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Season 2 – House of the Dragon

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1:51

Jun 2024

Drama

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

84%

Tomatometer

283 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

The reign of House Targaryen begins with this prequel to popular HBO series "Game of Thrones;" based on George R.R. Martin's "Fire & Blood," "House of the Dragon" is set nearly 200 years before the events of "Game of Thrones," telling the story of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys I Targaryen's children battling for control of the Iron Throne.

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Critics Consensus

Approaching its dynastic cataclysm with a deliberate stride rather than a charging gallop, House of the Dragon carefully sets up its emotional stakes to make the fiery spectacle all the more scorching.

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Kaiya Shunyata

RogerEbert.com

08/28/2024

While season two of “House of the Dragon” starts strong, it eventually becomes clear that this series is at war with itself.

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Inkoo Kang

The New Yorker

08/09/2024

The new allegiances in the finale satisfyingly blur the lines between the factions, but until war truly begins—and Rhaenyra embraces every aspect of leadership, including the unsavory ones—it’s still all table-setting, no meat.

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Rachael Sigee

BBC.com

08/09/2024

We know already that there is no happy ending, but it has increasingly seemed that the characters themselves agree.

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Clotilde Chinnici

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

07/19/2025

4/5

Ultimately, season 2 feels incredibly underwhelming, especially in its last few episodes. With a season finale that does not quite deliver, much of House of the Dragon felt like a promo for its next season.

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Samantha Schuster

Cinéfilo Serial

07/18/2025

3/5

It's still a transitional installment, reinforcing what we saw before and promising us, now, a hopeful future. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Jeff Beck

The Blu Spot

11/19/2024

3/5

Sadly this sophomore outing ends up being far more languid & uneventful, resulting in a rather curious season where very little happens to advance the plot, leaving the promises & potential of its previous season unfulfilled.

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Melchizedek Franz Noval S

@Melchizedek 5h

The second season continues the escalating conflict between the rival Targaryen factions, delivering stunning visuals, strong performances, and emotionally charged moments drew closer to an all-out war. It remains one of television's most visually impressive fantasy dramas, with excellent production design, memorable dragon sequences, and a haunting musical score, shines through its character-driven storytelling, particularly the evolving struggles of Rhaenyra, Alicent, Daemon, and Aegon. However, the pacing is slower than expected, with much of the season focused on preparation rather than major battles. Some storylines feel drawn out, and the finale functions more as a setup for the next chapter than as a satisfying conclusion, leaving a few plot threads unresolved. It's strong writing, outstanding cast, and cinematic presentation make it a very good season, even if it doesn't reach the heights of its predecessor.

Shari Z

@pamella83 17h

I still enjoyed Season 2, but it definitely felt slower than the first. The performances and visuals were incredible, yet the pacing made it seem like the story was constantly building toward something without fully delivering.

Sarah C

@RT56790032 2d

It's definitely slower than I expected, and I can understand why some people were frustrated. Still, I loved the performances and all the political tension. Even when not much was happening, I was never bored.

Jackie S

@Jaquitha 3d

I absolutely loved season 1. Season 2 still has great actors and wardrobe but the writing is slow and I keep waiting for something interesting to happen and it never does. These writers need a shake up.

Faisal A

@RT12391938 3d

some episodes were great some were below the expectation , cinematography costumes were great , dialogues were mostly cliche generally the writing was bad and some decisions in the story made it worse.

R T

@RT37743948 6d

Season 2 was slower than season 1 but still enjoyed watching every minute of it.

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Ryan Condal

Creator

George R.R. Martin

Creator

Matt Smith

Prince Daemon Targaryen

Emma D'Arcy

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen

Rhys Ifans

Otto Hightower

Steve Toussaint

Lord Corlys Velaryon ("The Sea Snake")

Episode 1

Aired Jun 16, 2024

A Son for a Son

While Rhaenyra struggles to come to terms with her son's murder in King's Landing, Alicent grows concerned that Aegon's Small Council may lead them to an all-out war; Larys suggests Aegon needs a new Hand and Rhaenyra arrives at a fateful decision.

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Episode 2

Aired Jun 23, 2024

Rhaenyra the Cruel

Both Alicent and Rhaenyra are facing the consequences of the murder of King Aegon's heir; Otto schemes to turn the public against her; Rhaenyra questions Daemon's loyalty.

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Episode 3

Aired Jun 30, 2024

The Burning Mill

As ancient grudges resurface, Rhaenys suggests that Alicent may see reason while the men around her seek bloodshed; Ser Criston proposes a bold scheme; Daemon arrives at Harrenhal to raise an army for the Blacks.

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Episode 4

Aired Jul 7, 2024

The Red Dragon and the Gold

In Rhaenyra and Daemon's absence, Rhaenys tries to steady the Black Council as Cole mounts a campaign into the Crownlands.

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Episode 5

Aired Jul 14, 2024

Regent

As the Greens consider how to fill a void on Aegon's Council, Daemon tries to persuade the Brackens to bend the knee.

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Episode 6

Aired Jul 21, 2024

Smallfolk

With few options left, Rhaenyra embarks on a risky venture, while Aemond takes steps to reshape the Green Council.

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Episode 7

Aired Jul 28, 2024

The Red Sowing

As Rhaenyra looks to gain an advantage by unusual means, Jacaerys warns his mother that her plan could threaten his future claim to the throne; at Harrenhal, Daemon pressures Lord Oscar Tully to raise up his bannermen.

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Episode 8

Aired Aug 4, 2024

The Queen Who Ever Was

As Aemond becomes more volatile, Larys plots an escape and Alicent grows more concerned about Helaena's safety; flush with new power, Rhaenyra looks to press her advantage.

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