Discover the audience score for "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" as it debuts on HBO Max, revealing a mixed reception for the latest Game of Thrones spinoff.
- January 20, 2026
AceShowbiz - The audience score for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has been released, showcasing a lukewarm reception for the latest installment of the Game of Thrones franchise. Drawing inspiration from George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, the inaugural season adapts the first story, The Hedge Knight. Following its premiere on January 18 on HBO Max, the show currently holds a "Fresh" audience score of 77%. This rating is derived from over 100 reviews and is expected to change as more feedback comes in. Notably, this score ranks as the third-lowest in the franchise’s history, surpassing only Game of Thrones season 8’s 30% and House of the Dragon season 2’s 72%.
Initially, the spinoff debuted with a Tomatometer score of 82% from critics, which has since improved to 88% based on 56 reviews. This score also places it as the third-lowest in the franchise, just ahead of Game of Thrones season 8 and House of the Dragon season 2. However, it is a mere 2% away from matching the scores of both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon season 1.
Here’s a quick comparison of the ratings for various seasons:
- Game of Thrones season 1: Critics - 90%, Audience - 96%
- Game of Thrones season 2: Critics - 97%, Audience - 97%
- Game of Thrones season 3: Critics - 96%, Audience - 97%
- Game of Thrones season 4: Critics - 97%, Audience - 97%
- Game of Thrones season 5: Critics - 93%, Audience - 91%
- Game of Thrones season 6: Critics - 94%, Audience - 93%
- Game of Thrones season 7: Critics - 93%, Audience - 81%
- Game of Thrones season 8: Critics - 55%, Audience - 30%
- House of the Dragon season 1: Critics - 90%, Audience - 82%
- House of the Dragon season 2: Critics - 84%, Audience - 72%
- A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 1: Critics - 88%, Audience - 77%
A significant factor contributing to this mixed reception is the divergence in tone and style from earlier series. Unlike its predecessors, this show adopts a more lighthearted and comedic approach, focusing on a smaller-scale narrative that doesn't involve a struggle for the Iron Throne. With a Targaryen still ruling and no civil war in sight, the story centers on Dunk (played by Peter Claffey), a humble hedge knight navigating a tourney in pursuit of a better life.
