The world of Westeros is still capturing the hearts and minds of viewers as the season one finale ofHouse of the Dragonpulled in 9.3 million viewers on Sunday. That figure includes viewers who watched the episode during its four airings on HBO’s cable channel, and HBO Max streams throughout Sunday night.
All told, that makes Episode 10 (titled ‘The Black Queen’) the most successful series finale for HBO sinceGame of Thronesconcluded in May 2019, with 19.8 million viewers. This marks a sharp parallel with thepremiere of the show, which drew almost 10 million viewers, breaking HBO’s viewership record.
House of the Dragonis based on the 2018 novelFire & BloodbyGeorge R.R. Martin. The series is set almost 200 years before the events that occur inGame of Thronesand is based around the fall of the great House Targaryen. When a male heir to the throne has not come to King Viserys Targaryen, he names his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, as his successor. The first season spans multiple years as Viserys' health fails, before his second wife, Alicent Hightower, produces a male heir. The series then follows the internal politicking, violence and manipulation which follows, that madeGame of Thronessuch a must-watch.
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The show starsPaddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya MizunoandRhys Ifans. Martin is co-creater on the show withRyan Condal,who is co-showrunner alongside directorMiguel Sapochnik.Martin, Condal and Sapochnik all executive produce alongsideSara Hess, Jocelyn Diaz, Vince GerardisandRon Schmidt.
The series has been a critical success in addition to providing HBO with big viewing numbers. Particular praise has been given to the performances of Considine (King Viserys), D’Arcy (Princess Rhaenyra) and Smith (Prince Daemon) for the depth and emotion they bring to their roles. In a statement, HBO and HBO Max Chairman and CEO,Casey Bloys, said: “We’re so thrilled to seeHouse of the Dragoncatch fire withGame of Thronesfans around the world, as well as new viewers who are discovering the world of Westeros for the first time. Congrats to George, Ryan, Miguel and the wholeHouse of the Dragonteam on an incredible first season.”
Season One ofHouse of the Dragonis now available to stream on HBO Max, and filming on the second season is due to begin filming in Spain in early 2023.
