A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 is a faithful, lighthearted adaptation

Early reviews describe HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as a lighter, more intimate Game of Thrones spinoff praised for Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell's chemistry; Season 1 premieres on HBO on January 18, 2026.

Early reviews are out ahead of the series premiere on January 18, 2026. Based on George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, the HBO show follows a fledgling knight and his companion as they move through a small, self-contained story. Critics emphasize that the series leans lighter and more intimate than previous franchise entries. Many reviews single out the chemistry between Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell as a central strength. What reviewers note: - The show marks a tonal shift toward intimacy and lightness, with critics reporting frequent potty humor and lowbrow jokes that set it apart from earlier, grimmer entries. - Production values and visual work are widely praised, and directors Owen Harris and Sarah Adina Smith are credited for clear, grounded action sequences and convincing period detail. - Several reviewers call this the most faithful screen adaptation of Martin's novella material, noting close translations of dialogue and passages by co-creator Ira Parker and the writing team. - Some critics describe the narrative as thin or overly simple compared with past series and say some comedic attempts do not land as intended. - Lead performances by Claffey and Ansell are consistently praised for their chemistry and emotional core; supporting turns from Daniel Ings and Finn Bennett are also highlighted. - The series premieres on HBO on January 18, 2026, and the show reportedly received a second-season renewal months earlier. Summary: The reviews frame A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as a lower-stakes, character-driven take that emphasizes charm and companionship over epic scope. Season 1 debuts on HBO on January 18, 2026, and the series has reportedly been renewed for a second season.