House of the Dragon

The “Game of Thrones” spinoff tries to recapture the magic through nostalgic detail, family fights, and grisly scenes of childbirth.

Rhaenyra’s voice-over tells us that the old king knew that “the only thing that could tear down the House of the Dragon was itself.” Ain’t that the truth, king. Like the infamous final season of “Thrones,” “Dragon” doesn’t always make the most of its story’s assets. There’s funny dialogue, but mostly of the unintentional variety: “Laughing with your whores and your lickspittles!” the king yells to a relative, in a rage. Will “House of the Dragon” have us obsessing about the Crabfeeder? “Game of Thrones,” for all its flaws, was a Sunday-night treasure for a reason: its wild inventiveness and beauty, its overstuffed intrigue and action, its humor, its characters. (Did they always sound so Wookiee-like?) And it’s hard not to love a show in which hundreds of flickering votive candles surround not rose petals and a proposal but a dragon skull the size of a Humvee. The Daemon-Rhaenyra dynamic, and Daemon’s flaxen wig and eyes narrowed in constant scheming, recalls the Targaryens we know best: Daenerys and her brother, also named Viserys, whose death in “Thrones” involved our rejoicing while he encountered a faceful of molten gold. “Dragon” swiftly provides some of the old “Thrones” pleasures. Inside the palace, Rhaenyra and her friend Alicent Hightower visit the hugely pregnant queen (“This discomfort is how we serve the realm,” she says, proud and grim), and then Rhaenyra zips off to a meeting of the king and his advisers, where, as she pours water for them, undercover-Arya style, she listens to the proceedings: reports that begin “We’ve all been poring over the moon charts”; a discussion of a pirate-punishing madman called the Crabfeeder. Martin’s “ [Fire and Blood](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593598008),” tells the story of House Targaryen in an era well before our old friends showed up—a hundred and seventy-two years before the death of the Mad King, the opening titles inform us, and the birth of his daughter Daenerys Targaryen. Like Rhaenyra, he’s a dragon rider—not just anybody can pilot those things—and, also like her, he’s a possible contender for the Iron Throne. The show opens not with a grim ice-monster sequence, as “Thrones” did—hat tip to that—but with the announcement, in a grand hall, of Prince Viserys (Paddy Considine) as the next king.

Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke and Emma D'Arcy have all been named to star in the Game Of Thrones' Targaryen prequel.

He has also appeared as Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, the supervillain Dr. The Tony Award-nominee is best known for her television roles as Dr. [Still mad at Game of Thrones? 7 reasons why you need to watch House Of The Dragon](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/21/house-of-the-dragon-reasons-to-watch-even-if-mad-at-game-of-thrones-17218194/?ico=more_text_links) [never seen Game Of Thrones](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/15/house-of-the-dragon-eve-best-reveals-the-wild-top-secret-audition-process-17183027/) before landing her part in House Of The Dragon, but she is certainly no stranger to TV screens. [Paddy Considine](https://metro.co.uk/tag/paddy-considine/) was the [first official member of the cast announced](https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/06/house-of-the-dragon-cast-paddy-considine-confirmed-for-king-viserys-targaryen-in-game-of-thrones-prequel-13377554/), and will play King Viserys Targaryen. [Amazon Prime Video](https://metro.co.uk/tag/amazon-prime-video/?ico=auto_link_entertainment_P22_LNK1) series adaptation of the movie. [recognisable faces](https://metro.co.uk/2022/04/01/house-of-the-dragon-cast-release-date-and-trailer-for-game-of-thrones-series-16388007/) joining the world of Westeros. [He will play Prince Daemon Targaryen](https://metro.co.uk/2020/12/12/game-of-thrones-prequel-matt-smith-olivia-cooke-and-emma-darcy-to-star-in-house-of-the-dragon-13741460/), the younger brother of Viserys – a ‘peerless warrior’ who ‘possesses the true blood of the dragon’. [Targaryen family history](https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/06/game-thrones-house-dragon-targaryen-bloodline-full-12969079/), starting right at the formation of Westeros. [Game Of Thrones](https://metro.co.uk/tag/game-of-thrones/?ico=auto_link_entertainment_P2_LNK1) prequel, based on the Fire and Blood Series written by [George RR Martin](https://metro.co.uk/tag/george-rr-martin/), is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated new series of 2022. [House Of The Dragon finally hits UK screens tonight](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/21/house-of-the-dragon-what-time-is-it-available-on-sky-in-the-uk-17217282/).

House of the Dragon has filming locations in both England and Europe, many of which are open to the public. Here's all the filming locations known for the ...

There will be 10 episodes in the first season, with a second season yet to be greenlit. Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and other cultures blend together in the city, making it perfect for the fantasy epic. [House of the Dragon](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/all-about/house-of-the-dragon) and some of the beautiful landscapes are actually Cornish beaches. The beach is no stranger to film crews as it also features in BBC’s Poldark, hardly surprising as the view is very picturesque and overlooks the Gull Rocks. The British War of the Roses and other historic events are said to have influenced the author in his storylines. Rumours of this emerged in July 2021 from the Portugal Film Commission but have not been confirmed by Warner Bros. Some scenes were also shot in the Featuring gigantic boulders, stones and impressive views, the village was once voted the “most Portuguese village in Portugal”. One UK on site filming location straddles the borders of Surrey and Hampshire and was home to what appeared to be a battle camp. Actors Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy were spotted sporting Targaryen blonde hair and classic Thrones outfits on the beach in April 2021. If you’re looking for a Thrones inspired holiday or just want to experience some stunning views, these are the filming locations for The wild waterways and sweeping landscapes are filmed much closer to home than fans might think.

