragon)
Status: Completed
Based On: “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels by George R.R. Martin
House of the Dragon (2022-Present)
What It Is: Prequel series focusing on House Targaryen’s civil war
Episodes: Season 1 (10 episodes), Season 2 (8 episodes), Season 3 (Summer 2026), Season 4 (2028, final season)
Timeline: ~172 years before Game of Thrones
Status: Ongoing, renewed through Season 4
Based On: “Fire & Blood” by George R.R. Martin
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026-Present)
What It Is: Character-driven prequel about a hedge knight and his squire
Episodes: Season 1 (6 episodes, currently airing), Season 2 (confirmed, filming complete)
Timeline: ~100 years before Game of Thrones, ~72 years after House of the Dragon
Status: Currently airing, already renewed
Based On: “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas by George R.R. Martin
Game of Thrones (2011-2019): The Original Epic
The Complete Story
Game of Thrones follows multiple noble families fighting for control of the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms while an ancient evil rises in the frozen North. The series masterfully weaves political intrigue, family drama, epic battles, and supernatural threats into a sprawling narrative that captivated the world for nearly a decade.
Core Plot: After King Robert Baratheon’s death, a multi-sided war erupts for control of Westeros. The honorable Ned Stark’s execution sets off a chain of events involving the ruthless Lannisters, the exiled Targaryens plotting their return with dragons, the mystical threat of White Walkers beyond the Wall, and dozens of other factions vying for power.
Main Cast and Characters
The Starks (The North):
– Ned Stark (Sean Bean) – Lord of Winterfell, Hand of the King
– Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) – Ned’s wife
– Robb Stark (Richard Madden) – Eldest son, King in the North
– Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) – Elder daughter who evolves from naive girl to political player
– Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) – Youngest daughter, becomes skilled assassin
– Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright) – Middle son with mystical powers
– Jon Snow (Kit Harington) – Ned’s bastard son (actually nephew), serves in Night’s Watch
The Lannisters (The Westerlands):
– Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) – Patriarch, Hand of the King
– Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) – Queen, later Queen Mother
– Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) – Cersei’s twin, Kingsguard knight
– Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) – Youngest son, brilliant strategist
The Targaryens (Exiled):
– Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) – Last Targaryen princess, Mother of Dragons
– Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd) – Daenerys’ brother
Supporting Characters:
– Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) – Cruel boy king
– Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) – Ambitious queen
– Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish (Aidan Gillen) – Master manipulator
– Varys (Conleth Hill) – Master of Whisperers
– Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie) – Female knight
– Sandor “The Hound” Clegane (Rory McCann) – Brutal warrior with hidden honor
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Season 1 (2011): Ned Stark investigates a conspiracy in King’s Landing while his family fractures. Daenerys transforms from sold bride to dragon mother. Shocking moment: Ned’s execution.
Season 2 (2012): The War of Five Kings rages. Tyrion serves as Hand of the King. *Major battle: Blackwater.*
Season 3 (2013): Political alliances shift brutally. Daenerys begins conquering Essos. Infamous moment: The Red Wedding massacre.
Season 4 (2014): Joffrey dies at his own wedding. Tyrion’s trial. Jon defends Castle Black. *Widely considered the best season.*
Season 5 (2015): Cersei faces consequences. Arya trains in Braavos. Daenerys struggles to rule. Controversial moment: Jon Snow’s “death.
Season 6 (2016): Jon is resurrected. Battle of the Bastards. Cersei destroys her enemies. Daenerys sets sail for Westeros. Fan favorite season.
Season 7 (2017): Daenerys and Jon meet. The army of the dead breaches the Wall. Shortened 7-episode season begins controversial endgame.
Season 8 (2019): The living fight the dead. Daenerys descends into madness. Controversial 6-episode finale season. *Final king: Bran Stark.*
Critical Reception and Awards
Acclaim:
– 59 Primetime Emmy Awards (most for any drama series)
– 4 Emmy wins for Outstanding Drama Series (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019)
– Peter Dinklage: 4 Emmy wins for Outstanding Supporting Actor
– Rotten Tomatoes: Seasons 1-6 average 95%+ approval
– Cultural phenomenon that dominated global conversation for 8 years
The Final Season Controversy:
The final season remains deeply divisive seven years later. Critics praised production values and performances but criticized rushed storytelling, character inconsistencies, and unsatisfying resolutions. Many fans were disappointed and frustrated by the final season’s storytelling and how certain plot points were handled.
