HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms redefines the Targaryens story without dragons and shift towards high-political viewpoint
The delivery of the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (AKOTSK) confirms HBO’s prioritisation of a long-term expansion within the world of Game of Thrones. Adapted from George R. R. Martin’s The Tales of Dunk and Egg, the series marks a tonal and scale shift strategy-wise from its fellow travellers.
HBO has officially unveiled the very first teaser poster for the prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The related tagline, “A tall tale that became legend,” nicely hammers home the thematic core of the series. This decision indicates a story focused on the rise of a legendary figure, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his secret companion, as opposed to immediately going to the large dynastic struggles.This, again, is the switches the darkly political and dense promotional materials surrounding Game of Thrones and House of for a mythological framing. The premiere is confirmed for early January 2026.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is an origin story set in the world of Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin’s novellas, collectively known as the Dunk and Egg stories. It brings them into the first novella, The Hedge Knight.
The basic premise follows the pair’s exploits: Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) is an amateur knight who has no idea how to act like one and his squire, Aegon V Targaryen (Egg), is a sweet and neurotic miniature dragon waiting to take the throne. Egg, the younger brother of two princes in secret, wanders under the disguise as a vagabond under Dunk’s wing is a unique relationship axis that propels the narrative and anchors the tale in personal relationships as opposed to Targaryen-led continental warfare.
The late timing of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — after the highly anticipated second season of House of the Dragon (HOTD) — is a strategic business move on HBO’s part. The network intends to — while introducing more varied narratives — keep to Westeros for its ongoing cultural relevancy. By putting in a story that’s conceptually “smaller and more humorous”, HBO also counteracts the cumulative effects of visual and political fatigue that could come from regularly increasing the scope and grandeur of the hermetic epic scale that HOTD establishes. The show is written to allow for sustained fan engagement through a separate, character-focused subgenre and hold onto the dramatic potential of Targaryen civil war for a future season by recapturing the substantial creative and budgetary resources required to portray those later, high-drama conflicts.
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The political climate is significantly influenced by the fact that the series is set approximately half a century after the last dragon died. Showrunner Ira Parker stressed that this placement in history was crucial, calling it a time when the Targaryens are “finally without the thing that put them in power”. The realm is regarded more as a “magic isn’t on anyone’s mind” era, resulting in the feeling of an older, grittier Middle Ages. The Targaryens remain on the Iron Throne (for now), with King Aerys I Targaryen reigning as the 13th monarch in the line.
EW got an exclusive sit-down with showrunner Ira Parker about the fundamental creative philosophy of the series. The outlet was key in verifying the reason for the aesthetic departures, mainly the dropping of the iconic opening titles as a way of mirroring Dunk’s “plain” and “simple” look. EW also covered the shift to common people (armorers, barmaids) rather than kings and queens, gave us the first official look at Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan and confirmed the casting of the critical Targaryen princes (Baelor, Maekar, Aerion).
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Parker described the show’s purpose as intentionally small-scale and grounded. The story deliberately eschews the standard high-political viewpoint, turning away from “the lords and ladies, the kings and queens”. It’s not like he’s off in space or anything, the story is very “rooted in the lower class of Westeros,” and is focused on characters Ser Duncan meets along the way: “the armorers, the performers, the barmaids, the whores, and the like”.
IGN noted Parker’s dedication to the simplistic title card as opposed to the orchestral animated map showing the production’s dedication to artistic economy and character centric storytelling.
The combined output of these reports largely comes down to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms not feeling like filler, but rather a meticulously crafted creative act. It serves as a grounded counterpoint to the grand scale of House of the Dragon, using a more intimate, character-driven narrative to examine the human experience and the concept of honor in the medieval fantasy world of Westeros.
The analysis confirms The user’s question about the first poster is correct early January 2026 and the platform is indeed Max. The appointed information communicates a show that is firmly situated in the Game of Thrones world, as a conscious creative riposte to the high-stakes political turmoil currently consuming the franchise.
Show’s core identity is based on its “protagonist’s perspective,” the limited perspective of its main character (which explains why it’s grounded in the lower levels of society, is “more humorous,” and why it avoids the franchise’s signature animated title sequence). The logistics of production, all the way down to the use of Titanic Studios, and the beginning, literally immediate pre-production of Season 2, speak to a tight, unified, three-season vision to adapt the whole existing source material and to spinoff the long game viability of the Westeros IP.
All you need to know about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the HBO miniseries- including the release date, cast, episodes, plot, timeline and where to stream.
The anticipation for the Dance of the Dragons to ember up again is quite real. HBO is bringing us back to Westeros for something quieter, cozier and delightfully, disarmingly different. Suspend the bloodthirsty politics of King’s Landing and the impending doomsday. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms turns down the spectacle level and turns up the soul, swapping thrones and prophecies for dusty roads, tavern fare and the relationship between a travelling knight and his sharp-tongued squire.
