‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Scores Series Best Audience for Season Finale

Hollywood Reporter

by Rick Porter

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff, has achieved its highest viewership yet with its season finale on February 22. Drawing 9.5 million U.S. viewers over its first three days, the series has solidified its place as a standout in the crowded fantasy genre. The show, based on George R.R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas, continues to grow its audience each week, with only an early Super Bowl weekend release of an episode slightly disrupting its upward trajectory. Since its January 18 premiere, it has averaged 14 million U.S. viewers across all platforms, a figure that will likely rise further as HBO tracks shows for 90 days post-debut. The success of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is particularly notable given its smaller scale compared to other Game of Thrones universe series like House of the Dragon. While it lacks dragons or large-scale battles, it has managed to attract a dedicated audience, ranking third in debut viewership on HBO Max behind only House of the Dragon and The Last of Us. This achievement highlights the enduring appeal of Martin’s worldbuilding, even when focused on more intimate stories. Streaming has played a pivotal role in the show’s success, with over 90% of its three-day finale viewers coming from HBO Max. This aligns with broader trends in the entertainment industry, where streaming platforms are increasingly central to a show’s reach and engagement. The series’ performance underscores HBO’s strategic focus on quality storytelling that resonates with both die-hard fans and casual viewers. With HBO already greenlighting a second season set for 2027, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is poised to continue its momentum. Its sustained growth and ability to captivate audiences without relying on high-concept elements like dragons or epic battles make it a valuable asset for HBO. For entertainment enthusiasts, this success story reinforces the viability of smaller-scale narratives in a genre often dominated by grandiose spectacles. The show’s performance also matters for understanding the evolving landscape of streaming and traditional TV. As viewers increasingly turn to platforms like HBO Max for content, the balance between niche storytelling and mainstream appeal becomes crucial. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ ability to thrive in

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/26/2026