What Critics Said:
– Seasons 1-6: “One of the greatest television dramas of all time”
– Season 7: “A drop in quality but still enjoyable”
– Season 8: “The way the final season killed the hype of the series may be studied for decades”
Despite the controversial ending, 70% of Game of Thrones is easily considered one of the greatest television dramas of all time.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
Strengths:
– Pioneering television that changed the industry
– Complex, morally gray characters
– Masterful political intrigue
– Shocking, unpredictable storytelling
– Stunning production values
– Career-making performances
– Rich world-building
Weaknesses:
– Controversial final seasons (7-8)
– Graphic violence and sexual content may alienate some viewers
– Massive time investment (73 episodes)
– Unfinished source material led to creative struggles
House of the Dragon (2022-Present): The Targaryen Civil War
The Story
Set 172 years before Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon chronicles the Targaryen civil war known as “The Dance of the Dragons.” The conflict begins when King Viserys I dies and succession is contested between his daughter Rhaenyra (whom he named heir) and his son Aegon II (supported by his second wife’s family, the Hightowers).
Core Conflict: Family loyalty vs. gender politics vs. power ambition, all while both sides command dragons.
Main Cast
Team Black (Rhaenyra’s Faction):
– Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) – Rightful heir, dragon rider
– Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) – Rogue prince, Rhaenyra’s uncle/husband
– Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) – “The Queen Who Never Was”
– Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) – Lord of the Tides, Sea Snake
– Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) – Rhaenyra’s eldest son
Team Green (Aegon’s Faction):
– Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) – Queen Mother, former friend of Rhaenyra
– Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) – Crowned king
– Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) – One-eyed dragon rider, dangerous warrior
– Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) – Hand of the King, Alicent’s father
– Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) – Lord Commander, bitter ex-lover
Earlier Seasons (Flashbacks):
– Paddy Considine as King Viserys I – The tragic king whose decisions sparked the war
– Milly Alcock as young Rhaenyra – Emmy-worthy performance
Season Summary
Season 1 (2022): King Viserys names Rhaenyra heir but later marries Alicent Hightower. Years pass (controversial time jumps), alliances form, and when Viserys dies, Alicent’s faction crowns Aegon II, igniting civil war. The season ends with Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys killed by Aemond’s dragon.
Season 2 (2024): The war intensifies 10 days after Season 1’s finale. Daemon orchestrates revenge that goes horribly wrong (“Blood and Cheese” incident kills Aegon’s heir). Both sides seek allies and dragons. Major dragon battles. The season ends with both sides preparing for all-out war.
Season 3 (Summer 2026): Will open with the Battle of the Gullet, a massive naval confrontation. Rhaenyra will capture King’s Landing. Major character deaths expected. The war reaches its darkest point.
Season 4 (2028): Confirmed final season that will conclude the Dance of the Dragons.
Critical Reception
Rotten Tomatoes:
– Season 1: ~85% (praised for performances, criticized for pacing and time jumps)
– Season 2: 84% (praised for character work, criticized for slow pace)
Strengths:
– Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy’s performances
– Spectacular dragon battles
– Complex female characters
– Political intrigue
– Improved from Season 1 to 2
Weaknesses:
– Time jumps in Season 1 confused some viewers
– Slower pacing than Game of Thrones
– Dark lighting in some scenes
– Season 2 viewership dropped 22% from Season 1
– Long waits between seasons (2 years from S1 to S2)
George R.R. Martin’s Involvement
Martin was heavily involved in Season 1 but scaled back for Seasons 2-3 due to creative disagreements. In September 2024, he criticized changes made to the source material in a since-deleted blog post, creating tension with showrunner Ryan Condal.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026-Present): The Surprise Hit
The Story
Set about 100 years before Game of Thrones (and ~72 years after House of the Dragon), this series follows Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall, a young, naïve hedge knight, and his clever squire Egg (secretly Prince Aegon Targaryen in disguise) as they travel Westeros having adventures.
