The Epic Journey of a Gallant Knight: A Spoiler-Free Review

Upon watching A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, it quickly becomes apparent that it defies expectations. The opening scene, where the protagonist Dunk mourns his deceased master and then unexpectedly engages in a humorous act behind a tree, sets a different tone from what fans of the franchise might anticipate.

The series seems to follow the Marvel approach of offering diverse formats for its properties. While Game of Thrones was known for its grand Shakespearean narrative, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes on a more intimate, mismatched-buddy comedy style. The absence of dragons, except for a puppet, further accentuates this shift.

The shift in tone from Game of Thrones to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a logical one. After grappling with the complex narrative of his A Song of Ice and Fire series, George R.R. Martin turned to writing simpler prequel novellas, including The Hedge Knight, which serves as the foundation for the new show.

This new series is set in the same world as Game of Thrones but takes place approximately 90 years earlier. Unlike the multiple perspectives in GOT, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms focuses on a single viewpoint. The storytelling is more relaxed, the scale is smaller, and the narrative unfolds within a specific time and location.

The first episode introduces Dunk, an aspiring knight dealing with various challenges such as burying his master, acquiring a squire, and participating in a tournament.

Despite the episode’s length exceeding 40 minutes, subsequent episodes in the season are shorter, around 30 minutes each, providing ample time to delve into this modest story.

The character Dunk, portrayed by Irish actor Peter Claffey, embodies the physical attributes of a tall knight, earning him the moniker Ser Duncan the Tall. While his age of 29 may differ from the teenage Dunk in the novellas, his on-screen chemistry with the young Dexter Sol Ansell, who plays Egg, adds depth to the show and contributes to its comedic moments.

Warner Bros.

The show’s humor leans towards slapstick, with Dunk’s physical mishaps and awkward encounters providing comic relief amidst the serious setting of the tournament. However, the inclusion of mature content like nudity and violence makes it unsuitable for family audiences.

The introduction of Lyonel Baratheon, portrayed by Daniel Ings, injects a significant dose of intrigue into the series. While some supporting characters may lack impact, Ings’ performance stands out, captivating viewers with his portrayal.

Warner Bros.

While fans of Game of Thrones will recognize characters from familiar houses, the world of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms operates by different rules. Dunk’s simplistic nature contrasts starkly with the ruthless environment of Game of Thrones, leaving viewers longing for the intricate plot twists, glamour, intrigue, and magic of the original series.

Should you watch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

Although A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers a pleasant viewing experience, it falls short of being the captivating event television that its predecessor was.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres on Sunday, 18 January, on HBO and HBO Max. In the UK, the first episode will be available on Monday, 19 January 2026, on Sky Atlantic or the streaming service Now. The season consists of six episodes, airing weekly.

For more information, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to watch the series.

Regardless of your location, you can still enjoy HBO content. Find out how to access it from the UK and other regions.