Quick Read
- HBO’s “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” Season 1 finale aired on February 22, 2026.
- The series averaged nearly 13 million U.S. viewers per episode, making it one of HBO Max’s biggest debuts.
- Critics and fans widely praised the first season for its characters and narrative.
- Season 2, adapting “The Sworn Sword” novella, is expected in 2027 and is currently in production.
- The show faces concerns about potentially outrunning George R.R. Martin’s source material, similar to “Game of Thrones.”
YEREVAN (Azat TV) – HBO’s highly anticipated prequel series, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” concluded its critically acclaimed first season on February 22, 2026, drawing significant viewership and immediately sparking widespread discussion about the future adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and young Aegon V Targaryen. The finale, titled “The Morrow,” left fans eager for the next installment, which is already in production and slated for a 2027 release, cementing the show’s place as a vital expansion of the beloved “Game of Thrones” universe.
The six-episode season established a fervent fandom within its brief run on HBO and HBO Max, earning praise for its engaging characters and faithful adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas. The series quickly became a major success for HBO Max, reportedly averaging close to 13 million U.S. viewers per episode, positioning it to be the third biggest series debut in the platform’s history, according to Variety. Viewership consistently grew week-to-week, indicating strong audience engagement throughout its initial run.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Engagement for Season 1
The reception for “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” has been overwhelmingly positive from both critics and audiences. Reviewers lauded the season finale, with IGN awarding “The Morrow” an 8/10, noting a “small but welcome return of humor after a couple of very gloomy episodes, but for the most part, ‘The Morrow’ is a dramatic and ultimately hopeful conclusion.” Similarly, Den of Geek described the finale as a “quiet, reflective, and yes, pretty perfect” wrap-up to the first season. Some fans have even gone as far as to suggest the prequel has surpassed the original “Game of Thrones” series in quality, highlighting its compelling narrative and character development.
The finale saw Dunk and Egg departing Ashford Meadow for their next adventure, though not without the revelation that Egg had once again misled Dunk about his father, Prince Maekar Targaryen’s, permission. Actor Sam Spruell, who portrayed Prince Maekar, confirmed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that his character would not return for Season 2, reflecting Maekar’s profound upset and humiliation over Egg’s decision to follow Dunk. Another notable moment was the final title card, which humorously changed to “A Knight of the Nine Kingdoms” following a discovery by Egg; showrunner Ira Parker later clarified to Variety that this was a playful, non-permanent addition, reflecting the series’ slightly lighter tone.
Anticipating Dunk and Egg’s Next Adventure in Season 2
Looking ahead, Season 2 of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is confirmed to adapt Martin’s novella “The Sworn Sword,” which was originally published as part of the “Legends II” anthology. This next chapter will see Dunk and Egg in the Reach, serving Ser Eustace Osgrey of Standfast, and will delve into a local squabble over land. Showrunner Ira Parker indicated that while the fallout from Prince Maekar’s outburst in the Season 1 finale “will be addressed,” it is not expected to massively reshape the core narrative of the second season, which aims to remain compartmentalized like the original novellas.
Despite the excitement, the series faces a familiar challenge: the pace of George R.R. Martin’s writing. Martin has completed only three novellas in the “Tales of Dunk and Egg” series, though he has mapped out plans for as many as 12. This raises concerns about the show potentially outrunning its source material, a predicament that famously affected the later seasons of “Game of Thrones.” However, there is optimism that Ser Duncan the Tall and Aegon’s stories have a “definitive endpoint” within the Westerosi canon, providing a clearer narrative trajectory than its predecessor.
The successful conclusion of its first season and the immediate anticipation for a second installment underscore ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ as a pivotal asset for HBO and the broader ‘Game of Thrones’ franchise, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Westeros and its rich lore.