‘A Knight of the 7 Kingdoms’ Averages 26 Million Viewers Per Episode, Receives Critical Praise From Audiences and Critics Alike

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According to a new report in Deadline, the fantasy series A Knight of the 7 Kingdoms is performing very well on streaming platforms. The first season is averaging 14 million viewers in the U.S. and 26 million worldwide per episode, making it the third-biggest series launch on HBO Max so far. The show has already been renewed for a second season, which is expected to arrive next year.

I’ve been following the buzz around HBO’s new Game of Thrones show, A Knight of the 7 Kingdoms, and everyone’s trying to figure out what made it work so well. It’s exciting to see them building on that world, and I’m really curious what the key to its success was, according to both fans and people in the industry.

Critics Weigh In

As a huge fan of the Game of Thrones universe, I’m really excited about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms! It’s based on George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg stories and takes place almost a century before everything we saw in Game of Thrones, and about 72 years after House of the Dragon. The show follows Ser Duncan the Tall, played by Peter Claffey, and his young squire, Aegon Targaryen, who’s brought to life by Dexter Sol Ansell. It’s going to be amazing to see a different era of Westeros!

Virginia Kublai, writing for Geeks + Gamers, noted in her review of the season finale, “The Morrow,” that the show had improved significantly, evolving from being “insignificant and painfully unfunny” to offering a touching look at a knight’s journey to become honorable and virtuous.

Reviewers have enjoyed the series’ upbeat and positive feel, especially because it’s so different from the grim atmosphere of Game of Thrones. As YouTuber The Critical Drinker pointed out, it’s refreshing to see a hero who is truly good, someone you can root for without worrying they’ll turn out to be secretly evil or have a hidden, destructive plan.

Drinker expressed relief at seeing a genuine story that examined themes of honor and heroism without dismissing them as old-fashioned. He also appreciated seeing strong male characters without the need for a token female character who unrealistically tries to match their physical abilities.

Fan Reactions

Fans are also enjoying A Knight of the 7 Kingdoms. On the website Criticless, where viewers share their opinions, the show has received a “Most Excellent” rating of 87% based on reviews from 48 users.

It’s been fifteen years since Game of Thrones first aired, four years since House of the Dragon started, and now the first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is already finishing up!

So, I’ve been totally hooked on this new Westeros show, and it’s got me thinking… if you’re watching too, I’d love to hear what you think! Head over to Criticless and share your review – let’s chat about it!

— Criticless (@Criticless_inc) February 23, 2026

In a review, user Samwise_Geegee praised the show for being more hopeful than Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. They described it as refreshing and said it makes it easier to support the main character.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms was a simple hero’s journey story and just good TV.

I’m ready for my Queens now.

— Verbal Riot (@verbalriotshow) February 24, 2026

The reaction on X (formerly Twitter) has been similar. Verbal Riot pointed out that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms works well because it keeps things straightforward. Others have also commented that the show’s success comes from staying faithful to the original books.

There’s a lot to appreciate in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. It’s best to stay true to the original story and avoid changing characters’ races.

— Aesthetica (@Anc_Aesthetics) February 17, 2026

Looking Ahead

Featuring engaging characters, a story true to the source material, and an uplifting feel, A Knight of the 7 Kingdoms demonstrates that audiences are still drawn to straightforward, inspiring tales set in Westeros—showing that virtues like bravery, integrity, and hope can be just as captivating as dragons and political maneuvering.

Did you watch A Knight of the 7 Kingdoms? What did you think? Sound off in the comments!

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2026-02-28 01:57