Guide to Watching Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon in the Right Order

Overview

Game of Thrones is renowned for its groundbreaking storytelling and memorable characters.
House of the Dragon delves into the civil war of the Targaryens and their fascinating history with dragons.
Watching Game of Thrones before House of the Dragon enriches the viewing experience.

HBO’s Game of Thrones redefined modern television with its sweeping narrative that captivated audiences through eight thrilling seasons. The series is celebrated for its innovative cinematography that enhances emotional depth and action-packed sequences. The character-driven plot features intricate and unpredictable personalities, underscored by iconic lines such as Jon Snow’s “My watch has ended, ”and Cersei Lannister’s ominous advice about the stakes of the Game of Thrones.

Even years after its conclusion, Game of Thrones continues to attract new fans, some of whom may not be familiar with George R. R.Martin’s literary universe, A Song of Ice and Fire. This enduring interest has led to the creation of the prequel series House of the Dragon and the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, promising a shift in tone while expanding the narrative universe. The pertinent question arises: what is the best way to enjoy these interconnected shows?

Timeline Comparison: House of the Dragon vs. Game of Thrones

Exploring the Connection Between the Two Series

Emerging in 2011, Game of Thrones captivated audiences until its finale in 2019. The show’s success led HBO to recognize its substantial franchise potential, prompting the network to welcome new creators to explore and expand Martin’s intricate world. Although Game of Thrones faced criticism for its final season, discussions about spinoffs continued, resulting in the greenlighting of House of the Dragon, which premiered on August 21, 2022, focusing on the turbulent history of the Targaryens.

Set during the Targaryens’ civil war—an internal strife that nearly brought about the downfall of the family and led to the extinction of many dragons—House of the Dragon delves into the rich lore derived from Fire & Blood. It opens with the statement:

It is now the ninth year of King Viserys I Targaryen’s reign.

172 years before the death of the Mad King, Aerys, and the birth of his daughter, Princess Daenerys Targaryen.

The narrative foundation laid down by Game of Thrones is further developed in House of the Dragon. Central prophecies such as Aegon’s Dream and The Prince That Was Promised play significant roles in connecting the two series. As audiences dive deeper, they will uncover the cultural and historical significance of the Targaryens’ Valyrian legacy alongside the events shaping Daenerys’ path in the original series. Notably, House of the Dragon‘s Season 2 finale reinforced the connection through a montage showcasing the era’s dragons, underscoring House Targaryen’s distinguished history and the pivotal moments that shaped their future.

The timeline places Game of Thrones in 298 AC (After Aegon’s Conquest), whereas House of the Dragon starts in 112 AC. The major civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, occurs between 129 and 131 AC, culminating in crucial events that set the stage for the complexities in Game of Thrones.

Viewing Order: Release vs. Chronological

When considering the viewing experience, the release order dictates that Game of Thrones should be viewed first. However, narratively speaking, viewing House of the Dragon first could provide a different perspective. That said, Game of Thrones offers greater thematic richness, addressing critical issues such as the threat posed by the Night King and exploring extensive world-building. This foundational series offers insights into the houses that shape Westeros, including the Starks and the Lannisters, making it the perfect entry point for newcomers.

The political intrigue that captivated initial audiences is much more pronounced in Game of Thrones than in its prequel. With House of the Dragon not hitting the mark in its second season, viewers might find long-term engagement challenging. Hence, it is advisable to begin with Game of Thrones before transitioning to House of the Dragon. Let’s hope that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms delivers the quality that fans expect.

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