Game of Thrones has begat a couple of spinoffs, but how do the first episodes of each show rank against each other?
When Game of Thrones was launched in 2011, it marked a new era in fantasy TV. It added “prestige” to the genre, elevating it in the eyes of audiences and critics alike and making it an instant smash hit. HBO didn’t rush to add more spinoffs even at the height of the show’s popularity, instead preferring to wait until it was completed.
Since then, we’ve had House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, two shows with different plotlines, set in different eras. Each one had a pilot meant to establish their world, its characters, and its storylines, each with its own unique vibe. Here’s how the premiere episodes for each GOT show compare and rank to show how far the franchise has spread.
3. A Knight of The Seven Kingdoms: “The Hedge Knight”
It may be unfair to judge the opening of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms against its predecessors as it’s only half an hour, so it doesn't have as much time to develop the plotlines. From the start, the show almost seems to be poking fun at its own franchise as we hear the famous GOT theme, only to be interrupted by Dunk defecating behind a tree. That sets the tone for what’s to come.
Dunk makes for a loveable hero right off the bat, not a top warrior, but he tries his best and the audience empathizes with him immediately. His meeting with Egg is a delight, with the pair falling into the odd banter that will grow over the season. Then there’s Lyonel Baratheon stealing scenes with his outlandish dancing and infectious laughter. The story also establishes a world without dragons and the fracturing of the old power bases.
The show does a good job building this different time period and its power players. Maybe another fifteen minutes or so could have helped, although some fans feel the shorter length serves the story. It’s meant for newcomers more than the committed fan, and succeeds as a fun pilot even if it lacks the gravitas of the other Game of Thrones shows.
2. House of the Dragon: “The Heirs of the Dragon”
While a good premiere, House of the Dragon's first installment feels far less exciting or dramatic than GOT did. There is drama surrounding how Rhaenys is being passed over for the Iron Throne for being a woman, but the opening exposition voiceover is rather cliché and it takes a bit to get used to all those wigs and the show's more formal manner of speaking.
We do get action though, from the “police brutality” attack on the populace by the Gold Cloaks to a tournament, and it is impressive to see dragons in all their prime in flight above a bustling city. The actors also show they have a grasp of the material, doing their finest to make it shine despite the often convoluted family dynamics, power plays, and more. Once you get past the talk, the dramatic intrigue becomes more immersive.
Queen Aemma’s death is harrowing and horrific, explaining why it’s such a loss to the kingdom. It builds to the events that will set up the civil war to come, and as a start, it’s good. It just pales next to later episodes and is more exposition-heavy than needed, lacking the same magic of Game of Thrones, but still miles ahead of most fantasy series.
1. Game of Thrones: “Winter is Coming”
It should be no shock that Game of Thrones ranks at the top for its premiere. The tale of how the original pilot was a mess and had to be re-filmed makes it all the more remarkable that the show hit the ground running so well. The magic begins in the opening scene of the White Walkers and the Wall, establishing this dark world before we see those now iconic opening credits. Then we’re introduced to Winterfell, the Starks, the Lannisters, and all the other characters we’ll come to know, love, and hate.
The premiere does a fine job establishing this world with backstory, history ingrained into the tale, and actors who already have a good grasp of their roles. It already feels fully-formed with a centuries-old history that adds more gravitas. Even if some characters seem different than the books (Tyrion is more of a comic relief), the DNA for the majesty that was to come was evident.
The final scene of Bran falling from the tower remains a shocker, sending a clear message to viewers that no one is safe and this show isn't going to play by the fantasy rules. From start to finish, it’s a near-perfect pilot that does exactly what’s needed to get the show off to a fine beginning. It's no wonder it’s still so loved today.
Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are all streaming on HBO Max.
Game of Thrones premieres 15 years ago this month, on April 17, 2011. We're celebrating all month long with deep dives, retrospectives, lists, quizzes, and more. Want to take a return journey to Westeros and want to make sure you have enough reading material to weigh down every raven in the realm? We've got you covered!