House of the Dragon Season 1 Finale Draws Strong Viewership for HBO

at .

After the reaction to the end of Game of Thrones, there were many questions about whether House of the Dragon would be able to reach the same success.

House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 10 -- the season finale -- netted 9.3 million viewers across HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, becoming the biggest finale night for an HBO original since the series-ender of the mothership in 2019.

Those numbers are enormous and signal that the show is doing well.

Questions of Ascension - House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 8

"We're so thrilled to see House of the Dragon catch fire with Game of Thrones fans around the world, as well as new viewers who are discovering the world of Westeros for the first time," said Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO, HBO and HBO Max.

"Congrats to George, Ryan, Miguel and the whole House of the Dragon team on an incredible first season."

Aemond at Storm's End - House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 10

The series debuted on Sunday, August 21, to the largest audience for any new original series in the history of HBO and the best series launch on HBO Max across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe.

All episodes of the series are now averaging 29 million viewers in the U.S., more than tripling their average debut night audience with strong catch-up viewing.

For comparison, this is tracking closely behind the average audience for Game of Thrones Season 7, which averaged 32.8M viewers per episode in the U.S.

Several projects in the Game of Thrones universe are in various stages of development, but we do know that House of the Dragon has been renewed for Season 2.

Rhaenys in Dragonstone - House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 10

Ahead of the finale's official airing on HBO and HBO Max, it was leaked onto torrent websites.

HBO said it was "aggressively pulling copies from the internet" to allow fans to watch the episode at the same time on Sunday.

“HBO is aggressively monitoring and pulling these copies from the internet," the company said in a statement.

"We’re disappointed that this unlawful action has disrupted the viewing experience for loyal fans of the show, who will get to see a pristine version of the episode when it premieres Sunday.”

Ready for Battle - House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 10

What are your thoughts on the stellar numbers?

Were you impressed by the conclusion?

Hit the comments below.

Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.

Show Comments
Tags: , ,

House of the Dragon Quotes

As the first century of the Targaryen dynasty came to a close The health of the Old King, Jaehaerys, was failing. In those days, House Targaryen stood at the height of its strength with ten adult dragons under its yoke. No power in the world could stand against it. King Jaehaerys reigned over nearly 60 years of peace and prosperity but tragedy had claimed both his sons Leaving his succession in doubt. So, in the year 101 The Old King called a Great Council to choose an heir. Over a thousand lords made the journey to Harrenhal. Fourteen succession claims were heard But only two were truly considered. Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the King's eldest descendant and her younger cousin, Prince Viserys Targaryen The King's eldest male descendant. It is declared by all lords paramount and lords vassal of the Seven Kingdoms That Prince Viserys Targaryen be made Prince of Dragons tone! Rhaenys, a woman, would not inherit the Iron Throne. The lords instead chose Viserys my father. Jaehaerys called the Great Council To prevent a war being fought over his succession. For he knew the cold truth. The only thing that could tear down the House of the Dragon was itself.

Rhaenyra

Alicent: Did you read it?
Rhaenyra: Of course, I read it.
Alicent: When Princess Nymeria arrived in Dorne, who did she take to husband? Rhaenyra: A man.
Alicent: What was his name?
Rhaenyra: Lord Something.
Alicent: If you answer with "Lord Something," Septa Marlow will be furious.
Rhaenyra: She's funny when she's furious.
Alicent: You're always like this when you're worried.
Rhaenyra: Like what?
Alicent: Disagreeable. You're worried your father is about to overshadow you with a son.
Rhaenyra: I only worry for my mother. I hope for my father that he gets a son. As long as I can recall, it's all he's wanted.
Alicent: You want him to have a son?
Rhaenyra: I want to fly with you on dragon back see the great wonders across the Narrow Sea And eat only cake.
Alicent: I'm being serious.
Rhaenyra: I never jest about cake.
Alicent: You aren't worried about your position?
Rhaenyra: I like this position. It's quite comfortable.
[Alicent gets up to leave.]
Rhaenyra: Where are you going?
Alicent: Home. The hour has grown late.
Rhaenyra: Princess Nymeria led her Rhoynar across the Narrow Sea on 10,000 ships to flee their Valyrian pursuers. She took Lord Mors Martell of Dorne to husband and burned her own fleet off Sun spear to show her people that they were finished running.
Alicent: So you remember.
[Rhaenyra rips a page from the book.]
Alicent: If the Septa sees this book then...
Rhaenyra: Fuck the Septa.
Alicent: Rhaenyra!

  • Permalink: Rhaenyra!
  • Added: