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I’ll never forget how, in 2019, the world was collectively outraged over that wacky Game of Thrones finale. Although I don’t agree with all the naysayers, since I think there were some creative spins in the last season that I honestly don’t hate, I’m fully aware that the general public was livid over those final couple of episodes. Ah, the simpler days when the worst thing going on in life was the Game of Thrones finale...
In fact, fans of Game of Thrones were so upset by the series finale that it caused some viewers to turn their backs on the show altogether. Fortunately, though, House of the Dragon has more than made up for all that, with its gorgeous cinematography, thought-provoking plotline, and brilliant cast. Here's what you should know before season 3 drops on June 21 on HBO Max!
Scroll to find out everything you need to know about House of the Dragon season 3!
You'll want to clear your schedule for premiere night. According to HBO's official programming lineup, the first episode of Season 3 clocks in at a hefty 72 minutes, giving the series plenty of room to properly unpack the explosive immediate aftermath of last season's tension. The official trailer teases all the ferocious battles and intense family drama that await in the Dance of the Dragons.
What is House of the Dragon about?
HBO Max
Game of Thrones follows an entire ensemble of fascinating characters, from the Starks to the Greyjoys and formidable Lannisters. But when it simply comes down to it, the storylines I’ve always found most engaging center around the Targaryens.
The House of Targaryen is arguably the most chaotic and formidable, which is saying a lot in regard to the Game of Thrones canon. They’re responsible for everything from war to bloodshed, and are widely resented by many in Westros. While the story of Daenerys Targaryen is an utterly fascinating one, no doubt, the House of the Dragon is a prequel series that takes place nearly two centuries before Khaleesi is born.
Where We Left Off
Courtesy of HBO
Where the Dance Stands Going Into Season 3:
- The Blacks: Rhaenyra has successfully gathered a fleet of new dragonriders (the "Dragonseed" bastards) and is poised to launch a full naval and aerial blockade.
- The Greens: Aemond is ruling as Prince Regent while King Aegon secretly heals from his brutal burn wounds, and the Hightower forces are marching to secure the realm.
Who's in the House of the Dragon season 3 cast?
HBO Max
Returning cast members include:
- Matt Smith
- Emma D’Arcy
- Olivia Cooke
- Steve Toussaint
- Rhys Ifans
- Fabien Frankel
- Ewan Mitchell
- Tom Glynn-Carney
- Sonoya Mizuno
- Harry Collett
- Bethany Antonia
- Phoebe Campbell
- Phia Saban
- Tommy Flanagan as Lord Roderick Dustin: The fierce leader of the Winter Wolves (the Northern vanguard loyal to Rhaenyra).
- Dan Fogler as Ser Torrhen Manderly: A key diplomat and lord from White Harbor, expanding the show's reach back into familiar Northern territories.
- James Norton as Ormund Hightower: The cousin of Alicent Hightower who takes up the mantle to lead the Green army in the Reach.
What can we expect in House of the Dragon season 3?
HBO Max
Fans can expect visual storytelling on an unprecedented scale. Production leaks reveal that an upcoming battle scene in Season 3 actually set a new world record for the highest number of stunt performers set on fire simultaneously, teasing a level of dragon-fueled chaos that surpasses even "The Spoils of War" from the original series.
While the prequel show has garnered critical acclaim and a sizable cult following, some viewers have criticized the series for being a bit slow in its pacing. Fortunately, though, the upcoming season promises to pick up the slack with more epic storylines.
According to actress Olivia Cooke, this season will be the most riveting yet. "Well, I think I can say... it starts off with a bang,” the Bates Motel star revealed in an interview with Collider. “The first two [episodes] were essentially supposed to be our finale last year. So you can just imagine coming into that sort of energy. It's bigger and more ferocious than ever before."How many episodes are in House of the Dragon season 3?
HBO Max
The new season will have eight episodes total. Here's the release schedule:
- Season 3, Episode 1 premieres on HBO Max June 21, 2026
- Season 3, Episode 2 premieres on HBO Max June 28, 2026
- Season 3, Episode 3 premieres on HBO Max July 5, 2026
- Season 3, Episode 4 premieres on HBO Max July 12, 2026
- Season 3, Episode 5 premieres on HBO Max July 19, 2026
- Season 3, Episode 6 premieres on HBO Max July 26, 2026
- Season 3, Episode 7 premieres on HBO Max August 2, 2026
- Season 3, Episode 8 premieres on HBO Max August 9, 2026
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This post has been updated.