Who are the new stars? The lead role of King Viserys is played by Paddy Considine in his biggest role to date. Dr Who's Matt Smith plays his brother, the ...

While Game of Thrones was filmed in far-flung exotic locations such as Croatia and Malta, alongside Northern Ireland, House of the Dragon has more UK locations, including Cornwall and Devon. “So we, unfortunately, decided to pull the plug on it. Game of Thrones is not exactly family viewing; packed with gratuitous sex scenes. The Spanish town was famously used to depict the streets leading to the Red Keep when Euron brought his captives as an offering to Cersei in season seven. And of course, the series is again based on George RR Martin’s books. You have the determination to win it.” “She’s terrified of getting locked into motherhood and is aware of how her position would be different if she were male.” And just like Cersei, Alicent gets her ruthlessness from her father, the King’s Hand Ser Otto. The lead role of King Viserys is played by Paddy Considine in his biggest role to date. “He’s sort of an outsider; he’s not black and white; there are shades of grey with him which is what interested me,” Matt said about his character. “It was tragic to see that decline, and I put that plus her kindness and love into Viserys,” he said. “I love that comparison because Cersei was my favourite character,” said Olivia, speaking of Thrones’ terrifying queen.

When is episode 1 of House of the Dragon Season 1 airing? Where can you watch this fantasy drama? Here's everything we know:

House of the Dragon is available to watch on the HBO channel and HBO Max. House of the Dragon is the long-awaited prequel to Game of Thrones, taking place 200 years before the War of the Five Kings. What do you hope to see as the series progresses?

Every House of The Dragon filming location broken down country by country - as the long awaited prequel to smash hit Game of Thrones lands.

Filming of the “House of The Dragon” is d... I’m in Croatia currently and just did a Game of Thrones tour, visiting the filming locations of the city. Plus details of where you can watch it in the UK and US. Extras wanted for Game of Thrones prequel “House of The Dragon” being filmed at the Castle of Monsanto Nothing to do with Madeira, but the Portugal News reports that extras are wanted in Portugal for Game of Thrones prequel. In contrast, House of The Dragon saw much of the interior shooting moved to House of The Dragon was filmed across locations in the UK, Spain, Portugal, Iceland, and Croatia. Twitter became awash with fans who’d spotted House of The Dragon sets being constructed, and actors filming at the location. Cáceres was also featured in Game of Thrones, where it acted as King’s Landing - home of the Lannisters. Where was House of the Dragon filmed? [House of the Dragon is set in a new time period](https://www.goodto.com/entertainment/when-is-house-of-the-dragon-set-year-prequel) (opens in new tab), years away from the original. Charting the rise and fall of House Targaryen - many will be delighted to see the show headed up by an all-star [House of the Dragon cast](https://www.goodto.com/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-cast) (opens in new tab). Game of Thrones enthusiasts have been counting down to this moment, since its prequel was announced in 2019 - the same year the preceding show concluded.

Tonight marks the launch of House of the Dragon, the first of a number of upcoming Game of Thrones spin-offs. It's a prequel, set long before the original, ...

No one, even Martin, know what other series are actually going to make it to air, but knowing HBO, probably at least a handful, as they want to recapture the lightning in a bottle that was the original Thrones. Everything else is spanning the course of history, probably even more spread out from the movie/show timelines of Star Wars, but certainly more similar to that model. The MCU and Star Wars are two of the most successful, popular IPs in the world. Now, House of the Dragon and a long list of other potential spin-offs in the works are attempting to change that. It was also sheparded directly by author George RR Martin, unlike the final seasons of Game of Thrones, giving some fans hope it could recapture some of that old magic again. It’s a prequel, set long before the original, focused on the Targaryen house.

The prequel series, based on George RR Martin's novel Fire and Blood, will follow the ancestors of the original show's Daenerys Targaryen.

[House of the Dragon: How many books are there in the Game of Thrones series?](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/21/how-many-books-are-in-george-r-r-martins-game-of-thrones-series-17218542/?ico=more_text_links) [House Of The Dragon: Where have you seen the Game Of Thrones prequel cast before?](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/21/house-of-the-dragon-where-have-you-seen-the-cast-before-17219003/?ico=more_text_links) [Matt Smith](https://metro.co.uk/tag/matt-smith/), [Emma D’Arcy](https://metro.co.uk/tag/emma-darcy/), [Olivia Cooke](https://metro.co.uk/tag/olivia-cooke/?ico=auto_link_entertainment_P3_LNK1) and [Paddy Considine](https://metro.co.uk/tag/paddy-considine/) in the cast, the show is jam-packed full of dragons, drama and political intrigue. [George RR Martin’s supplementary novel Fire and Blood](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/21/how-many-books-are-in-george-r-r-martins-game-of-thrones-series-17218542/), will follow [the ancestors of the original show’s Daenerys Targaryen](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/19/house-of-the-dragon-guide-to-the-targaryen-family-in-game-of-thrones-prequel-17211361/) (played by Emilia Clarke). While at the start of Game of Thrones, Daenerys and her brother Viserys (Henry Lloyd) were forced to fend for themselves in the outside world, in House Of the Dragon, House Targaryen is still at the height of its power, with King Viserys Targaryen I sitting on the Iron Throne. [Game Of Thrones](https://metro.co.uk/tag/game-of-thrones/?ico=auto_link_entertainment_P1_LNK1) prequel series [House Of The Dragon](https://metro.co.uk/tag/house-of-the-dragon/) is just hours away from hitting our screens, as the first episode, entitled [Heirs of the Dragon](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/20/how-old-is-house-of-the-dragon-star-milly-alcock-17216409/), launches tonight, August 22, at 2am UK time on Sky Atlantic.

