Is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Worth Watching? Honest Review (2026)

TL;DR

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the Game of Thrones prequel we actually needed — smaller in scale, bigger in heart. It trades dragons and political scheming for a genuinely charming buddy adventure through Westeros, and it works brilliantly. If you bounced off House of the Dragon, give this one a fair go.

What It’s About (No Spoilers)

Set roughly a century before the events of Game of Thrones, the series follows Dunk — a tall, well-meaning hedge knight with more honour than sense — and Egg, a sharp-witted young squire with secrets of his own. Based on George R.R. Martin’s beloved Dunk and Egg novellas, the show charts their journey through a Westeros at relative peace, where the dangers are more personal than existential. Think less “epic battle for the throne” and more “two mates stumbling through a world that doesn’t care about them.”

What Works

The central duo is genuinely great. The chemistry between the leads carries the entire show. Dunk’s earnest, slightly hapless nobility paired with Egg’s quiet cleverness gives the series a warmth that neither Game of Thrones nor House of the Dragon ever really attempted. You actually root for these two in a way that feels refreshing for this universe.

It remembers that worldbuilding isn’t just spectacle. Instead of throwing enormous CGI battles at you every other episode, the show takes its time with taverns, tourneys, and the messy realities of feudal life. The production design is stunning — every set and costume feels authentic without being showy about it. It’s the kind of detail-rich storytelling that rewards paying attention.

The pacing is confident. At six episodes, it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Each episode has a clear purpose, and the season builds to a satisfying conclusion while leaving you wanting more. After years of bloated streaming series, that restraint is genuinely appreciated.

What Doesn’t

It may feel too small for some viewers. If you’re coming in expecting the political complexity of early Game of Thrones or the dragon warfare of House of the Dragon, you’ll be disappointed. This is deliberately a more intimate story, and some episodes are essentially two blokes walking through the countryside having conversations. That’s a feature, not a bug — but it won’t be for everyone.

The supporting cast is uneven. While the leads are excellent, a handful of the recurring characters feel underwritten, particularly in the middle stretch of the season. A couple of antagonists could have used another draft to move beyond their archetypes.

Who Should Watch This

Anyone who loved the early seasons of Game of Thrones — the character-driven stuff before it became a CGI showcase. Fantasy fans who appreciate worldbuilding over warfare. People who enjoyed shows like The Last Kingdom or even Banshee and want something with genuine heart. If you’ve been telling your mates that Game of Thrones peaked in season four, this is made for you.

Who Should Skip This

If you need constant action and massive set pieces to stay engaged, this will test your patience. If you’ve never been into Game of Thrones and medieval fantasy isn’t your thing, this won’t convert you. And if you’re specifically after the political intrigue angle of the franchise, House of the Dragon is still the better fit.

Where to Stream in Australia

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is available exclusively on Binge in Australia, which is where all HBO and Max content lands.

• Binge Basic — $10/month (with ads, 1 screen)
• Binge Standard — $18/month (no ads, 2 screens)
• Binge Premium — $22/month (no ads, 4 screens)
• Foxtel Now — Also available if you have a Foxtel Now subscription with the Drama pack ($25/month on top of the $25/month base)

Binge is comfortably the better value option here. They offer a 14-day free trial for new subscribers, so you could realistically knock out all six episodes without spending a cent if you’re quick about it.

The Bottom Line

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is proof that the Game of Thrones universe still has stories worth telling — you just have to be willing to tell quieter ones. It’s beautifully made, genuinely funny in places, and anchored by a central friendship that makes you care about what happens next. For Australian viewers tossing up whether to keep their Binge subscription going, this is a solid reason to stick around. It’s not the best thing on telly right now, but it’s one of the most enjoyable.