HBO's newest addition to the Game of Thrones universe arrived on screens Sunday night as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiered on HBO and HBO Max at 10 p.m. ET. The six-episode first season marks the third television series set in Westeros and adapts George R. R. Martin's Dunk and Egg novellas, stories that take place roughly a century before the events of Game of Thrones.
The premiere episode, titled The Hedge Knight, ran approximately 42 minutes and introduced viewers to Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg as they journey through Westeros during a time when the Targaryen family still ruled and dragons had disappeared from the world. The show represents a departure from the sprawling hour-long episodes viewers saw in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, opting instead for a more focused, character-driven narrative.
Background
The Dunk and Egg stories have existed in George R. R. Martin's universe for years, published as novellas within various collections. These tales explore a different era of Westeros than fans encountered in the main Game of Thrones series, set during a period of relative stability under Targaryen rule. The decision to adapt these stories for television came after the mixed reception to the final season of Game of Thrones, with HBO looking to expand the franchise in new directions.
House of the Dragon, which premiered in 2022, explored the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons within the Targaryen dynasty. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes a different approach, focusing on smaller-scale adventures and personal stories rather than dynasty-spanning conflicts. The series represents HBO's confidence in the Game of Thrones brand despite the original show's controversial conclusion.
Key Details
The first season consists of six episodes airing weekly on Sundays in the United States. Episodes will release at 10 p.m. ET on both HBO and HBO Max. The schedule runs through February 22, with new episodes arriving every Sunday. In the United Kingdom and other regions, episodes become available on Mondays through Sky Atlantic and NOW.
Peter Claffey stars as Ser Duncan the Tall, with Dexter Sol Ansell playing Egg. The supporting cast includes Finn Bennet, Bertie Carvell, Sam Spruell, Daniel Ings, and Danny Webb. The show's runtime of 35 to 45 minutes per episode reflects its more intimate scope compared to previous Game of Thrones productions.
Production and Creative Direction
The series adapts The Hedge Knight novella for its first season. Episode titles include Hard Salt Beef, The Squire, Seven, In the Name of the Mother, and The Morrow. The creative team has committed to bringing Martin's stories to life with attention to character development and the moral complexities that define the novellas.
HBO has already renewed the show for a second season, signaling strong confidence in the project even before the first season concluded. Season two will adapt The Sworn Sword novella and is expected to arrive in 2027.
"The show represents a more intimate storytelling approach, moving away from the event television scale of previous Game of Thrones productions to focus on personal journeys and character-driven narratives."
What This Means
The premiere marks an important moment for HBO's Game of Thrones franchise strategy. Rather than attempting to replicate the massive scope of the original series or the dynastic intrigue of House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers a different entry point into Westeros. The smaller cast, shorter episodes, and focus on two main characters suggest HBO is diversifying its approach to the fictional world.
For viewers, the show provides an opportunity to experience new stories set in a familiar universe without the baggage of previous Game of Thrones controversies. The source material exists as completed novellas, which may appeal to fans concerned about unfinished storylines. The early renewal for season two demonstrates that HBO believes this approach resonates with audiences.
The series also represents a test of whether Game of Thrones can succeed beyond its original formula. With House of the Dragon continuing the dynasty-focused storytelling, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms explores whether smaller, character-centric adventures can capture viewer interest in the same world. The six-episode format also differs from the longer seasons of previous shows, potentially offering a tighter narrative structure.
Viewers can access the series through HBO Max in the United States, where plans start at $10.99 monthly with advertisements or $18.49 without ads. In the United Kingdom, the show airs on Sky Atlantic and streams on NOW. The weekly release schedule means audiences will receive new episodes every Sunday through late February, with the season finale arriving on February 22.
