We finally have our first teaser for House of the Dragon season 3, which gave some exciting glimpses into our long-awaited return to Westeros, including a first-look at Ormund Hightower and the war ahead. But on top of the new footage from the upcoming episodes, we also have a new hint from series star Matt Smith about when to possible expect the season premiere.
On Friday, Dec. 12, HBO Max previewed its 2026 programming slate with tons of announcements and reveals for its biggest shows, like Euphoria, Heated Rivalry, The Pitt, and of course, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and House of the Dragon. After previously confirming that the new season of the Game of Thrones prequel series would drop in summer 2026, HBO gave us a brief teaser.
In a sizzle reel for its upcoming content in the new year, some new footage from House of the Dragon season 3 is interspersed throughout the two-minute video. There are blink-and-you'll-miss-it clips of Alicent and Rhaenyra as well as our first look at James Norton as Ormund Hightower in his armor. Before teasing the battles soon to come, there's also a flaming skull in a fireplace.
The HBO Max preview video also includes footage from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Take a closer look at the teaser clips from both shows in the video below!
While HBO Max didn't take this opportunity to reveal the release date or share a release month, Daemon Targaryen actor Matt Smith recently appeared on This Morning and teased when fans can expect to see House of the Dragon season 3 on our screens. According to the star, the new season will premiere in August 2026, which is right in line with the expected summer arrival.
"That comes out I think in August next year," Smith told the morning show hosts.
Obviously, this release month hasn't been confirmed or announcement by HBO just yet, so take it with a grain of salt, but that's the first time a potential month has been attached to the previous "summer 2026" announcement. Sometimes we can't rely on teases from cast or the random leaks that manage to come out from behind the scenes, but every once in a while, they are right on the money.
Earlier this fall, HBO announced the news that was likely even more exciting to some fans. House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms were each renewed for additional seasons. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2 will arrive sometime in 2027 after season 1's bow on Jan. 18, 2026, and House of the Dragon season 4 will premiere in 2028. That's a long wait, sure, but we have new Game of Thrones spinoff seasons every year for the next three years (at least!) to look forward to.
While there have been murmurings that House of the Dragon would end with season 4, HBO hasn't announced just yet that the already renewed fourth season will be the end of the road. In fact, season 4 actually might not be the last season. We'll have to wait and see what happens once season 3 premieres in next summer and delivers the next heart-pounding chapter of the saga.
Stay tuned for more House of the Dragon news and updates from Winter is Coming!