At the start of the series, we see that King Jaehaerys I Targaryen (Michael Carter) summons a council to settle the question of who will succeed him.

[subscribe now](http://radiotimes.com/magazine-subscription?utm_term=evergreen-article) and get the next 12 issues for only £1. [NOW](https://www.radiotimes.com/streaming/now-tv/) – [sign up for Sky TV here](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=radiotimes-1690243&awinmid=11005&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Fshop%2Ftv). At the start of the series, Daemon is in a loveless marriage to Lady Rhea Royce, who resides in the Vale of Arryn. But House of the Dragon will chart her ancestors, so we thought she was worth mentioning. The pair have no children. Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) is the second-born son of Prince Baelon, the grandson of King Jaehaerys, and the younger brother to King Viserys. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock, Emma D'Arcy) is the first-born daughter of King Viserys Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn and is the King's only legitimate child at the start of the season. In House of the Dragon, King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) is a distant ancestor of Daenerys. Rhaenys is married to Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), also known as the Sea Snake, who is a central character in House of the Dragon, while their son is Laenor Velaryon. At the start of the series, we see that King Jaehaerys I Targaryen (Michael Carter) summons a council to settle the question of who will succeed him. [RadioTimes.com](https://www.radiotimes.com/) we've created a list of key players in the Targaryen family, boiled it down to those who are central to the family at the start of the season, explained what their lineage is and how this leads up to the original show. As is to be expected from the world of Game of Thrones, the Targaryen family tree gets a little bit complicated...

She might not be a Targaryen, but there's fire in her veins! **WARNING: May contain spoilers for House of the Dragon**. Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower in ...

[subscribe now](http://radiotimes.com/magazine-subscription?utm_term=evergreen-article) and get the next 12 issues for only £1. [NOW](https://www.nowtv.com/) on Monday 22nd August 2022. Though Rhaenyra was still the named heir, Alicent (and her father Otto) believed her sons should take the Iron Throne. She realises that she has power and she has influence – so what does she actually want deep down in her core? For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the [Radio Times podcast](https://www.radiotimes.com/podcasts/) with Jane Garvey. "Partway through the show, she truly begins to understand her role within her father’s life and how it hasn’t been the most loving or healthy father-daughter relationship. Check out more of our [Fantasy](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/) coverage or visit our [TV Guide](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/tv-listings/) to see what's on tonight. [House of the Dragon](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/house-of-the-dragon-thrones-release-date/) is Alicent Hightower, played by Olivia Cooke and Emily Carey (young). Emily Carey plays a young Alicent Hightower in the opening of House of the Dragon. [terms and conditions](https://www.immediate.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/) and [privacy policy](https://policies.immediate.co.uk/privacy/). [Subscribe to Radio Times magazine and get 12 issues for £1](https://www.buysubscriptions.com/print/radio-times-magazine-subscription?promo=RTBPL22&utm_medium=brandsite&utm_source=radiotimes.com&utm_campaign=fixed-article_rtbpl22&utm_content=promotional-link&style=brand" target="_blank" rel="noopener">) [learn more](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/commercial-links-on-radiotimes-com/))

House of the Dragon delves deeper into the story of the Targaryens - whose family tree is complicated by incest and polygamy.

How it falls into the Game of Thrones timeline](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/tv/house-dragon-set-how-falls-27695959) [When is the House of the Dragon start date and how to watch it](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/tv-radio/house-dragon-start-date-how-27703758) Family’s importance to new Game of Thrones spin-off explained](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/tv/starks-house-dragon-familys-importance-27699241) [When is House of the Dragon set? Daemon is the younger brother of King Viserys I Targaryen, who is played in the series by respected British actor Paddy Considine. [200 years before ](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/tv/house-dragon-set-how-falls-27695959)the events of Game of Thrones. The Targaryen family tree is messy - not least because they held themselves above the laws of men and therefore practised incestuous marriage and polygamy. Game of Thrones, which was based on Martin’s series of epic novels A Song of Ice and Fire and ended in 2019 after eight seasons, won millions of fans around the world with its often brutal storylines and beloved characters.

We recap the debut episode of the Game of Thrones prequel, in which tragedy strikes the Seven Kingdoms, and a new heir is named for the Iron Throne ... for ...

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The prologue in The Heirs of the Dragon sets the scene for the Game of Thrones spin-off.

[Matt Smith says “daunting” Doctor Who prepared him for House of the Dragon](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/matt-smith-doctor-who-prepared-house-dragon-exclusive-newsupdate/) [House of the Dragon review](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/house-of-the-dragon-review/): Game of Thrones prequel soars [Game of Thrones books in order](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/game-of-thrones-books-order/): A Song of Ice and Fire and more [What book is House of the Dragon based on](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/house-dragon-fire-blood-book-changes/)? [subscribe now](http://radiotimes.com/magazine-subscription?utm_term=evergreen-article) and get the next 12 issues for only £1. Fire and Blood book changes [When is House of the Dragon set](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/game-of-thrones-timeline-house-of-dragon/)? **WARNING: Contains spoilers for House of the Dragon** Over 1,000 lords made the journey to Harrenhal. (Olivia Cooke will likewise replace Emily Carey as Alicent Hightower.) No power in the world could stand against it. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the [Radio Times podcast](https://www.radiotimes.com/podcasts/) with Jane Garvey. [Fantasy](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/) coverage or visit our [TV Guide](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/tv-listings/) to see what's on tonight. [terms and conditions](https://www.immediate.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/) and [privacy policy](https://policies.immediate.co.uk/privacy/). Who is the opening voiceover in House of the Dragon episode 1? [learn more](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/commercial-links-on-radiotimes-com/))

George R.R. Martin and Ryan J. Condal know it's horrific and disturbing. Here's why they say it was necessary.