Tone: Lighter, more optimistic than its predecessors while still being authentically Westeros. Character-driven buddy adventure with humor, heart, and honor.
Plot: Season 1 centers on the Ashford Meadow tourney, where Dunk and Egg navigate knights, nobles, and dangerous exploits while learning what it truly means to be honorable in a cynical world.
Main Cast
– Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall – Nearly 7 feet tall, honest hedge knight
– Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg (Prince Aegon Targaryen) – Sharp-tongued royal in disguise
– Plus supporting cast at the tourney
Future King: Egg eventually becomes King Aegon V “The Unlikely,” great-grandfather to Mad King Aerys and great-great-grandfather to Daenerys.
Critical Reception (Currently Airing – February 2026)
Rotten Tomatoes: 95% Fresh (125 reviews)
Metacritic: 74/100 (“generally favorable reviews”)
Viewership: 6.7 million in first 3 days (strong HBO debut)
What Critics Are Saying:
– “A return to early Game of Thrones storytelling”
– “Character-driven with genuine heart”
– “The most faithful George R.R. Martin adaptation”
– BBC (5/5 stars): “One could fall in love with this show without knowing a single thing about the Game of Thrones universe”
Strengths:
– Extremely faithful to source material
– Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell’s chemistry
– Accessible to newcomers
– Emotional resonance
– Lighter tone while maintaining stakes
– George R.R. Martin heavily involved and approves
– Episode 4 used original Game of Thrones theme (gave viewers “goosebumps”)
Criticisms:
– Episodes are only 30-40 minutes (some want longer)
– Smaller scale may disappoint action fans
– No dragons (recently extinct in this timeline)
The Key Differences: Side-by-Side Comparison
Timeline
| Series | When It Takes Place | Years Before GoT |
|——–|———————|——————|
| House of the Dragon | ~172 AC | ~172 years |
| A Knight of Seven Kingdoms | ~209 AC | ~100 years |
| Game of Thrones | 298-305 AC | Present day |
Scope and Scale
Game of Thrones:
– 7 kingdoms, multiple continents
– 10+ major storylines simultaneously
– Dozens of main characters
– Epic battles with thousands of soldiers
– Dragons return after 150+ years
House of the Dragon:
– Focused on Targaryen civil war
– 5-7 major storylines
– 15-20 main characters
– Dragon battles (20+ dragons)
– High political stakes
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms:
– Follows 2 main characters
– Single storyline
– Small supporting cast
– Tourneys and personal conflicts
– No dragons (recently extinct)
Tone and Style
Game of Thrones:
– Dark, brutal, unpredictable
– “Anyone can die” mentality
– Graphic violence and sexuality
– Epic fantasy meets political thriller
– Nihilistic at times
House of the Dragon:
– Operatic family tragedy
– Greek tragedy structure
– Political scheming
– High-stakes dragon warfare
– Somewhat predictable (based on history book)
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms:
– Lighter, more optimistic
– Buddy adventure with heart
– Coming-of-age elements
– Focus on honor and idealism
– “Comfort watch” in Westeros
Episode Count and Length
Game of Thrones:
– 73 episodes total
– 50-82 minutes each
– 8 seasons (10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 7, 6 episodes)
House of the Dragon:
– 18 episodes so far
– ~60 minutes each
– 4 seasons planned (10, 8, 8, TBD episodes)
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms:
– 6 episodes (Season 1)
– 30-40 minutes each
– Multiple seasons possible
Accessibility for New Viewers
Game of Thrones:
– Best starting point for the uninitiated
– Self-contained story
– No prior knowledge needed
– Massive time commitment
House of the Dragon:
– Benefits from GoT knowledge but not required
– Can be enjoyed independently
– Complex family trees to track
– Knowing GoT ending adds tragic irony
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms:
– MOST accessible for newcomers
– Standalone story
– Simple premise
– No GoT knowledge needed
– Shortest time commitment
Violence and Mature Content
Game of Thrones:
– Extreme graphic violence
– Frequent nudity and sex scenes
– Sexual violence (controversial)
– “Sexposition” became a term
House of the Dragon:
– Graphic violence
– Less nudity than GoT
– Disturbing birth scenes
– More restrained than predecessor
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms:
– Fantasy violence
– No nudity reported
– More family-friendly (relatively)
– PG-13 compared to R-rated siblings
Which One Should You Watch? AllBioHub’s Expert Recommendations
For Complete Game of Thrones Newcomers
WATCH FIRST: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Why:
✅ Most accessible entry point – no prior knowledge needed
✅ Lightest tone eases you into Westeros
✅ Only 6 episodes (low time commitment)
✅ 95% Rotten Tomatoes score
✅ Currently airing weekly (participate in live conversation)
✅ Character-driven storytelling is easiest to follow
✅ BBC: “One could fall in love with this show without knowing anything about GoT”
Then: If you love it, watch Game of Thrones Seasons 1-4 to see the epic version. If you want more intimate storytelling, wait for Knight Season 2.
