House of the Dragon Becomes HBO's Biggest Series Premiere Ever

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There was a great deal of excitement -- and apprehension -- going into the series premiere of House of the Dragon.

As a spinoff of Game of Thrones, which had one of the most polarizing final seasons ever, there were certainly concerns about whether the series would be as big as its predecessor.

House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 1 got off to a high-flying start with just under 10 million total viewers across linear and HBO Max platforms in the U.S. on Sunday.

Rhaenyra's Decision - House of the Dragon

The number makes House of the Dragon the biggest premiere for any new series in the history of the premium cabler.

“It was wonderful to see millions of Game of Thrones fans return with us to Westeros last night. House of the Dragon features an incredibly talented cast and crew who poured their heart and soul into the production, and we’re ecstatic with viewers’ positive response,” said Casey Bloys, Chief Content Officer, HBO & HBO Max in a statement.

Speaking With Her Daughter - House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 1

“We look forward to sharing with audiences what else George, Ryan, and Miguel have in store for them this season.”

News of the ratings will likely be a sigh of relief for executives at the cable network, especially given that the success of the series will likely be the deciding factor in whether new shows set in the universe will be produced.

There are plenty of shows planned in that universe, but none of them, except House of the Dragon, has been filmed.

One of the spinoffs, The Long Night, was scrapped after the cabler spent $30 million on a pilot.

Alicent Spectates - House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 1

Understandably, the cabler wants the highest-quality GOT-related content.

It was recently revealed that a Jon Snow sequel is in development, in addition to several other projects.

Based on George R.R. Martin's book Fire & Blood, House of the Dragon tells the story of House Targaryen (a.k.a. the House that gave us the Mother of Dragons herself, Daenerys Targaryen) and take place 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones.

The cast includes Matt Smith, Paddy Considine, Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Sonoya Mizuno, and Fabien Frankel.

Happy Times - House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 1

What are your thoughts on the numbers?

House of the Dragon continues Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO.

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

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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!

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