The shadow of the Iron Throne is long, but the newest entry into the Game of Thrones universe is trying something completely different. As the premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms approaches on January 18, 2026, the first wave of critical reviews has officially hit the web—and the results are sparking a massive debate among fans.
The Rotten Tomatoes Breakdown: Success or Slump?
At first glance, an 84% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes is a dream for any TV show. However, for a franchise that has consistently lived in the 90% range, this debut is being labeled as a “franchise low.”
While House of the Dragon Season 1 debuted at a stellar 90%, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is sitting just slightly lower. Critics aren’t saying the show is bad; rather, they are noting that it lacks the “epic” scale of its predecessors. There are no massive dragon battles or city-leveling wars here. Instead, we have a grounded, “buddy-cop” style adventure set in the mud and grit of the Seven Kingdoms.
The Plot: A Different Kind of Hero
Set roughly 100 years before the events of Game of Thrones, the series is based on George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg.
The story follows Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk), played by former rugby player Peter Claffey. Dunk is a “hedge knight”—basically a freelancer with no master. He’s massive, honorable, and a bit naive. Joining him is Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), a mysterious, bald-headed squire who hides a secret identity that connects directly to the Targaryen royal family.
Why the tone is shifting: Unlike the political scheming of King’s Landing, this show feels more like a “Western” set in a fantasy world. Critics are praising the chemistry between the lead duo, calling their bond “heartfelt and funny.” One review even compared the show’s reinvention of the franchise to what Andor did for Star Wars.
Meet the New Players
While the focus is on Dunk and Egg, the supporting cast is filled with heavy hitters:
- Prince Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen (Finn Bennett): The villain we love to hate. He’s described as cruel, unstable, and the perfect foil to Dunk’s nobility.
- Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen (Bertie Carvel): The heir to the Iron Throne and a legendary warrior who plays a pivotal role in the Ashford Tournament.
- Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings): Known as the “Laughing Storm,” he provides the boisterous energy the Baratheons are famous for.
What to Expect: Quality Over Quantity
The first season consists of only six episodes, and reports suggest the total runtime is around three and a half hours—basically one long, epic movie.
Some critics argue that the show stays too faithful to the short novella, leading to some slow moments. However, others argue that this “slow burn” is exactly what the franchise needs after the rushed pacing of Game of Thrones Season 8. It’s a character study first, and a fantasy epic second.
If you are looking for House of the Dragon levels of blood and fire, you might be surprised by the “sweetness” of this show. But if you want a return to the character-driven storytelling that made the early seasons of Game of Thrones great, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is shaping up to be a must-watch.
