HBO’s new Game of Thrones prequel spinoff, House of the Dragon, had a strong premiere this past Sunday, just as the last severed body parts were being taken away, the wicked winds of deceit swept in, and the dragons were being sent off to bed.
The show has achieved a feat that is extremely unusual in episodic television in that it not only captures the dark tone and gloomy atmosphere of one of the greatest TV shows ever to hit the airwaves but also manages to carve out its own distinctive personality and flair within George R.R. Martin’s fictional universe.
Injecting some strong fires into the late summer streaming season, House of the Dragon features captivating performances from Matt Smith, Paddy Considine, Milly Alcock, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, and many others. Those flying dragons are incredible, too.
The solid plot and rich production design delivered by creators/showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik, with adaptation duties incorporating the abilities of GRRM, have brought back that old familiar Game of Thrones feeling with a vengeance. This prestige series, which reportedly costs $10 million per episode, has even brought back Emmy-winning composer Ramin Djawadi to provide his somber, dramatic score.
A dysfunctional Targaryen clan jostles for political power in Westeros 200 years ago after an ailing King Viserys I names his daughter Rhaenyra as his heir instead of his cruel, duplicitous brother Daemon. The pilot episode offered something for nearly everyone’s taste, from the tender to the terrifying. The one who rules from the Iron Throne rules with a heavy heart.
The stage has been set for further intrigue and deadly battles; let’s put our swords down for a bit and investigate what’s going down in the upcoming second episode of House of the Dragon, dubbed “The Rogue Prince.”
House of the Dragon episode schedule Release Date
- House of the Dragon episode 2: August 28 @ 9 p.m. ET
- House of the Dragon episode 3: Sept. 4 @ 9 p.m. ET
- House of the Dragon episode 4: Sept. 11 @ 9 p.m. ET
- House of the Dragon episode 5: Sept. 18 @ 9 p.m. ET
- House of the Dragon episode 6: Sept. 25 @ 9 p.m. ET
- House of the Dragon episode 7: Oct. 2 @ 9 p.m. ET
- House of the Dragon episode 8: Oct. 9 @ 9 p.m. ET
- House of the Dragon episode 9: Oct. 16 @ 9 p.m. ET
- House of the Dragon episode 10: Oct. 23 @ 9 p.m. ET
Where to Watch House of Dragon Episode 2?
Fans in the US may catch House of the Dragon on HBO Max, while those in the UK can watch it on Sky Atlantic. The same goes for Canada, where viewers will have to rely on Crave TV to see every episode because HBO’s streaming service isn’t available there either.
What Is The Plot Of House Of The Dragon?
Set centuries before the events of “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon” depicts the turbulent history of House Targaryen. It’s based on George R. R. Martin’s novel of the same name, published in 2018. The series centers on “The Dance of the Dragons,” a historical fight between Prince Aegon Targaryen and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen over who will succeed their father, Viserys I, on the Iron Throne.
The first part of House of the Dragon explores the history of the Targaryen family, one of the few remaining noble houses from Old Valyria. This silver-haired nobility rode dragons out of Old Valyria before the city was devastated by a volcanic eruption. They chose the craggy island of Dragonstone to build their ominous citadel.
House Targaryen, supported by their army of dragons and other fearsome creatures, was able to seize control of King’s Landing and establish a dynasty that would rule for the next three centuries on the Iron Throne. The events of House of the Dragon take place several generations later when the Targaryen dynasty has already begun to show signs of strain and infighting.
Ryan Condal (Colony, Rampage) and Martin created this epic fantasy series together. Condal and Miguel Sapochnik, who directed half a dozen episodes of Game of Thrones between them, will be in charge of the show’s administration.