For Fans Who Watched GoT But Haven’t Seen the Prequels
WATCH: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Why:
✅ Feels like early GoT (Seasons 1-4 vibes)
✅ Restores faith after controversial GoT ending
✅ Character development over spectacle
✅ George R.R. Martin heavily involved
✅ Comparisons to “Arya and The Hound’s adventures”
✅ Won’t disappoint like later GoT seasons did
Alternative: House of the Dragon Season 1 if you’re craving dragon battles and political intrigue.
For Dragon Battle and Epic Spectacle Fans
WATCH: House of the Dragon (Seasons 1-2, then 3 in Summer 2026)
Why:
✅ 20+ dragons in aerial combat
✅ Massive battle sequences
✅ High production values rival films
✅ Complex political intrigue
✅ Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy performances
✅ Four-season arc to completion
Skip to: Season 2 if Season 1’s time jumps frustrated you.
For First-Time Fantasy Viewers
WATCH: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Why:
✅ Least intimidating entry point
✅ Simpler story structure
✅ Lighter tone won’t traumatize
✅ Short episodes (30-40 min)
✅ Only 2 main characters to track
✅ No complex mythology to understand
Then: Game of Thrones Season 1 to see if you want more.
For Hardcore George R.R. Martin Book Readers
WATCH: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Why:
✅ Most faithful adaptation
✅ Word-for-word dialogue from novellas
✅ Martin heavily involved and approves
✅ Respectful additions that enhance
✅ Captures novella spirit perfectly
Also Watch: House of the Dragon for the epic scale, but expect departures from Fire & Blood.
For People Who Hated the GoT Ending
WATCH: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Why:
✅ Set 100 years BEFORE GoT
✅ Nothing to do with how GoT ended
✅ Self-contained story
✅ Restores faith in Westeros
✅ Different showrunners
✅ Martin’s direct involvement
Avoid: Rewatching GoT unless you stop at Season 6.
AllBioHub’s Official 2026 Recommendation
Our Verdict: Start With A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
After careful analysis of all three series, AllBioHub strongly recommends that viewers in 2026—whether new to Westeros or returning fans—begin with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Why This Is Our Top Pick
1. It’s Genuinely Exceptional Television
With a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score and universal critical praise, this isn’t just “good for Game of Thrones”—it’s one of the best shows on television right now, period.
2. Perfect for the Moment
In an era of bloated prestige TV and superhero fatigue, a focused 6-episode season with genuine character development and heart feels refreshing and necessary.
3. Lowest Barrier to Entry
You can start watching tonight without having seen a single minute of Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon. The BBC called it a show you “could fall in love with without knowing a single thing about the Game of Thrones universe.”
4. Restores Faith in the Franchise
After the controversial GoT finale and mixed reception to House of the Dragon Season 2, A Knight proves the franchise can still deliver quality storytelling with emotional resonance.
5. George R.R. Martin’s Blessing
Martin is actively involved, spending more time on this than House of the Dragon, and has publicly praised the adaptation. That speaks volumes.
6. The Chemistry Works
Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell have what every great show needs: leads you genuinely want to spend time with. Their relationship carries the show effortlessly.
7. It’s Happening Right Now
Currently airing through late February 2026, you can watch weekly and be part of the conversation—something increasingly rare in the binge era.
8. It Won’t Break Your Heart
Unlike Game of Thrones’ controversial ending or House of the Dragon’s tragic inevitability, this series offers hope, honor, and heroism without being saccharine.