It’s kicked off by him believing that he’s going to have a new male son after trying for years and years, and stillbirths and miscarriages, and all the hell that [his wife Queen Aemma] has been through as a mother. “A lot of people had things to say about the birth of Baelon, Prince Baelon,” Those two sentence have been expanded into a forced C-section, with Aemma screaming in anguish as she is held down and cut open by doctors and midwives who hope to save the breech baby even at the expense of her life. The death of the baby, and of the king's wife, Queen Aemma (Sian Brooke), during the botched birth, creates a void that other family members rush to fill, brandishing swords and fire-breathing monsters to gain the upper hand. [Fire & Blood](https://georgerrmartin.com/grrm_book/fire-and-blood/), which inspired the Game of Thrones prequel. The House of the Dragon pilot’s graphic birth scene caused a visceral response even at the show's gala premiere.

In the lavish Game of Thrones prequel, no one is immune to the toxic dynamics of the Targaryen family.

The dynamic between the adult Daemon and the 15-year-old Rhaenyra is immediately, grotesquely charged; they converse, intimately, in High Valyrian, and he looks at her with the loaded interest of a cat eyeing a bird. That seems to mean that, at least in the first six episodes made available to critics, virtually every plotline and motivation feels the same, and there may be no heroes, ultimately, to root for. By the end of the first episode, the grieving Viserys is also being comforted by Rhaenyra’s best friend, the teenaged Lady Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey), who has been compelled by her morose father (Rhys Ifans) to attend to the monarch despite her obvious reservations. On House of the Dragon, no primary relationship seems to be truly insulated from erotic desire, which is itself inextricable from the quest for power. An acknowledgment of the physically brutal and life-threatening reality of bearing children!) The show, based on a prequel history of the Targaryen family (which George R. It was present—most centrally in the sexual relationship between Jaime and Cersei Lannister, which Cersei justified by invoking the Targaryen tradition of marrying brothers and sisters—but not predominant until the final season, when Jon Snow and his aunt Daenerys made unfortunately literal the union of ice and fire. Or I will be”), and issue savage clapbacks (“And how have you served the realm, Lady Redwyne? Female characters school one another on patriarchal constraints (“Men would sooner put the realm to the torch than see a woman ascend to the Iron Throne”), affirm their authority (“I am the crown, Ser Criston. What was striking was the bifurcated way the person described the show’s framing for a post-#MeToo moment: conceding that there was “way less sex” in House of the Dragon than there could be in the good old tits-and-trebuchets days of yore, but also boasting that producers had cleverly adapted to the times by replacing sexual violence with barbaric renderings of childbirth. Martin published as Fire & Blood in 2018), begins 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Stormborn, the platinum-haired dragon queen in Thrones, and is in large part about the obstacles that stand in the way of women achieving and exerting power. But it also seems to strain at times with the possibly cynical effort of countering Game of Thrones’s Such “discomfort,” she explains, “is how [women] serve the realm.”) Think about this statement for a moment—that sexual violence is so fundamental to a franchise’s ethos that it has to be replaced with some other portrayal of primal female pain and suffering lest viewers lose interest—and your head might spin.

Fans of Game of Thrones, which drew to a close in 2019, have been left feeling nostalgic for the series, thanks to the many references featured in the prequel's ...

He adds: “Aegon called his dream A Song of Ice and Fire.” The speech is made even more powerful by the knowledge of what happens in the battle against the Night King in Game of Thrones’ final season. The episode will then be repeated at 9pm on Monday, and will be available to stream on Sky and NOW after its initial airing. Stark and Tarly family members are either mentioned or featured in the episode. The moment that brought on the biggest chills in the season premiere is when Viserys briefs his daughter on the prophecy that gives George RR Martin’s book series its title: A Song of Ice and Fire. This is the medicine used throughout the Seven Kingdoms as both a painkiller and an anesthetic. In this violent sequence, several people have their hands chopped off, which may or may not be a callback to the lopping of Jaime Lannister’s hand in Game of Thrones season three, episode three. Game of Thrones viewers will know that, hundreds of years later, this is the same subject that had a profound effect on Arya, who named her direwolf after the princess. This is Daemon’s place of residence. Early on in the series, Ser Harrold Westerling (Graham McTavish) mentions that he’s keen to avoid having his “head on a spike” – a fate Game of Thrones viewers know was suffered by Ned Stark. In season two of Game of Thrones, Arya (Maisie Williams), while posing as a servant, mentions Visenya’s weapon to Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) while discussing her role in the burning of Harrenhal. Dark Sister is the name of the Valyrian steel sword belonging to Visenya Targaryen, the sister-wife of Aegon the Conqueror. Game of Thrones will remember that, in season one, Harry Lloyd played a character named Viserys, a distant nephew of Considine’s character.

