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Season 2 – House of the Dragon

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1:51

Jun 2024

Drama

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

84%

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283 Reviews

72%

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

Jul 19

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

Jul 18

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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Jay C.

Apart from the dragon scenes overall dull because of the ugly cast

Matthew T

@Mattonio76 Feb 22

Season 1 was slow but ultimately solid. Season 2 opens strong, yet quickly loses momentum after the previous finale. By midseason, the most compelling character is abruptly killed in an underwhelming dragon battle, draining much of the drama. Despite the title, it feels less like a saga of dynastic intrigue and more like a parade of petty, unlikeable nobles. By episode seven, I’d checked out—there’s little sense of moral tension or complexity, just characters trading complaints while the promised war stalls. The acting remains strong, which makes the weak writing and flat direction more disappointing. Instead of rising stakes, we get repetitive conflicts, muddled themes, and a once-formidable queen reduced to passivity. So yeah its a season of sue for peace but build armies, men are tools but women are just the best. This should have been on Lifetime. Welcome to the House of Karens.

Jerem S.

@toastytripod Feb 16

Interesting stories, if I hadn’t seen GOT I’m not sure I could finish the season.

Maverick C

@MaverickCinema Feb 15

Not as good as the first season, but still worth supporting this series. The tension is still there, you still pick sides even though you fear for your favourite characters' lives. The pacing was off throughout in this season, some episodes were a hit or miss, some characters arcs were predictable and dragging. The mystery of "what will happen next" from season 1, seemed to be missing. Still better than final season of GOT mind you.

Carol M

@Carol6425 Feb 12

Worst ASOIAF adaptation. STOP CHANGING THE BOOKS

Stephen C

@bob25009 Feb 4

8 successful HBO episodes,

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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 Ageon'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 AegonÂ´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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