When Will 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Be Released & What Does George Martin Think About It?
Find out how the show will differ from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon and why George R.R. Martin is already excited about Season 1.
In January 2026, HBO will premiere a new series offering a fresh perspective on the Game of Thrones universe.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will transport viewers to an era 100 years before Daenerys' ascension to the throne, offering a stark contrast to its predecessors.
Who Is Ser Duncan the Tall & Which of His Adventures Will Be Shown in 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms'?
The plot centers on Ser Duncan the Tall, a young knight-errant nicknamed Dunk. A commoner by birth, he decides to follow in his mentor's footsteps after his sudden death.
Though poor and naive, Dunk is incredibly brave and honest. He embodies the ideal knight, far removed from the harsh reality of Westeros. His first major test comes when he travels to Ashford Castle for a tournament, hoping to earn money and achieve glory.
En route, he meets a bald boy named Egg who offers to be his squire. Dunk accepts, unaware that his new companion is the future King Aegon V Targaryen.
Their journey and their adventures at the tournament are based on George R. R. Martin's novella The Hedge Knight and will form the basis of the first season.
How Will 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Differ From Other George R. R. Martin Series?
The creators are deliberately distancing themselves from the formats of both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. The main difference is the shift in perspective – rather than focusing on kings, it focuses on common people.
Even the opening credits will be a simple medieval card with text, reflecting Dunk's straightforward and guileless nature.
Another distinctive feature is the tone – the series promises to be lighter and more humorous, in contrast to the dark palette of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
The format has also changed – the first season will consist of six half-hour episodes, which makes the narrative more dynamic.
What Did George R.R. Martin Think of Season 1?
George R.R. Martin, the project's executive producer, was delighted with the result:
“I've seen all six episodes now (the last two in rough cuts, admittedly), and I loved them. Dunk and Egg have always been favorites of mine, and the actors we found to portray them are just incredible.”
His praise, coupled with the fact that the series was renewed for a second season before its premiere, speaks volumes about his confidence in the project and its creators.
When Will 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Be Released?
The first season premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is scheduled for January 18, 2026, on HBO Max. Originally scheduled for release in late 2025, the project has been postponed.
2026 will therefore be a treat for fans of George Martin's universe – following A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the third season of House of the Dragon is expected to premiere this summer.