The prequel series swoops onto our screens with beating wings, urban panoramas and, quite literally, fire and blood.

House of the Dragon looks and feels like Game of Thrones. The highest compliment I can pay House of the Dragon is to observe how much it feels like Game of Thrones. And if that weren’t enough, there’s also the question of the king remarrying: Hightower is determined to pimp out his daughter, Alicent (Emily Carey), to the king, though other suitors will surely emerge. Game of Thrones was not a phenomenon after one episode. “The prince cannot be allowed to act with this kind of unchecked impunity,” Rhys Ifans’s Otto Hightower (the Hand of the King) declares after Daemon’s gold-cloaked Kingsguard go on the rampage, dismembering petty criminals by the dozen. Will Rhaenys and her husband – nicknamed the Sea Snake – have another tilt at the Iron Throne? And fans of breasts, bums and dismembered penises need not worry – for all the talk of toning down Thrones’ notorious nudity, there’s still plenty on display here. And it’s immediately clear that, even in the just over 11 years since Thrones first aired, the scale of the world on display has increased. [HBO](/topic/hbo)’s blockbuster [Game of Thrones](/topic/game-of-thrones)? At the episode’s opening, Viserys’s feckless, violent brother Daemon (Matt Smith) holds that coveted spot, but things swiftly unravel for him. Where its predecessor opened with an introspective, family-focused look at life in the dour North, House of the Dragon swoops onto our screens with beating wings, urban panoramas and, quite literally, fire and blood. After 73 episodes, it came to its conclusion in 2019 with a storyline that broke both the monopoly of praise from critics and, seemingly, the sanity of viewers.

The season premiere of House of the Dragon is a promising, but muted start to the Game of Thrones prequel. By Steven Ross. Monday, 22nd August 2022, 3:00 am ...

The scene is like an inversion of the final act of The Godfather, and offers a promise to the audience that House of the Dragon has just as much capacity for brutality as Thrones. Just one episode in, it might not be correct to rush to judgement, but there is a worry that unlike the morally grey characters of Thrones, House of the Dragon will colour the main characters as black or white. UK viewers can watch the series on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV from Monday 22 August, with both a 2am simulcast and a 9pm repeat. Otto Hightower could be House of the Dragon’s answer to Varys, the man is clearly a plotter, but this early into the show he is also an enigma with a lot of potential. [House of the Dragon follows the civil war known as the Dance of Dragons](https://www.nationalworld.com/culture/television/house-of-the-dragon-trailer-cast-release-date-game-of-thrones-prequel-series-when-set-3776763) in Westeros over the succession to the Iron Throne. [House of the Dragon](/topic/house-of-the-dragon), a ten-part series set 172 years before the Game of Thrones.

Who is Ser Otto Hightower? Rhys Ifans role explained. The Hand of the King is *always* an interesting character. **WARNING: May contain spoilers for House of ...

[subscribe now](http://radiotimes.com/magazine-subscription?utm_term=evergreen-article) and get the next 12 issues for only £1. [NOW](https://www.nowtv.com/) on Monday 22nd August 2022. **WARNING: May contain spoilers for House of the Dragon** And what does he want? What are his connections? The Hand of the King is an iconic character in the Game of Thrones world, and in

One character who's not technically in the running but has a major part to play in who is, is Aemma Arryn (played by Sian Brooke). The queen to King Viserys ...

[subscribe now](http://radiotimes.com/magazine-subscription?utm_term=evergreen-article) and get the next 12 issues for only £1. [sign up for Sky TV here](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=radiotimes-1695090&awinmid=11005&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sky.com%2Fshop%2Ftv). Aemma herself is actually half Targaryen, as her mother was the Princess Daella Targaryen, who was married to Lord Rodrik Arryn. The pair try to birth a male heir, but it sadly doesn't work out for them. Aemma Arryn descends from (you guessed it) House Arryn. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the [Radio Times podcast](https://www.radiotimes.com/podcasts/) with Jane Garvey. Check out more of our [Fantasy](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/) coverage or visit our [TV Guide](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/tv-listings/) to see what's on tonight. [terms and conditions](https://www.immediate.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/) and [privacy policy](https://policies.immediate.co.uk/privacy/). [House of the Dragon](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/house-of-the-dragon-thrones-release-date/), there are many runners and riders who could become the next ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Who is Aemma Arryn in House of the Dragon? Who is Queen Aemma in House of the Dragon and who plays her? [learn more](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/commercial-links-on-radiotimes-com/))

The 10-part Game of Thrones prequel takes us back 172 years to tell the story of Daenerys Targaryen's ancestors. Plus, Disability & Abortion.

Zuu is at his best here, opening his foodie world to Big Narstie – who has a new restaurant in Tenerife, so spicy, wrinkled potatoes are the dish of the day. And how do governing bodies tackle the matter in a meaningful way? In this complex documentary, actors Ruth Madeley and Ruben Reuter – who both live with a disability – listen to a range of perspectives.

Introducing Rhaenyra Targaryen, another platinum-blonde, dragon-riding princess, and her entire dysfunctional royal family.

