Initial Reviews Of House Of The Dragon Saying It's Better Than GoT And Breaking Bad

The early reviews for House of the Dragon are in and it’s safe to say there’s a lot to be excited about, with some even claiming it’s ‘better than Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad’. 

Those are some mighty big statements. 

Set to premiere in August, the prequel tells the story of House Targaryen 200 years before the epic events of HBO’s GoT, focusing on the Targaryen civil war that became known as the 'Dance of the Dragons'.

Among the cast is Paddy Considine as King Viserys I, the fifth king of the Targaryen dynasty to rule the Seven Kingdoms, and Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra, Viserys’ first child and a character we can't help but compare to the iconic Daenerys Targaryen.

Doctor Who star Matt Smith will also be appearing as Prince Daemon, Viserys’ younger brother.

When the trailer dropped earlier this month, fans were absolutely losing it, with many saying it could ‘make up’ for the disappointment they felt over Game of Thrones’ divisive eighth and final season. 

And if the early press reviews are to be believed, they were right to be hyped. 

Following a preview screening of its first episode, a writer for IndieWire said:

#HouseoftheDragon REVIEW: FIRE WILL REIGN! Wow. Violent! Shocking! EPIC. Better than GoT & Breaking Bad. HBO does it again. This isn’t just another fantasy show, it’s the BEST series ever made! Great action & music too. A fitting end setting up what’s next. #HotD #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/NfcEInpSHI

— watching as intended (@theatomchode) July 30, 2022

Elsewhere, The Wrap reporter Brandon Katz commented: “The #HouseOfTheDragonHBO pilot very efficiently explains its context in relation to GoT, introduces its core characters, and lays out the central conflict of the series. 

“It's an easy to follow premiere with vibrant colors and detailed texture. Absolutely a worthy successor so far.”

I did not like the last season of #GameofThrones. At all. But I’ll admit the series premiere of #HouseOfTheDragonHBO is really well done and I’ll definitely continue watching. After the episode ended they showed an extended preview of the season and looks cool. pic.twitter.com/wzuIMkZWe0

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) July 28, 2022

Last but definitely not least is the following snippet from David Lightbringer: “WOW guys just WOW. I’ll have more later but first take-away: this show is a HEAVYWEIGHT. It already feels.. more serious. They’ve really nailed it. Just wow.”

WOW guys just WOW

I’ll have more later but first take-away: this show is a HEAVYWEIGHT. It already feels.. more serious. They’ve really nailed it. Just wow #HouseoftheDragon pic.twitter.com/YfR9TbHeRq

— 🜏 The Dragon LmL 🜏 (@thedragonLML) July 28, 2022

We told you there’s a lot to be excited about - and the great news is we don't have long to wait until the 10-episode series kicks off.

HBO has confirmed that House of the Dragon will premiere on 21 August on HBO Max in the US and on 22 August on Sky Atlantic and Now TV in the UK. 

Will it actually be better than Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad? Time will tell…