Earlier this week, HBO reported that its show House of the Dragon earned the highest ratings for the network since the Game of Thrones finale in 2019. The fantasy drama saw more than nine million people tune in for its season one finale, adding to its constant success, which started after 10 million people watched its premiere in August. House of the Dragon was always going to have a loyal base, combining Game of Thrones fans and fans of George R.R. Martin’s novels, but what makes House of the Dragons so good?
It’s Loyal To The Source Material
House of the Dragon is based on parts of George R.R. Martin’s novel Fire & Blood. The show is set 2,000 years before the events of Game of Thrones, and it follows the Targaryen dynasty and its long bloodline. This bloodline includes Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen, played by English actor Matt Smith. Martin’s novel Fire & Blood also follows the Targaryen dynasty, so the show is honoring the source material. That contrasts Amazon Prime Video’s latest fantasy show, Rings of Power. Some have criticized Amazon for marketing the show as part of the Lord of the Rings universe but not executing it well.
The Costumes Are Speculator
Costume design was once valued in the movie and TV industry, but it hasn’t appeared to be a focal point in recent years, with the recent exception of films like Dune. Instead, many have focused on storyline and cinematography, but House of the Dragon does both and more. Costume designer Jany Temime is the brilliant brain behind House of the Dragon’s elaborate costuming. She brings in Byzantine and Renaissance elements to tell the stories of her characters, such as the wealth of the Targaryens.
Only one may rule. pic.twitter.com/y80aFdUW9f
— House of the Dragon (@HouseofDragon) October 27, 2022
The Cast Is Likeable
The cast of House of the Dragon is a combination of established actors like Matt Smith and up-and-comers like Milly Alcock, who made her international debut in House of the Dragon. Between interviews between Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke going viral on TikTok and the genuine relationship the cast has with one another, many fans are even more invested in HBO’s show because they’ve formed their own connections with them.
What Could The Show Do Better?
House of the Dragon is already critically acclaimed, but that doesn’t mean the show doesn’t have anything it could work on improving. It has already been renewed for a second season, and production is said to begin in early 2023. Whatever was lacking in the first season is bound to be fixed by then. For example, some viewers complained that the episodes are very dark. While HBO responded to these comments and said it was an intentional creative decision, the network may take this into account to keep the show successful. There have also been complaints about the time jumps in the show and how the show has replaced actors mid-season.
House of the Dragon is one of the most talked about television shows right now. While it was always going to have a fan base, there were concerns about the prequel falling short of expectations. That doesn’t appear to be the case, as the show has many great attributes, including its costumes and staying true to its source material.