Only in the wake of her mother and brother’s death does Rhaenyra finally allow herself to voice the rage she’s felt toward her father, and his inability to see her as worthy of the Iron Throne: “I wonder if during those few hours my brother lived, my father finally found happiness.” Just as a mystery knight named Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) bests Daemon at the height of the tournament, tragedy strikes House Targaryen, when both Aemma and her child die in Viserys and his beloved wife Aemma (Sian Brooke) are due to bring a new child into the world, and Viserys is convinced it will be a boy, thanks to a dream, “clearer than a memory.” The king is so sure of his son’s imminent arrival that he throws a lavish tournament in the baby’s honor, an event that quickly descends into typical Thronesian bloodshed, both on and off the battlefield. With the end of his life in sight and without a clear heir to his name, Jaehaerys Targaryen summons a council to untangle the matter of succession between two choices: his eldest heir, Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best), and his eldest male heir, Viserys (Paddy Considine). (The erstwhile Eleventh Doctor’s introduction to the world of House of the Dragon, in which he leads the gold-cloaked City Watch through a fire-and-bloody raid of King’s Landing, immediately ranks among the most violent in the entire Thrones franchise.) There are legitimate concerns about this man ascending to the throne, most repeatedly raised by Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), Hand of the King. Up in the sky, a platinum-blonde princess rides her dragon over the streets of King’s Landing.

House Targaryen is at the centre of this adaptation of George RR Martin's work. The 10-episode series is set around 200 years before the events of Game of ...

The episode will then be repeated at 9pm on Monday, and will be available to stream on Sky and NOW after its initial airing. Meanwhile, Aerys’ heir, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, the older brother of Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), secretly married Lyanna Stark, the betrothed of his cousin Lord Robert Baratheon (played by Mark Addy), and fathered Jon Snow (Kit Harington). Aerys appointed his friend Tywin Lannister (played by Charles Dance), as his Hand of the King. This revelation comes to light in the final season of Thrones as it is revealed that Jon Snow is Daenerys’ nephew. It will then be available to stream on HBO Max afterwards. [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) Aerys I's youngest brother, Maekar was named heir and succeeded in 221 AC reigning for 12 years. “The Mad King”. [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. This union caused an uproar and Aenys fled to Dragonstone before dying in 42 AD. Aegon V's second son Jaehaerys II Targaryen ascended the throne in 259 AC but died after just three years of rule and was succeeded by his only son, Aerys II Targaryen AKA... In 131 AC, Aegon II was poisoned by his own councillors and 11-year-old Aegon the Younger ascended the throne as Aegon III Targaryen.

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON kicked off today and brings a new lease of life to the HBO fantasy franchise. The Game of Thrones prequel series is set 200 years before ...

[House of the Dragon](/latest/house-of-the-dragon) focuses on a very different era with a Targaryen firmly installed on the Iron Throne and lots of dragons. The notorious Mushroom suggested that Alicent had been more than an aide to the late Jaehaerys.” Fans have lots of questions about the opener, including whether Alicent Hightower slept with King Viserys. However, power play and politicking was still very much the order of the day as King Viserys Targaryen (played by [Paddy Considine](/latest/paddy-considine)) found himself struggling to appoint a successor. How to watch Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon in the UK, US and abroad The Game of Thrones prequel series is set 200 years before its parent series.

1. King Viserys Targaryen · 2. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen · 3. Otto Hightower · 4. Daemon Targaryen · 5. Rhaenys Targaryen · 7. Ser Criston Cole · 8. Lord Corlys ...

You can't imagine Daemon's going to take it all lying down, but as of now Mysarea's up brothel creek without a brother of the king for a paddle. Her dad's position as Hand of the King is strong and her mate's just been declared as heir to the throne. The Hand of the King remains in post and has a steady hand at the tiller. He does seem a bit of a party pooper, but he's the grown up in the room. Yes, he's been dumped in the arse-end of nowhere for taking the piss out of his brother's dead wife. Yes, he went a bit too Daily Mail in his meting out of summary justice.

Westeros isn't real. Ad – content continues below. George R.R. Martin's epic A Song of Ice and Fire novels and the HBO series upon which ...

The final moments of “The Heir of the Dragon” also contain the promise that the show is willing to test the limits of its “just the facts, ma’am” historical format. The jousting scenes in general are this episode’s finest achievements and the best evidence that House of the Dragon has the capacity to reach the same level as Game of Thrones and perhaps even surpass it. With the sastsifyinging kinetic jousting scenes presented in its very first episode it seems as though both House of the Dragon’s budget and storytellers are already ahead of the curve of their parent series. Ser Criston is certain to play a major role in the Wars to Come and this is quite the introduction. With that in mind, the most interesting of House of the Dragon’s creations so far is undoubtedly the king’s brother, Daemon Targaryen. Though she loves to spend time on the back of her dragon Syrax (and subsequently always reeks of dragon to her parents) she also appears comfortable at court. The realm is still enjoying the peace of the Jaehaerys years and Viserys hasn’t done anything to screw that up just yet. The memories of that Great Council in Harrenhal hang over the rest of the episode like a dark shade. Enter the Great Council of Harrenhal, where all of the great lords of Westeros gather in the ruined castle to debate and ultimately vote on the issue. And it’s in this first scene that we see the unfortunate precedent of primogeniture get established. Martin](https://www.denofgeek.com/george-r-r-martin/)’s epic A Song of Ice and Fire novels and the [HBO](https://www.denofgeek.com/hbo/) series upon which they’re based are works of pure fantasy fiction. Despite an increased budget that allows for [many more shots of CGI dragons](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-introduce-17-new-dragons-game-of-thrones-world/), “The Heirs of the Dragon” may as well be a lost pilot of a royal period drama like The Crown or The Tudors.

From penis chopping to a horrific birth scene, the most WTF moments from episode 1 of Game of Thrones prequel series House Of The Dragon.

