A century before the events of Game of Thrones, two unlikely heroes roamed Westeros. A young, naive but brave knight. And his small squire. This is their story.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is HBO's latest Game of Thrones prequel, based on George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. The series premiered on January 18, 2026, and has already been renewed for a second season in 2027.
What is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms about?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes place approximately a century before the events of Game of Thrones, at a time when the Targaryen dynasty still ruled the Iron Throne and dragons were still fresh in memory.
The story follows Ser Duncan the Tall, also known as Dunk, a young hedge knight without name, fortune, or fame. Hedge knights are wandering knights who fight for whoever pays them. Dunk is naive, brave, and tries to do the right thing in a world that constantly tests him.
His squire is Egg, a small boy who is much more than he seems. Egg is actually Aegon Targaryen, the later King Aegon V, who travels anonymously through Westeros as a child to learn about the world outside the palace walls.
Together, they embark on adventures through Westeros while great destinies and enemies await them. It's a story that feels fundamentally different from Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon. No kings and queens, no palace intrigues. Ground-level, gritty, yet with a light and hopeful touch.
The cast
Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk)
Peter Claffey plays the young hedge knight in his biggest role to date. George R.R. Martin himself gave him the following advice at their first meeting: "This is one of my favorites, if not my favorite stories that I've written. So don't screw it up." Claffey has since said it was the best experience of his life.
Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg (Aegon Targaryen)
Dexter Sol Ansell plays the young squire who later becomes one of Westeros' most beloved kings. The chemistry between Claffey and Ansell as Dunk and Egg has been widely praised by critics.
The series received an 87% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes at its premiere, with special praise for the cast and the chemistry between the two main characters.
How does this relate to Game of Thrones?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the third live-action story in the Game of Thrones universe, after the original series and House of the Dragon.
| Series | Period | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Game of Thrones | Main Story | HBO Max |
| House of the Dragon | 200 years before GoT | HBO Max |
| A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms | 100 years before GoT | HBO Max |
You don't need to be familiar with Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon to follow A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The series is designed as an accessible entry point into the universe, even for new viewers.
The books: read before you watch
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is based on George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. Three novellas have been published, which are bundled together under the title A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms:
| # | Novella | Season |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Hedge Knight | Season 1 |
| 2 | The Sworn Sword | Season 2 (2027) |
| 3 | The Mystery Knight | Season 3 (planned) |
Season 1 is based on The Hedge Knight. Season 2 will be released in 2027 and will adapt The Sworn Sword.
George R.R. Martin also gave showrunner Ira Parker 12 unpublished Dunk and Egg stories for the production. So there is more material than the three published novellas.
Season 2 confirmed for 2027
HBO renewed A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms for a second season before the series even premiered. Season 2 will be released in 2027. HBO has also announced that they will deliver new seasons of both A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and House of the Dragon by 2028.
Why A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is different
Co-creator Ira Parker described the tone of the series as fundamentally different from the other Game of Thrones stories. "This could basically be 14th century Britain. This is hard nose, grind it out, gritty, medieval knights, cold with a really light, hopeful touch. We are ground up in this series, we are starting right at the bottom. We're not with the lords and ladies, the kings and queens."
That's exactly what makes the series so refreshing. After years of palace intrigues, dragons, and dynastic politics, Dunk and Egg is a return to the core of what makes stories so good: two people trying to do the right thing in a world that doesn't always reward them.
Where can you watch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms can be watched on HBO and HBO Max. In the Netherlands, the series is available through providers that offer HBO Max.
The first season consists of six episodes ranging from 30 to 42 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Where can I watch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
The series can be watched on HBO and HBO Max. In the Netherlands, through providers that offer HBO Max.
How many episodes does season 1 have?
Season 1 consists of six episodes ranging from 30 to 42 minutes.
Is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms based on a book?
Yes. The series is based on George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas: The Hedge Knight, The Sworn Sword, and The Mystery Knight. Together they are bundled as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Will there be a season 2?
Yes. HBO has already confirmed season 2 for 2027. That season will adapt The Sworn Sword.
Do I need to have seen Game of Thrones for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
No. The series is designed as an accessible story that also works for new viewers unfamiliar with Game of Thrones.
Who are the main characters?
Peter Claffey plays Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell plays Egg, the young Aegon Targaryen.
When does the series take place?
Approximately a century before the events of Game of Thrones, at a time when the Targaryen dynasty still ruled the Iron Throne.