House of the Dragon is a Game of Thrones spinoff series based on George R. R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood more of a history book versus those that inspired the Game of Thrones series . The prequel story focuses on the reign of the Targaryens, ancestors to the Mother of Dragons herself Daenerys. Set 200 years before Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon unfolds the events that inspired Daenerys’ quest to reclaim the Iron Throne of Westeros.

The series opens on King Viserys (Paddy Considine), the fifth Targaryen ruler, who is faced with the choice of who to name his heir on the Iron Throne — his oldest daughter because he has no sons or his brother Daemon (Matt Smith). He chooses his daughter Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), although a woman has never before inherited such a title, and the series picks up in Game of Thrones fashion as those surrounding Rhaenyra do anything within their power to have a shot at the prickly seat.

Rhaenyra’s childhood friend Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke/Emily Carey) married King Viserys in an arrangement by Alicent’s father Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), the Hand of the King, in a move for the ruling power. Together Viserys and Alicent have sons Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) , who have claim to the throne after Viserys dies of leprosy. Seasson 1 thus sparks what will later become a civil war between various sects of the Targaryen family, which splits into the Black Council for Queen Rhaenyra and the Green Council for Aegon, or really, Alicent Hightower. The colors signify support of which heir should sit the throne. Daemon and Rhaenyra married in Season 1, so they are unified in the Black Council.

Season 1 of House of the Dragon premiered August 21, 2022. Season 2 premiered June 16, 2024 after receiving an early renewal for a third season before the launch of the second installment. Author George R. R. Martin executive produces the prequel show, which he co-created along showrunner Ryan J Condal. The show boasts a broad ensemble cast, which has expanded for Season 2. Aside from those already mentioned, cast members include Eve Best, Steve Toussaint, Phia Saban, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, Bethany Antonia, Harry Collett and more.