Summary:
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Early reactions praise humor in ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’, a lighter, character-driven prequel to Game of Thrones.
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Set 80 years after the Dance of the Dragons, the show follows Ser Duncan the Tall and young squire Egg.
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Critics and fans appreciate the show’s distinct tone, focusing on character intimacy over spectacle in a refreshing reset for the franchise.
Early reactions to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms suggest the Game of Thrones universe may have finally rediscovered its sense of humor.
The Sky Atlantic prequel, set roughly a century before the events of Game of Thrones, debuted to largely positive reviews and fan response, with many viewers praising its lighter tone, character-driven storytelling and smaller stakes. Based on a novella by George R. R. Martin, the series follows Ser Duncan the Tall, played by Peter Claffey, and his young squire Egg, portrayed by Dexter Sol Ansell, as they set off on a low-rent knightly adventure across Westeros.
HBO’s ‘A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS’ begins its story in the year 209 AC.
80 years after the start of the Dance of the Dragons in 129 AC.
89 years before the start of Game of Thrones in 298 AC.
(AC = After Conquest) pic.twitter.com/90Iz43Y2MK
— westerosies #AKOTSK (@westerosies) January 17, 2026
Critics have noted that the show feels intentionally distinct from the darker political brutality of House of the Dragon. Writing in its premiere-night TV roundup, the Guardian described the series as “lighter, funnier” and “way more enjoyable” than its predecessor, highlighting its odd-couple dynamic and willingness to lean into humor alongside violence.
No dragons in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
No white walkers. No massive battles for the throne.
Just a young hedge knight trying to prove his worth at a tournament.
Sometimes the smallest stories hit the hardest.#AKnightOfTheSevenKingdoms pic.twitter.com/9LIzJJPh8n
— Javed (@javedaslamsays) January 19, 2026
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That tone appears to be resonating online. Fans on X and Reddit have described the show as a “refreshing reset” for the franchise, with many comparing the Duncan-and-Egg pairing to early Game of Thrones relationships such as Arya Stark and the Hound. Others praised the practical, almost scrappy feel of the worldbuilding, calling it closer to a medieval road story than a sprawling war epic.
U.S. critics echoed similar sentiments. A New York Times recap of the season premiere noted that the show succeeds by lowering expectations and focusing on character intimacy rather than spectacle, framing it as a more approachable entry point for casual viewers and franchise fatigue alike.
While some reactions remain cautious, particularly around how the story may escalate later in the season, the early consensus points to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as a rare thing in modern franchise TV: a spinoff that knows when to scale back.
