When and where to watch 'A Knight of Seven Kingdoms'? Critics praise latest 'Game of Thrones' prequel
'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' is the latest fantasy tale in Westeros. Based on George R.R. Martin's Dunk and Egg novellas, the 'Game of Thrones' prequel follows a knight, Ser Duncan the Tall / "Dunk" (Peter Claffey), and his young squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), as they aim for glory and fortune at a tournament. The latest show is set 90 years before the original show and 100 years after the events of 'House of the Dragon'. This means 'GoT' fans get to see a new era of Westeros and new faces in the mix.
While the show has opened to early positive reviews from critics, fans will have to wait to watch the prequel on the small screen. The HBO series drops episode 1 on January 18 at 10 pm ET/PT. In the UK, episode 1 will air simultaneously on January 19 at 3 am GMT, followed by a repeat at 9 pm GMT. The series will comprise six episodes, and has already been renewed for a second season ahead of the premiere. The series finale is slated for February 22.
Per Rotten Tomatoes, the synopsis reads, "A century before the events of 'Game of Thrones,' two unlikely heroes wander Westeros. In an adaptation of George R. R. Martin's novella "The Hedge Knight," a young and naive but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg, face a series of dangerous exploits. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and images of the last dragon have not yet passed from living memory, great destinies and powerful foes await these improbable and incomparable friends."
The reviews have been solid for the show. "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms brings humor and fellowship to Westeros on an intimate scale. It's a brilliantly immersive story with rich characterizations that largely ignore fantasy elements," wrote MovieWeb's Julian Roman.
Decider's Meghan O'Keefe seconded this: "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a charming new addition to the Game of Thrones franchise that will woo you back to Westeros. It’s a story that doesn’t need the pyrotechnics of dragon fire because it has plenty of human heart, soul, and heroism." THR's Daniel Fienberg said, "HBO’s Charming New ‘Game of Thrones’ Spinoff Proves Smaller Can Be Better."
The show's cast includes Finn Bennett as Aerion Targaryen, Tanzyn Crawford as Tanselle, Sam Spruell as Maekar Targaryen, and Daniel Ings as Ser Lyonel Barotheon. Rounding up the cast are Edward Ashley, Henry Ashton, Youssef Kerkour, Daniel Monks, Shaun Thomas, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, and Danny Webb.
