Photo Credit: HBO
HBO’s newest Game of Thrones spinoff is making headlines, but not exactly for the reason fans might expect. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has debuted to solid reviews, though it currently holds the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score of any series in the franchise.

What critics are saying about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in reviews

HBO’s latest Westeros entry is earning praise for its heart, humor, and refreshing restraint. IGN calls it “the most purely enjoyable and heartfelt excursion to Westeros in some time,” highlighting the chemistry between Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell as Ser Duncan and Egg.

The BBC describes the series as “a total delight from start to finish,” noting its “lightness of touch” and Monty Python-style absurdity, balanced with “eye-watering violence” that roots it firmly in Westeros.

Variety sees the show’s smaller scale as a strength. “Minor Game of Thrones — and that’s a good thing,” reviewer Alison Herman writes. The series trades palace intrigue for a grounded focus on ordinary characters and “a pragmatic and pessimistic worldview.”

The Hollywood Reporter calls it “smaller, smarter, funnier and more charming,” with a “loose hangout comedy” vibe and a strong six-episode arc. Its success, they argue, lies in the natural dynamic between Dunk and Egg: “a perfect comic duo.”

Critics agree the show stands out for its simplicity, emotional clarity, and character-driven storytelling. Empire sums it up as “low-stakes, high-reward.”

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Rotten Tomatoes score revealed

At the time of writing, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms holds an 83% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and carries a Certified Fresh rating. Critics have responded positively to its debut, praising its tone, cast chemistry, and grounded storytelling, while Rotten Tomatoes has not yet posted an audience score.

Here’s how it compares to the franchise’s earlier seasons:

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Season 1, 2026)83% TomatometerCertified Fresh(No audience score yet at the time of writing)

House of the Dragon

Season 1 (2022): 90%

Season 2 (2024): 84%

Game of Thrones

Season 1 (2011): 90%

Season 2: 97%

Season 3: 96%

Season 4: 97%

Season 5: 93%

Season 6: 94%

Season 7: 93%

Season 8: 55%

While A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms doesn’t match the peak scores of its predecessors, its 83% rating indicates a confident and well-received debut. It also avoids the major drop in critical approval that Game of Thrones experienced in its final season.