Gen X & Gen Z Agree: HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Is the GoT Series That’s Only Getting Better

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The world is captivated by the Game of Thrones universe, and that’s clear with the success of spin-offs like House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. My dad and I, despite being from different generations, both think A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the best Game of Thrones show so far, and it seems to be improving with each episode.

My dad sparked my passion for fantasy. He introduced me to the genre through movies like The 13th Warrior (1999), Troy (2004), and 300 (2006), as well as the World of Warcraft video game and the TV show Game of Thrones, which I first started watching with him when I was twelve.

Looking back, letting me do that might not have been the best parenting choice, but it meant I got to experience the beginning of what became a truly legendary series as it unfolded. Because of that, I feel confident saying that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the best installment in the Game of Thrones universe so far, and my dad thinks so too.

My Gen X Dad & I (Gen Z) Can Finally Agree on One Thing

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Bridges the Generational Divide

Image via HBO

I have a lot of fond memories of spending time with my dad in his garage as a kid. We used to watch movies and TV shows together for hours until my mom made me come in for bedtime. That’s where I first discovered and became a huge fan of Game of Thrones. But as I got older, my dad and I started to like different things.

Growing up, I quickly learned watching movies with my dad was… challenging. He just didn’t seem to enjoy most new releases, and he definitely wasn’t afraid to tell you what he thought! I figured it was just a difference in how we saw things – my generation, Gen Z, gets bored easily, while he, being Gen X, had a much more critical eye. It was a constant clash of tastes, honestly.

I was so excited when my dad loved A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms! He immediately said it was the best Game of Thrones series he’d seen, and it was amazing to finally agree with him about a show after years of different tastes. When someone from Gen Z and someone from Gen X both think something is great, you know it must be truly special.

What Gen X Thinks of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Thrives on Being Epic Yet Simple

Okay, so my dad and I both agree – A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is actually better than both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. And we boiled it down to four words: “It’s epic yet simple.” See, those other shows got so tangled up in all the political scheming and complex backstory. This one? It’s a straight-up hero’s journey, and honestly, it’s refreshing. That simplicity lets the story really breathe, and when the emotional moments hit, they really hit. It just feels more impactful, you know?

What really struck me about this story is how real and relatable the characters of Dunk and Egg are – it’s something I haven’t often felt with this franchise. My dad, and I totally agree, points out all these little details that make Dunk so human. Like, the fact that he literally has explosive diarrhea, his desire to be more than just a simple knight, and even just asking for “dinner” while sneaking around… it’s those small, grounded moments that just make him feel incredibly believable and lovable. It’s the details, you know?

Many viewers find Dunk relatable, and he’s one of the few truly kind characters in Game of Thrones, which makes him easy to support. My dad also really connects with the character of Egg, and I agree – Dexter Sol Ansell’s performance is fantastic. His expressions and how he delivers his lines are exceptional and really make the show even better.

What Gen Z Thinks of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

A Lighter Tone and Peak Cinema Moments Set A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Apart

I share my dad’s appreciation for the show, but what really makes A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms stand out from the other Game of Thrones series is its brighter, less intense approach. I especially like that it’s more optimistic and lets the good guys actually win sometimes, without always following up victories with more hardship.

The series isn’t without its serious and even grim scenes, but they never dominate the story. It strikes a good balance between darkness and lightheartedness – something often missing in shows like Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Characters such as Egg, Dunk, Lyonel Baratheon, and Raymun Fossoway provide welcome moments of humor and make the world feel more vibrant and realistic.

The characters in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are exceptionally well-written. Even the villains, like Aerion Targaryen, are fascinating and surprisingly sympathetic, despite their flaws. I quickly become invested in almost everyone the story introduces, appreciating their unique contributions to the plot. Standout characters like Steely Pate, Baelor Targaryen, and Maekar Targaryen are memorable, but even minor characters, like the background prostitutes, help create a rich and believable world.

What really sets A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms apart from the rest of Game of Thrones for me isn’t just the way it feels – it’s the sheer, breathtaking moments it delivers. There are scenes that just feel… perfect. Like when Dunk and Lyonel are dancing, or when Baelor steps up to fight with Dunk. Over and over again, I find myself completely captivated, with a huge grin on my face and immediately wanting to rewatch it all!

Gen Z & Gen X Agree This Is the WORST Part About A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

The One Major Flaw Holding A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Back

My father and I both love A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and think it’s a fantastic part of the Game of Thrones story. However, we both agree that its biggest problem is simply that it’s too short. It’s frustrating that the first season only has six episodes, and each one is shorter than usual.

Sometimes, episodes feel rushed, barely giving scenes time to develop before they end. With Season 2 on the way, we’re hoping this improves. Ideally, future seasons of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will have more than six episodes, or at least episodes that are closer to 45 minutes long. This series deserves longer, more complete seasons.

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2026-02-16 00:10