It’s smaller in scope but bigger in heart—it’s an intimate, endearing, and perfectly timed reminder that you don’t always need dragons to spin a great tale in Westeros.
If you can’t wait to get your grimy Westeros fix without dragons hogging all the attention, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is your next binge. This HBO gem began airing on January 18, 2026, and believe me, it’s already got everyone talking—especially now that we’re half-way through the season on February 5.
| Episode | Release Date on HBO/Max |
| 1 | 18/Jan/2026 |
| 2 | 25/Jan |
| 3 | 1/Feb |
| 4 | 8/Feb |
| 5 | 15/Feb |
| 6 | 22/Feb |
Though Game of Thrones was a high fantasy political epic and House of the Dragon is a Shakespearean family tragedy, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms plays in the Adventure/Buddy Comedy genre wrapped in the grimdark medieval world.
As writer and executive producer, George R.R. Martin keeps the “Dunk and Egg” novella spirit alive.
“The Hedge Knight,” the first novella, was the basis for Season 1. He is Ser Duncan the Tall, a huge, lumbering “hedge knight“—a knight who has no lord and has no fixed abode.
Dunk elects to enter a tournament at Ashford Meadow to win a little money and maybe some honor following the death of his lord. There, too, he meets Egg, a baleful, fiery, childish monk who persists in trying to be his squire.
What is a simple quest to win a tournament for glory soon becomes one of the biggest political scandals of the time. Dunk, through a series of interactions, also accidentally ends up at odds with several Targaryen prince’s, precipitating a trial by combat that will alter the course of Westerosi history. Unlike the existential stakes of all these other series, the ”conflict” is intensely personal, and operating within the laws of the land.
| Character | Actor | Description |
| Ser Duncan the Tall | Peter Claffey | A former rugby player standing at 6’5″, Claffey embodies Dunk’s physical prowess and “thick as a castle wall” sincerity. |
| Egg | Dexter Sol Ansell | The enigmatic, bald squire, who has a quick wit and a concealed lineage, is played by the 9-year-old breakout star. |
| Aerion Targaryen | Finn Bennett | The ruthless and prideful prince who acts as the main antagonist of season 1. |
| Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen | Bertie Carvel | The finest of the Targaryen line is the noble Hand of the King and heir to the throne. |
The small-scale is one of the most exhilarating parts of this production. There are no giant dragon battles (yet), so the money bags are going toward costume design, practical sets, and good writing.
The producers and George R.R. Martin is said to have been very hands-on. Fans are especially enthusiastic for the “Trial of Seven,” a peculiar aspect of Westerosi justice in which fourteen knights battle at once. This scene’s choreography has been a significant technical achievement for the production and should give us a form of battle we haven’t seen in the franchise before.
Production was based mostly in Northern Ireland, returning to the “home” of the original Game of Thrones series. This series, however, has the advantage of a more centralized production, giving it a cohesive, rustic look as opposed to the multi-country shoots of House of the Dragon (Spain, Portugal, UK).
The series is anticipated to be six episodes in length for season one. This recipe for fewer episodes likely means a lean, focused narrative without the “filler” that’s so common in today’s streaming series.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has a TV-MA rating for its depiction of violence, language, sexual content and subject matter—standard HBO grittiness, nothing you’d want your kids to see. It’s rated 18+ in such countries as Argentina, Ireland and Canada (18+), with the likes of MA15+ (Australia, New Zealand) and 16 (Germany/Finland) equivalents.
Critics adore its fresh, character-driven version of Westeros, garnering a 90%+ on Rotten Tomatoes – the highest first-season score in the Thrones franchise, outranking Game of Thrones (89%) and House of the Dragon (87%).
User reviews from Metacritic have similar scores with an average of about 8/10, citing strong leads, chemistry, and wholesome heroism even with the slower pace.
Viewers are divided: 72-77% on Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter, with Episode 1 at 8.5/10 on IMDb, many enjoy the lighter tone and heart of the show, but some complain about the lack of big battles, slow pacing, or toilet humor. It’s dominated the HBO Max rankings, showing Martin’s world continues to reign.
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If you’re wondering where to see A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, it’s HBO’s gem — streaming only on HBO and Max globally, with convenient add-ons for your favorite e-tailers. To date, all four episodes are out and you can watch them on February 5, 2026.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a welcome change of air for the World of Ice and Fire. It is the tale of the smallfolk, the honorable defeated, and the flashes of sudden valor that take place leagues beneath the Red Keep. Whether you’re a devoted reader who’s been longing for two decades to see “Dunk and Egg” brought to the screen or a casual fan looking for another adventure, this series looks like it will be a journey well worth taking.
