Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Game of Thrones spin-off shows rise/fall of House Targaryen.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
House of the Dragon
What's the Story?
HOUSE OF THE DRAGON is a dramatic fantasy prequel to George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones about the rise and fall of the House of Targaryen. When King Viserys I (Paddy Considine) loses his wife and a male heir to childbirth, he breaks tradition and names his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Milly Alcock and Emma D'Arcy), as the presumed Queen Regent. But others are vying for the throne, including his cousin Princess Rhaenys Velaryon (Eve Best) and his ambitious brother Prince Daemon (Matt Smith). Even his right hand, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), is taking an interest in the family dynasty. As tensions rise and the fear of a civil war becomes real, Viserys also seeks to remarry, which means that there is still potential for a male heir to continue the line of succession.
Is It Any Good?
The prequel to Game of Thrones, set in Westeros roughly 200 years before Daenerys Targaryen's attempt to reclaim the Iron Throne, is a combination of fantasy and family drama meant to appeal to franchise fans. Most of the conflict revolves around the Targaryen family, and how the knotty relationships between its members are defined by a desire for power. The narratives highlight the key players, and key moments, that eventually caused the family to fracture so badly that it nearly ended the bloodline and caused the dragons' near extinction. GoT enthusiasts will find it familiar, and at times predictable, but House of the Dragon still offers surprising twists and some nuanced details that make it entertaining. Those new to the franchise may not pick up on some of the subtle nods to what awaits the Targaryens (and the Realm) in the future, but they'll still be able to appreciate the story. Overall, it's an artful spin-off that stays true to the complexities of George R.R. Martin's universe.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of the Game of Thrones franchise. Why does the original TV series have such a strong fan base? What are the risks associated with creating spin-offs of the show?
Are the plot lines featured in House of the Dragon logically connected to the events that transpire in Game of Thrones? Should they be? Does what transpires in this prequel make you think differently about what you knew about the (fictitious) Realm?
TV Details
- Premiere date : August 21, 2022
- Cast : Paddy Considine , Olivia Cooke , Matt Smith
- Network : HBO
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters
- TV rating :
- Award : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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