‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3’s Release Plan Sets Up HBO’s Biggest Year Yet

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As a huge TV fan, I’m really excited about the upcoming release of House of the Dragon – it feels like HBO is setting up for an absolutely massive year, maybe their biggest ever. They’ve always been known for quality shows, from groundbreaking dramas like The Sopranos and The Wire to hilarious comedies like Sex and the City and Curb Your Enthusiasm. But things really changed in the 2010s with the rise of streaming. It gave them the resources to create something truly epic like Game of Thrones, which became a total cultural moment. And honestly, that show really shaped the kind of television we’re seeing today.

Season 2 of House of the Dragon proved controversial, creating disagreement among both fans of the books and viewers of the show. This puts a lot of pressure on Season 3, but all signs suggest HBO is prepared to deliver. They seem to be addressing criticism of the second season’s somewhat disappointing ending by promising a more action-filled set of episodes. Filming began earlier this year and finished in October. The show is now in the editing and special effects phase, with a planned release date of June 2026.

‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Both Release in 2026


HBO

Fans of House of the Dragon will have to wait until June of next year for the next season, which continues a pattern of long gaps between seasons that’s been common on TV lately. Fortunately, there’s good news: a new Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is coming in January. A trailer is already available, and the story it’s based on is excellent.

While A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms won’t be as long as House of the Dragon, that’s okay – not every Game of Thrones story needs to be a huge, sprawling saga. Though it might not feature the lengthy battle sequences of the original series, it will still deliver the compelling characters and exciting action that fans loved about Westeros. Plus, this marks the first time viewers will get two Game of Thrones shows in a single year, making it a big year for HBO.

HBO Has Other Blockbusters Arriving in 2026


Warner Bros.

In addition to the two upcoming Game of Thrones spinoffs, HBO has several other big shows planned for 2026. While The Last of Us won’t have new episodes next year, fans of that series—and superhero fans in general—can look forward to Lanterns, a new Green Lantern series. This show is connected to Peacemaker and Superman, and is part of James Gunn’s new DC Universe. Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler will star as the two main Green Lanterns, and it’s expected to premiere around late winter or early spring of 2026.

I’ve got some news on the expanding Dune universe! HBO is gearing up for Dune: Prophecy, which started filming right after House of the Dragon wrapped its third season. We’re looking at a late 2026 release date for this prequel series. The first season got a bit of a mixed reaction, but honestly, the timing couldn’t be better. With Dune 3 slated for December 2026, HBO’s hoping to capitalize on all the Dune excitement with this show – and I think it’s a smart move.

Let’s talk about Euphoria. Honestly, when it first came out, I don’t think anyone predicted the absolute phenomenon it would become. But now? It’s a full-blown blockbuster, largely thanks to the incredible rise in fame of its stars. Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, and Austin Abrams – those names carry so much weight now, far more than they did back in 2019. The buzz around seeing them all back together is huge, and I think that anticipation will almost make up for the long four-year wait between seasons.

2026’s Schedule Signifies HBO’s Changes Under WBD Leadership


HBO Max

HBO’s plans for 2026 suggest a shift in direction for the network. While the full lineup hasn’t been announced, the shows revealed so far indicate a move towards more franchise-based projects. In recent years, and especially since David Zaslav became CEO in 2022, HBO has increasingly become a home for established Warner Bros. properties, aiming to boost profits by leveraging the company’s extensive catalog. This represents a change from HBO’s previous reputation for pioneering original and groundbreaking television.

The new Harry Potter TV series and the upcoming Lord of the Rings film are part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s plan to leverage its most popular franchises. However, this focus on maximizing profits has caused problems with production quality. For example, budget cuts forced the show House of the Dragon to reduce its second season from ten to eight episodes, resulting in an abrupt, cliffhanger ending. Two completed episodes had to be removed due to these financial limitations.

Despite recent changes, HBO continues to produce high-quality, ambitious television. Shows like The Rehearsal and The Chair Company, both debuting in 2025, demonstrate their commitment to innovative programming. Plus, new seasons of the award-winning The Pitt and the critically acclaimed Industry are planned for 2026, offering a strong counterpoint to more expensive, mainstream shows.

HBO appears to be looking for another hit like Game of Thrones, but it would be wiser to concentrate on building on the success of shows like Succession and The White Lotus. Fortunately, they still have several promising projects in the works. The upcoming third season of House of the Dragon suggests a return to the exciting action that fans loved, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will provide a refreshing change of pace before it premieres.

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2025-10-29 02:03