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School Spirits Season 2 is here! Get the full episode schedule, plot twists, and where to watch this thrilling supernatural drama. Don't miss it! Learn more..!
The wait is over! School Spirits Season 2 is finally here. The show takes you back to its mysterious world. High school secrets and supernatural events make it more exciting. Peyton List returns as Maddie Nears.
She faces new challenges and deeper mysteries. This season blends teen drama with ghostly twists. Want to know more? Here’s everything about the release schedule, story details, and where to watch!
| Episode Number | Title | Release Date |
| Episode 1 | Whatever Happened to Maddie Nears? | Thursday, January 30, 2025 |
| Episode 2 | Field of Screams | Thursday, January 30, 2025 |
| Episode 3 | Can’t Hauntly Wait | Thursday, January 30, 2025 |
| Episode 4 | A Walk-in to Remember | Thursday, February 6, 2025 |
| Episode 5 | Ghost Who’s Coming to Dinner | Thursday, February 13, 2025 |
| Episode 6 | Ghost Pointe Blank | Thursday, February 20, 2025 |
| Episode 7 | Title TBA | Thursday, February 27, 2025 |
| Episode 8 | Title TBA | Thursday, March 6, 2025 |
| Episode 9 | Title TBA | Thursday, March 13, 2025 |
| Episode 10 | Title TBA | Thursday, March 20, 2025 |
Season 2 picks up right where Season 1 left off. Maddie’s journey in the afterlife continues with more twists. She learns shocking truths about her fate. With new clues, she searches for answers.
Her high school hides deep secrets. This season explores identity, unfinished business, and strong bonds. Love and friendship go beyond life and death.
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New episodes of School Spirits stream only on Paramount+. In the U.S., episodes release every Thursday at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT. UK viewers can watch on Paramount+ UK every Friday.
Subscribers can stream through the Paramount+ app or website. The show’s thrilling story keeps fans hooked. Don’t miss the latest supernatural twists each week!
School Spirits Season 2 has released six episodes since January 30, 2025. The story follows Maddie Nears, a ghost trapped in her high school. She recently discovered she never actually died. Another spirit, Janet, took over her body. In the latest episode, Maddie’s friends kidnapped Janet.
They wanted her to leave Maddie’s body. The next episode airs on February 27, 2025. Janet might react violently. She could also reveal secrets about her past. Fans are eager to see what happens next. Don’t miss the upcoming twists in this thrilling supernatural drama!
School Spirits Season 2 Episode 7 premieres on Paramount+ on Thursday, February 27, 2025. The episode will release at 12 a.m. PT and 3 a.m. ET. The series is available only on Paramount+.
A subscription is required to watch. Paramount+ offers two plans. The ad-supported Essential plan costs $7.99 per month. The ad-free Showtime plan costs $12.99 per month.
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The upcoming episode is titled Anatomy of a Fallout Shelter. It continues from the last episode. Mr. Martin finds Janet at the cabin where she was held. He might try to convince her to keep Maddie’s body.
The episode’s synopsis suggests Janet will not listen to him. She is expected to react violently. She may also reveal secrets about her past. The other spirits will learn about her connection to Mr. Martin.
The previous episode was titled Ghost Pointe Blank. Simon and the others kidnapped Janet. She still refused to leave Maddie’s body. They tied her to a chair. They tried to convince her to return to Split River High. They wanted Maddie to regain her body. The group told Janet that Dawn had crossed over.
Janet refused to believe it. She demanded proof. Simon rushed back to the school to talk to Maddie. Meanwhile, Maddie made an important discovery. She realized the spirits’ scars were all connected. She also found out Dawn’s scar might be a portal to the afterlife. Simon returned and told Janet everything.
She still refused to leave Maddie’s body. Meanwhile, Wally attended his high school reunion. The event revealed his past as a bully. Charley was upset because he had been bullied before. Charley found comfort in Yuri. They shared a moment and kissed.
Back at the cabin, the kids kept persuading Janet. In the end, she asked for time alone before returning to school. Simon agreed and left. Just then, Mr. Martin approached Janet. His arrival hinted that her decision might change again. Fans are eager to see what happens next!
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You can watch it exclusively on Paramount+ with a subscription to either the Essential ($7.99/month) or Showtime ($12.99/month) plan.
The season follows Maddie Nears, a ghost trapped in high school, uncovering shocking secrets about her past and the afterlife.
Season 2 has 10 episodes, with the first three released on January 30, 2025, and new episodes airing every Thursday.
Simon and friends kidnapped Janet to force her out of Maddie’s body, but she refused, and Mr. Martin’s arrival hinted at another twist.