Our Recommended Westeros Viewing Path for 2026
Phase 1: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 (January-February 2026)
Phase 2: Game of Thrones Seasons 1-4 (if you loved Knight and want epic scale)
Phase 3: House of the Dragon Seasons 1-2 (Spring 2026)
Phase 4: House of the Dragon Season 3 (Summer 2026)
Phase 5: Game of Thrones Seasons 5-6 (if still invested)
Phase 6: Decide if you want to finish GoT S7-8 or stop at S6
Alternative Path (For Dragon Enthusiasts):
House of the Dragon S1-2 → A Knight Season 1 → HotD Season 3 → Game of Thrones
Casual Viewer Path:
A Knight Season 1 → Wait for Season 2 → Done
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to watch Game of Thrones to understand House of the Dragon?
No. House of the Dragon is set 172 years before Game of Thrones and tells a complete story about the Targaryen civil war. However, watching GoT first adds tragic irony since you know House Targaryen’s eventual fate.
Do I need to watch Game of Thrones to understand A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
No. A Knight is the most accessible series for newcomers. The BBC stated you could “fall in love with this show without knowing a single thing about the Game of Thrones universe.” It’s a standalone buddy adventure.
Which has better ratings: Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon?
Game of Thrones’ early seasons (1-6) averaged 95%+ on Rotten Tomatoes, higher than House of the Dragon’s 84-85%. However, GoT’s final season dropped to controversial levels. Currently, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms leads with 95%.
Are there dragons in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
No. The show is set about 100 years before GoT when dragons have recently gone extinct. They’re remembered in stories but no longer exist. The show focuses on knights, tourneys, and human-scale conflicts.
How does the violence in these shows compare?
Game of Thrones has the most extreme graphic violence and sexual content. House of the Dragon has graphic violence with less nudity. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms appears more restrained with fantasy violence and no reported nudity.
Which series has the best cast?
All three feature exceptional casts. Game of Thrones launched numerous careers (Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner). House of the Dragon features Emmy-caliber work from Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy. A Knight’s Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell have remarkable chemistry despite less name recognition.
Can I watch House of the Dragon before Game of Thrones?
Yes, though watching GoT first enhances the experience since you’ll know the tragic fate awaiting House Targaryen. Watching HotD first won’t spoil GoT’s plot but may lessen emotional impact of certain reveals.
Is Game of Thrones worth watching despite the controversial ending?
Yes. Despite final season criticism, seasons 1-6 represent some of television’s finest work. Many fans recommend stopping at Season 6 or treating the ending as one possible conclusion. The journey is worth experiencing.
How many seasons will each show have?
Game of Thrones: 8 seasons (complete)
House of the Dragon: 4 seasons (through 2028)
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: At least 2 confirmed, potentially more if successful
Which show is most faithful to George R.R. Martin’s books?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the most faithful, with word-for-word dialogue from the novellas. Early Game of Thrones (Seasons 1-4) was very faithful before surpassing the books. House of the Dragon makes more significant changes to Fire & Blood.
What’s the time commitment for each series?
Game of Thrones: ~60-70 hours
House of the Dragon: ~16 hours (so far)
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: ~3-4 hours (Season 1)
Will watching the prequels spoil Game of Thrones?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms won’t spoil anything—it’s set 100 years earlier. House of the Dragon won’t spoil GoT’s main plot but does establish Targaryen history and character traits that inform GoT events.
The Bottom Line: Three Shows, Three Different Experiences
Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms each offer distinct experiences within the same universe:
Game of Thrones is the sprawling, ambitious epic that changed television forever—best for viewers wanting maximum scope, political intrigue, and shocking twists.
House of the Dragon delivers spectacular dragon battles and tragic family drama—best for viewers craving visual spectacle and operatic tragedy.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms provides character-driven storytelling with heart and hope—best for viewers wanting accessible, emotionally resonant fantasy.
All three are worth watching eventually, but in 2026, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms represents the smartest entry point for new viewers and the most satisfying experience for disappointed GoT fans seeking redemption.
The realm will always need its stories. The question is: which story speaks to you?
Stay updated on all Game of Thrones universe news, House of the Dragon updates, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms coverage at AllBioHub.com
