Every Game of Thrones Show, Ranked Worst to Best (Based on Their First Season)

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Since the original series ended in 2019, the world of HBO’s Game of Thrones has continued to expand, and the new shows are increasingly impressive – though the original remains the strongest. Game of Thrones set a very high bar for fantasy television, and while its spinoffs haven’t quite reached that peak, they are among the best fantasy shows of the last few years.

Now that each of the three shows has had at least one season, we can start to compare them and see which ones are the best. This ranking could change as House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms continue to air, since Game of Thrones showed us how quickly things can improve. But here’s how the shows currently stand – and for many, the order won’t be surprising.

3) House of the Dragon

While currently the least compelling of HBO’s Game of Thrones prequels, House of the Dragon has a chance to improve with its third season. Like the original series, it revolves around the battle for the Iron Throne, but focuses on a smaller, internal Targaryen conflict. This was intended to create a more personal story, but the show hasn’t fully developed enough characters to make a strong connection with viewers. The story jumps around a lot, covering a large period in the first season and having fewer episodes in the second, which doesn’t give us enough time to get to know the supporting characters.

Both A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and Game of Thrones feature stronger character development than House of the Dragon (HOTD). While House of the Dragon includes dragons and action, it hasn’t yet delivered battles as compelling as the best episodes of Game of Thrones. The trailer for Season 3 suggests that may change, promising more action. However, the show still faces challenges related to changes from the original story and feedback from author George R.R. Martin.

2) A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

After just one six-episode season, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is already proving more successful than House of the Dragon and has the potential to be as good as the original Game of Thrones, if it keeps up the good work. This latest spin-off offers a fresh take on the series with a lower budget, a tighter storyline, and a lot more humor. It’s exactly what the franchise needed, and it’s particularly strong when it comes to developing its characters. Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell are already memorable as Ser Duncan the Tall and Egg, and even the smaller roles, like Lyonel Baratheon, Baelor Targaryen, and Raymun Fossoway, are well-developed enough to make viewers invested in their stories.

Even though it’s paced more slowly and focuses on a smaller story, the fifth episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms still features some of the most exciting action in the entire series. Like previous Game of Thrones seasons, it ends with a more subdued, character-driven episode that leaves viewers eager for what comes next. However, it doesn’t quite surpass the impact of the original show. Luckily, a second season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is already planned, and it has the potential to become just as great as Game of Thrones.

1) Game of Thrones

While House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are good shows, neither has surpassed Game of Thrones as the best series in the franchise. Even though Game of Thrones’ later seasons weren’t as strong, its early seasons remain some of the best fantasy television ever made. Game of Thrones excels in every area – it features the strong characters and writing found in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and the exciting action and high stakes of House of the Dragon. While the spinoffs have their strengths, Game of Thrones combines all of them into one impressive package.

When Game of Thrones first aired, its strong qualities felt new and exciting because it was a truly original fantasy show. While House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms have similar shocking moments and deaths, they don’t have the same impact. Viewers have now become accustomed to these elements, but Game of Thrones really stood out for introducing them.

What’s been your favorite season of Game of Thrones so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-24 02:15