House of the Dragon Season 3 is arriving on HBO in just a few days, and critics are beginning to share their first thoughts about the upcoming season, and they seem to be pretty positive.
Season 1 of the show scored a 90% Fresh from critics and a 82% score among audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, while Season 2 dipped to 84% Fresh among critics and a 72% score with viewers.
The network announced that Season 3 is set to premiere on Sunday, June 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO. It will be available to stream on HBO Max.
The season consists of eight episodes, and will air weekly leading up to the Season 3 finale on August 9.
Based on George R.R. Martin’s book series “Fire & Blood,” House of the Dragon is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, and tells the story of House Targaryen.
The Season 3 cast includes Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Steve Toussaint, Rhys Ifans, Fabien Frankel, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney, Sonoya Mizuno, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell, Phia Saban, Jefferson Hall, Matthew Needham, James Norton, Tom Bennett, Kieran Bew, Kurt Egyiawan, Freddie Fox, Clinton Liberty, Gayle Rankin, Abubakar Salim, Tom Cullen, Tommy Flanagan, Dan Fogler, Joplin Sibtain, and Barry Sloane.
But what do critics have to say about Season 3 so far?
THR writes: “The series is still too packed, too narratively rushed and, as much as I’m certain passionate fans will disagree, the surplus of dragons and special effects has become somewhat anticlimactic. Just because you have the technological capacity to do a battle scene with four dragons and thousands of CG boats doesn’t mean that it wouldn’t be better with two dragons and, heaven forbid, some practical effects, but… But! The third episode of the season and, to a lesser degree, the fourth were my favorite House of the Dragon episodes to date. Why? Because they were funnier, smarter and a little more intimate in scale, albeit with episode lengths of between 56 and 64 minutes and, yes, lots of dragons.”
Games Radar gave it 4 out of 5 stars, writing: “Burning bright from the opening episode’s Battle of the Gullet, House of the Dragon season 3 repositions the Targaryen civil war’s key players, operating as a thrilling fresh start for the fiery Game of Thrones prequel. On the basis of the first four episodes, this could be the best season of a Westeros-set show in over a decade.”
Decider adds: “Overall, the first four episodes of House of the Dragon Season 3 represent a radical regrouping for the series after a disappointing Season 2 finale. The only concern I have, as both a fan and a critic, is that I felt equally as hyped for the show after watching the first half of last season, only to be disappointed by the utter lack of catharsis Season 2’s abrupt end provided.”
Collider notes: “If there are issues off-screen, they certainly aren’t visible in the season’s final edit, which boasts ultra-long episodes, massive set pieces, powerful performances, and a sweeping epic meant to keep both show fans and fans of Martin’s books on their toes. Of course, this review is only based on the first four episodes of Season 3, which is to say that Season 2 was also amazing up until Rook’s Rest in Episode 4, and things could certainly change in the back half. But as it is now, despite all the stumbling blocks along the way, House of the Dragon is still spectacle TV worth tuning in for.”
CBR notes: “Time will tell if House of the Dragon will keep up appearances. Season 2 rang a similar tune, with the first four episodes riding off a prestige high and then falling off towards the end. At least this time, the series is backed by a narrative that challenges its hero, and finally has something interesting to say about the influence of a powerful dynasty being at war with itself.”
TheWrap says: “Season 3 proves that House of the Dragon is committed to following through on the emotional devastation of trying to find some shred of honor amidst a conflict that’s shown, time and time again, to be far less black and white (or green) than either side would be willing to admit.”
IndieWire gave it a B-, writing: “Without getting into spoilers, Season 3 sees the core cast interacting more often, after too many siloed storylines in the past. “
Variety writes: “Whether they provide surprise and distraction or anchoring ballast, it’s the people who make House of the Dragon worth enduring the predetermined devastation. The dragons are just the CGI flying lizards on top.”
The world premiere also just took place in London. Find out who was in attendance!
Posted To:HBO House of the Dragon Television
Leave a Reply