A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms becomes the highest-rated first season of any Game of Thrones show on Rotten Tomatoes

1. Entertainment
2. TV
3. Fantasy Shows
4. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms becomes the highest-rated first season of any Game of Thrones show on Rotten Tomatoes News By Lauren Milici published 21 January 2026

And rightfully so

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: HBO) Share Share by:

• Copy link
• Facebook
• X
• Whatsapp
• Pinterest
• Flipboard
• Email

Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms now holds the record for highest-rated first season of any Game of Thrones show on Rotten Tomatoes – and we're so happy for Dunk and Egg.

The spin-off series sits at a whopping 95% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to Game of Thrones season 1 and House of the Dragon season 1, which both hold a 90%. Originally titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, the series is based on George R.R. Martin's Dunk and Egg novella series and follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).

Dunk, who was once a squire himself, is determined to be a great knight and decides to enter a tourney to prove himself. Egg is a sweet little bald boy who wants nothing more than to be Dunk's squire... but there's more to Egg than meets the eye, and Dunk finds himself face to face with the Targaryen dynasty. It's also worth mentioning that it takes place some 100 years before the events of Game of Thrones, and is therefore absent of any and all dragons.

You may like

• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms reviews call the Game of Thrones spin-off "charming", "cheeky", and the best visit to Westeros in nearly 10 years
• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Everything we know about the new Game of Thrones show
• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms review: "This Game of Thrones spin-off is a heartfelt and fun return to Westeros"

Because the book series consists of three novellas in total, there are three seasons planned thus far – and the early success of the show bodes well for renewal.

For more, check out our A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms release schedule, or see our A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms review for our spoiler-free verdict on the whole show.

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Lauren MiliciSocial Links NavigationSenior Entertainment Writer

Lauren Milici is a Senior Entertainment Writer for GamesRadar+ based in New York City. She previously reported on breaking news for The Independent's Indy100 and created TV and film listicles for Ranker. Her work has been published in Fandom, Nerdist, Paste Magazine, Vulture, PopSugar, Fangoria, and more.

Show More Comments

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Logout Read more A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms reviews call the Game of Thrones spin-off "charming", "cheeky", and the best visit to Westeros in nearly 10 years    A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Everything we know about the new Game of Thrones show    A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms review: "This Game of Thrones spin-off is a heartfelt and fun return to Westeros"    Knight of the Seven Kingdoms showrunner says he "did this [season] for George [R.R. Martin]," and the Game of Thrones creator has "only been a benefit to this show"    A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms releases new season 1 trailer, but fans say it gives away the whole plot    A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms showrunner compares Dunk and Egg to Game of Thrones' Arya and the Hound    Latest in Fantasy Shows After Joffrey spoiled the House of the Dragon ending, Game of Thrones fans have realized he also spoils major details from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms    A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2 will also only be 6 episodes and may even be "smaller" in scope than season 1    A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms releases new season 1 trailer, but fans say it gives away the whole plot    A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms opens with a graphic joke, and Game of Thrones fans aren't sure how they feel about it    Game of Thrones fans have a new MVP after A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 1: Lyonel Baratheon    God of War TV show Kratos actor says he's "grateful to pick up the axe"    Latest in News A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms becomes the highest-rated first season of any Game of Thrones show on Rotten Tomatoes    Netflix partners with Jujutsu Kaisen studio MAPPA, with exclusive new anime coming for subscribers    Battlefield 6 dev teases new season 2 map and confirms classic Battlefield 4 map Golmud Railway is returning    Prince of Persia remake dev comments on its cancellation: "We know this is deeply disappointing"    As other devs commit to AI as a development tool, Ubisoft is doubling down on "player-facing generative AI"    Larian lead says Epic CEO's claim the EGS offers "better deals" to devs "doesn't sit well" after Alan Wake 2 lost sales    GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS

1. 1Looking for a good 2-player board game? This superhero adventure is worth suiting up for
2. 2Trails Beyond the Horizon review: "This JRPG's thrilling real-time and turn-based combat evolves Metaphor ReFantazio's hybrid battles, making up for a poorly paced adventure"
3. 3This alt-history board game is still a gold standard for modern strategy
4. 4Skate Story review: "A beautiful and unique skateboarding game with great, stylized visuals set in a grungy underworld"
5. 5Octopath Traveler 0 review: "The strongest entry in this retro-styled JRPG series yet, I love the greater focus on tactical battles"

1. 1Return to Silent Hill review: "Neither an impressive adaptation nor coherent enough to act as a standalone film"
2. 228 Years Later: The Bone Temple review: "The wildest and weirdest entry into the franchise yet"
3. 3Avatar: Fire and Ash review: "Still a technical marvel, with some of the year's best action filmmaking"
4. 4Five Nights at Freddy's 2 review: "We have waited two years for a Five Nights at Freddy's 1.5"
5. 5Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery review: "Brings Knives Out back to its roots for a sequel that's almost on a par with the original"

1. 1Starfleet Academy review: "It may feel a little different to what we're used to, but this is Star Trek through and through"
2. 2A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms review: "This Game of Thrones spin-off is a surprisingly heartfelt and fun return to Westeros"
3. 3Stranger Things season 5 finale review: “Shows off both the best and the worst of Hawkins”
4. 4Stranger Things season 5, Volume 2 review: “All set up for a finale that has so much to deliver”
5. 5Fallout season 2 review: "A hell of a lot of fun despite being overcrowded and convoluted"