House of the Dragon hits a season 2 snag after just one episode

Well, there’s no denying House of the Dragon has been carrying the Game of Thrones torch for HBO since the original show made its rather infamous stumble in 2019. Two years on from the last season, we’re finally back for Season 3 – and, let’s be honest, the claws are still out after a finale that got lambasted for all build-up, no bang. People were expecting proper carnage and instead had 70 minutes of mood lighting, plotting, and absolutely none of the fire-and-blood the title promises.

The Numbers: Not Exactly a Meltdown

You’d think that sort of reception might have sent viewers running for the hills, but actually, not so much. Warner Bros. Discovery dropped some figures (via Deadline) showing Episode 1 of Season 3 pulled in 21.5 million viewers over its first three days. That’s only an 8% dip versus the 23.4 million who showed up for the start of Season 2. Considering there was a hefty two-year gap in between, that’s... fine. Not a collapse, certainly not a disaster, more of a bruised ego than a lost kingdom.

Also worth noting: apparently, viewership for Season 2 actually tripled in the lead-up to the new season. So, people might have been annoyed with that finale, but they were still rewatching the build-up anyway. Gluttons for Targaryen lore, the lot of us.

Recap: Why Was That Season 2 Finale So Controversial?

Let’s not sugarcoat it – the end of last season was widely slated as the show’s absolute low point. Where audiences were expecting vengence, dragon-on-dragon duels, or at least someone’s hair catching on fire, they got an episode that looped right back to square one. No major battles, no shake-up of who’s in charge, and a lot of characters apparently forgetting the point of momentum.

Unsurprisingly, that meant a chunk of viewers kicked off the new season with a degree of wariness.

Season 3 Kicks Off: Mistakes and Standout Performances

The first episode of this season didn’t escape unscathed: keen observers clocked a continuity gaffe early on (always a risk with shows this sprawling). Still, Emma D’Arcy absolutely anchored the opening, reminding everyone why people still give a toss about these platinum-blonde schemers.

There’s still everything to play for, with HBO betting big on the Targaryens’ ability to hold our attention for however many more years it takes to finish this so-called Dance of the Dragons.

How to Watch & When

New episodes pop up every Sunday on HBO and HBO Max. The slog (sorry, saga) continues weekly all the way till the finale drops on 9th August, 2026. Yes, you read that right – stretch your patience accordingly.

The Line-Up: Old and New Faces

• Emma D’Arcy as the older Rhaenyra Targaryen (previously played by Milly Alcock)
• Olivia Cooke as the older Alicent Hightower (taking over from Emily Carey)
• Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen (because every fantasy show needs a loose cannon)
• Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen (Rhaenyra’s dad, and undoubted source of family drama)

Set roughly 172 years before Ned Stark lost his head, House of the Dragon is all about the Targaryens – the only dragon-riders left after Valyria went up in smoke, now at war with each other thanks to Viserys deciding to ditch precedent and put his daughter Rhaenyra next in line for the Iron Throne. What could possibly go wrong?

'With plenty more drama and action to come for Rhaenyra and the rest of the Targaryens this season, HBO seems to be doing everything in its power to deliver a season of the Game of Thrones story that will satisfy those who have stuck with the franchise for the last 15 years.'