As Alicent goes to leave the room, her father suggests she wear one of her mother’s old dresses… [If you thought Game of Thrones was violent… House of the Dragon has a horrifying scene where children ‘beat each other senseless’](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/16/house-of-the-dragon-showrunner-reveals-shocking-children-fight-scene-17190211/?ico=more_text_links) but the parallels still feel too soon for us. and one particularly gruesome moment showing a knight having his face completely dismantled by an axe. [House Of The Dragon: Where have you seen the Game Of Thrones prequel cast before?](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/21/house-of-the-dragon-where-have-you-seen-the-cast-before-17219003/?ico=more_text_links) [forced to undergo a C-section](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/22/house-of-the-dragon-episode-1-fans-aghast-at-horrific-birth-scene-17220620/) so that her baby can be delivered. The Hand of the King asks Alicent to pay the King a visit, saying that the monarch would appreciate her company. [childbirth scene so horrifying](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/22/house-of-the-dragon-episode-1-fans-aghast-at-horrific-birth-scene-17220620/) that fans have said they found it one of the most disturbing moments they’ve ever seen. [Matt Smith](https://metro.co.uk/tag/matt-smith/), [Emma D’Arcy](https://metro.co.uk/tag/emma-darcy/), [Olivia Cooke](https://metro.co.uk/tag/olivia-cooke/?ico=auto_link_entertainment_P3_LNK1) and [Paddy Considine](https://metro.co.uk/tag/paddy-considine/) – is already following suit. [Game of Thrones](https://metro.co.uk/tag/game-of-thrones/), the show certainly had its fill of WTF moments, from the [Red Wedding](https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/02/game-of-thrones-shocking-red-wedding-anniversary-is-today-14703674/) to Stannis Baratheon burning his own daughter Shireen at the stake. [House of the Dragon](https://metro.co.uk/tag/house-of-the-dragon/?ico=auto_link_entertainment_P1_LNK1) episode 1 and content warning for references to birth trauma and baby loss.

The original HBO epic was condemned for its depiction of sex and violence. And while the prequel talks the talk about being more progressive than its ...

The episode will then be repeated at 9pm on Monday, and will be available to stream on Sky and NOW after its initial airing The creators of House of the Dragon saw that backlash. This might not be Game of Thrones but it is the world of Game of Thrones, and for all talk of creating something more progressive, the show understands that audiences love the moral wilderness of Westeros at its most regressive. And House of the Dragon, for all that its actors might have license to talk about its softer edges, is the same show. [House of the Dragon](/topic/house-of-the-dragon-0). But the new series will, undoubtedly, take a different stance on the thorniest issue: the depiction of sexual violence. And if you’re agonised by the variation of male and female nudity, while I can’t offer percentage breakdowns, I will say that the breasts and bums are presented in the act, so to speak, while the only penis we see onscreen has been recently severed from its owner’s body. In the years of the show’s run (2011-2019) the search term “Game of Thrones” regularly appeared in the 10 most Googled phrases of the year. So naturally, a cottage industry of comment pieces sprung up to condemn the show throughout its eight-year run. But perhaps no show has generated such a whirlwind of hand-wringing as HBO’s [Game of Thrones](/topic/game-of-thrones). The original HBO epic was condemned for its depiction of sex and violence. Indeed, censoriousness has stalked television so relentlessly that the original series of

House of the Dragon is a fantasy series set long before the events of Game of Thrones and focusing on the Targaryen dynasty. By Steven Ross.

Matt Smith will play Prince Daemon Targaryen, the man who will launch the greatest contest to Rhaenyra’s rule. Episodes are repeated on Sky Atlantic at 9pm. Paddy Considine plays King Viserys Targaryen, a benevolent ruler whose reign brought prosperity to the Seven Kingdoms. Release date of Game of Thrones spin-off, cast - and how to watch Emma D’arcy will play Viserys’ daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. [adapted from the George R.R.

Who's who? Matt Smith in House of Dragon, the Games of Thrones prequel. Pic: Sky. Considine plays King Viserys Targaryen, the fifth king of the Targaryen ...

But to even skirt the heights of Thrones' best work, it has an uphill dragon ride ahead." Cooke plays Alicent Hightower, while Notting Hill star Ifans plays her on-screen father and hand of the king Otto Hightower. "I think the reviews are in. Another fantasy based on author George RR Martin's Fire And Blood, the new series reportedly cost up to £17m per episode to make. Many critics have praised the first episode, and fans who watched in America - as well as those who stayed up/set their alarms to watch here - seem happy so far. Here's everything you need to know as the much anticipated prequel launches in the UK.

Thanks, Joffrey! Despite being set 200 years before, Game Of Thrones actually contains quite a few House of the Dragon spoilers.

So much so that the original series is peppered with references to what could now be considered major spoilers for House of the Dragon (which we’re publishing below, so be warned). [House of the Dragon](https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/house-of-the-dragon-game-of-thrones-prequel-reviews) may be the successor to [Game of Thrones](https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/game-of-thrones-franchise-george-rr-martin), but it takes place around 200 years prior to the adventures of Ned Stark, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen. Better Call Saul found novel ways to root the prequel into the world of Breaking Bad (including roping in Heisenberg himself for a cameo in the final season) while [Star Wars](https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/john-boyega-interview-2020) prequels like Solo and Rogue One were conceived as ways to fill in plot holes like: why is the Death Star like that?

It was always going to be a tough act to follow the biggest show in the world, but House of Dragon give its best stab at it. Sadly though, this prequel ...

This is a political drama with lower stakes and could be compelling in its own right, just don't expect this prequel to usurp its predecessor's crown any time soon. Smaller in its ambition compared to the apocalyptic, end of the world prophetic stuff of Thrones which kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Sadly though, this prequel series doesn't have the scale or the sheer intrigue to match let alone best Game of Thrones. Make no mistake, House of the Dragon is no Game of Thrones. How to watch Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon in the UK, US and abroad [House of the Dragon cast: Who's who in Game of Thrones spin-off?](/showbiz/tv-radio/1645643/House-of-the-Dragon-cast)

Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon dropped its first episode to praise – and intrigue over gay vibes between Rhaenyra and Alicent.

I think it is. Gay it’s going to be,” I want some gay. [While another simply put](https://twitter.com/Audrey40657293/status/1561540916204150784?s=20&t=xqaFwHIz9y_QegWosMRTIw): “We all agree that Alicent and Rhaenyra have serious chemistry right?” Olivia Cooke will play the older version of the character. The outfits, the casting, the pacing. [August 22, 2022] A solid pilot episode w/ great potential, setting up the characters & plot points quite well.Also has that familiar GoT grandeur & tone. Yes yes yes, Lets goooo.” [And another said](https://twitter.com/Leandro_Zante/status/1561617642963836928?s=20&t=xqaFwHIz9y_QegWosMRTIw): “Very solid start for House of the Dragon and Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen stole the show! Can’t wait for next week!” [Another added](https://twitter.com/BeantownBrandon/status/1561536246433955840?s=20&t=xqaFwHIz9y_QegWosMRTIw): “House of the Dragon was f**king incredible!! [One fan wrote](https://twitter.com/TristanTanski/status/1561540797954199553?s=20&t=xqaFwHIz9y_QegWosMRTIw): “Wow House of the Dragon what a phenomenal first episode. In the first episode we are introduced to the main players and storyline, which goes a bit like this: Current king, Viserys (Paddy Considine), is unable to produce a male heir.

Game of Thrones: every planned spinoff in George RR Martin's world, from House of the Dragon to Dunk and Egg ...

What’s it about? When might it be released? Some believed the series would’ve covered the origins of the White Walkers, and introduced audiences to a younger Night King, while he was still human; one thing that was confirmed was that Who’s in it, and who’s writing it? You can watch it on If [HBO](/topic/hbo) succeed, it won’t be the last.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for the first episode of House of The Dragon as well as references to birth trauma and baby loss.

‘In Fire and Blood, there’s a lot of very difficult births. It was something we wanted to carry over the season. [many shocking moments from episode one,](https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/22/house-of-the-dragon-episode-1-most-wtf-moments-in-got-series-premiere-17220645/) while fans have largely praised the introduction to House of the Dragon which comes as a huge relief following the backlash to the Game of Thrones finale. The terror on his wife’s face, they’re both so powerful. ‘That [scene] is so powerful. *Warning: This article contains spoilers for the first episode of House of The Dragon as well as references to birth trauma and baby loss.

In what has become something of an unfortunate habit for the streamer, Warner Bros. Discovery's HBO Max suffered technical issues on Sunday night due to the ...

This is not the first time that HBO Max has struggled with increased demand on the launch of high-profile content. This, they said, solved any issues that users encountered in watching House of the Dragon. We’re aware of a small portion of users attempting to connect via Fire TV devices that are having issues and are in the process of resolving for those impacted users.”

The Game of Thrones prequel premiered on Monday, with many fans wondering where key scenes were shot.

To get to Extremadura, you can take the train from Madrid, Seville or Lisbon (there’s no international airport in the area); to make the most of the scattered sights here, you’ll need a rental car. [Spain](/topic/spain)’s western Extremadura region to film in the atmospheric fortified towns of Cáceres and Trujillo. Not far over the Portuguese border from Monsanto, Extremaduran capital Cáceres has a mishmash of historic architectural styles and influences, from Renaissance palaces to Roman city walls, Moorish structures to Romanesque and Gothic churches. Mam Tor - aka the “shivering mountain” - is a 517-metre green peak you can climb close to Castleton; at the top you’ll get incredible views of the surrounding countryside [Terms of use,](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/user-policies-a6184151.html) [Cookie policy](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/cookie-policy-a6184186.html) and [Privacy notice.](https://www.independent.co.uk/service/privacy-policy-a6184181.html) The House of the Dragon team filmed at its Castle of Monsanto, a medieval seat built from granite which seems to rise naturally out of the mound of stone beneath. [Privacy policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en) and [Terms of service](https://policies.google.com/terms?hl=en) apply. England’s glorious Peak District also has a starring role in the new series - actors including Dr Who’s Matt Smith, who plays Prince Daemon Targaryen, were seen filming at both Castleton and at Mam Tor in 2021. Props and camera rigs were also set up on Kynance Cove, a sandy beach known for its enormous, craggy rocks and cliffs. Linked to the Cornish mainland at Marazion, this forested island spirals up to a picturesque castle with parts dating back to the 14th century. Cornwall’s wild Kynance Cove and Holywell Bay were also used by crew as ancient-looking locations in the show: actors Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy were spotted on Holywell Bay’s sands in summer 2021, with the bay also making an appearance in the show’s trailer. [St Michael’s Mount](https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/castle-officer-cornwall-st-michaels-mount-b1846889.html), a picturesque island and UK landmark, was used as the House of Valayron seat, Driftmark, according to Metro.