{"id":34627,"date":"2026-06-20T23:55:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T23:55:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/20\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-first-reviews-kicks-off-with-a-bang-and-only-gets-better\/"},"modified":"2026-06-20T23:55:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T23:55:56","slug":"house-of-the-dragon-season-3-first-reviews-kicks-off-with-a-bang-and-only-gets-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/20\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-first-reviews-kicks-off-with-a-bang-and-only-gets-better\/","title":{"rendered":"House of the Dragon Season 3 First Reviews: Kicks Off with a Bang and Only Gets Better"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"yt-consent-swap\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/DCoSylSS5mI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While viewers wait to return to the Seven Kingdoms this month with the June 21 premiere of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rottentomatoes.com\/tv\/house_of_the_dragon\/s03\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>House of the Dragon <\/em>Season 3<\/a><\/strong>, the first reviews are now online and more positive than ever. The <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rottentomatoes.com\/tv\/game_of_thrones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Game of Thrones<\/a> <\/em>prequel series continues to depict House Targaryen\u2019s war of success as it leads into the notorious \u201cDance of the Dragons,\u201d and it\u2019s said to be the most action-packed installment yet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what critics are saying about <em>House of the Dragon <\/em>Season 3:<\/p>\n<div id=\"preview-item-b60657ce-085a-3706-b909-f30759f742ba\" class=\"preview-item block-preview rkv-block\" data-media-id=\"b60657ce-085a-3706-b909-f30759f742ba\" data-media-release-date=\"\">\n\t<a class=\"poster-wrapper\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rottentomatoes.com\/tv\/house_of_the_dragon\/s03\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"article_poster poster\" src=\"https:\/\/resizing.flixster.com\/Ty76JZlR4AOJ08yyL5tRbSoe8W0=\/fit-in\/180x240\/v2\/https:\/\/resizing.flixster.com\/RGUKzsHGdgsbbr9G4PZvcwjh4F0=\/ems.cHJkLWVtcy1hc3NldHMvdHZzZWFzb24vOTViMjUxYmYtNDM3Ny00MmYwLTk4MDMtN2E3MzlhZDMyYzdmLmpwZw==\" alt=\"\" style=\"border-color: #EEEEEE;border-style: solid;border-width: 1px\" title=\"\">\t<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Will fans be happy with its return?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>House of the Dragon<\/em>\u00a0is\u00a0still spectacle TV worth tuning in for.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/collider.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Therese Lacson, Collider<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want spectacle, without much behind it, you\u2019ll be pleased.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/tv\/tv-reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo-1236620995\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In its third season,\u00a0<em>House of the Dragon<\/em>\u00a0remains engrossing and rewarding.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/awardsbuzz.com\/hbo-review-a-more-intimate-exploration-of-motive-and-power-in-house-of-the-dragon-season-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Abe Friedtanzer, Awards Buzz<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What fans have come to love about the series is what it will be appreciated for in Season 3: its characters are better than ever.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/awardswatch.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-heavy-is-the-head-that-wears-the-crown-b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tyler Doster, AwardsWatch<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While more hardcore audience members may nitpick the finer details of Condal\u2019s adaptation of Martin\u2019s work, casual audience members will get exactly what they are craving.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/nextbestpicture.com\/house-of-the-dragon-finally-finds-its-fire-with-its-third-and-best-season-yet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Megan Lachinski, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The series is still thrilling, and some moments still remind us of how great both it and <em>Game of Thrones<\/em> once were.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/regionfree.net\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joonatan Itkonen, Region Free<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those who\u00a0tired of all the talking\u00a0in Season 2 and crave wall-to-wall action will consider this chapter similarly slow.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inverse.com\/entertainment\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lyvie Scott, Inverse<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"380\" src=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews3.jpg?w=700\" alt=\"Matt Smith and Emma D&#039;Arcy in House of the Dragon: Season 3 (2026)\" class=\"wp-image-291891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews3.jpg 700w, https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews3.jpg?resize=300,163 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" title=\"\"><figcaption><span class=\"media-credit\">(Photo by Theo Whiteman\/HBO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How does it compare to previous seasons?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s the series\u2019 best so far\u2026the visual effects and cinematography are both a vast improvement over the first two seasons.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/nextbestpicture.com\/house-of-the-dragon-finally-finds-its-fire-with-its-third-and-best-season-yet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Megan Lachinski, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>House of the Dragon<\/em>\u00a0Season 3 picks up after what was a\u00a0disappointing back half of Season 2\u00a0and returns the show to the highs we were accustomed to.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/fangirlish.com\/2026\/06\/15\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lissete Lanuza S\u00e1enz, Fangirlish<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Complaints of nothing happening last season have been remedied\u2026 There seems to have been a realization in the writers\u2019 room not only of what made the show so interesting when it premiered in 2022.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rogerebert.com\/streaming\/house-of-the-dragon-season-three-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kaiya Shunyata, RogerEbert.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While not perfect, Season 3 is leagues better than Season 2.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/movieweb.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melody McCune, MovieWeb<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many ways, [it\u2019s] the same\u2026 still too packed, too narratively rushed and, as much as I\u2019m certain passionate fans will disagree, the surplus of dragons and special effects has become somewhat anticlimactic.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/tv\/tv-reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo-1236620995\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The show wants to be a chess match, not a battle epic. And that could make this the best chapter yet.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inverse.com\/entertainment\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lyvie Scott, Inverse<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is it starting to improve upon <em>Game of Thrones<\/em>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its third season only proves well what fans already knew: it stands tall next to its predecessor, with the possibility of finishing stronger and being better.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/awardswatch.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-heavy-is-the-head-that-wears-the-crown-b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tyler Doster, AwardsWatch<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>House of the Dragon<\/em> would never work without its ensemble, a cast operating at a level that rivals and even often surpasses the best that <em>Game of Thrones<\/em> had to offer.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.looper.com\/2194219\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-hbo-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matthew Jackson, Looper.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Season 3 also continues to lean into the narrative\u2019s magical elements, making it feel even more high fantasy than\u00a0<em>Game of Thrones<\/em>.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/movieweb.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melody McCune, MovieWeb<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are dozens upon dozens of characters, and this is an intricately plotted fantasy even in its lightest episodes, but I never had such an issue with <em>Game of Thrones<\/em>.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/regionfree.net\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joonatan Itkonen, Region Free<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"380\" src=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews1.jpg?w=700\" alt=\"Ewan Mitchell in House of the Dragon: Season 3 (2026)\" class=\"wp-image-291886\" srcset=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews1.jpg 700w, https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews1.jpg?resize=300,163 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" title=\"\"><figcaption><span class=\"media-credit\">(Photo by Ollie Upton\/HBO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How does it compare to the show\u2019s other spin-off?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like January\u2019s franchise spin-off\u00a0<em>A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms<\/em>, the faithful will be pleased.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thedailybeast.com\/obsessed\/house-of-the-dragon-is-finally-reaching-game-of-thrones-heights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nick Schager, The Daily Beast<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[With some of the new episodes], I could pretend that the things I liked about that show were being brought to the surface in this one.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/tv\/tv-reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo-1236620995\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Does it kick things off with a bang?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Season 3 takes off like fire straight from the dragon\u2019s throat, and just never lets up\u2026The first episode is one of the best, most jam-packed hours of TV you\u2019re likely to see this year.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.looper.com\/2194219\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-hbo-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matthew Jackson, Looper.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>House of the Dragon<\/em>\u00a0Season 3 wastes no time getting into the dark and gritty. The Battle of the Gullet is a massive, devastating spectacle, and it just gets wilder from there.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/mamasgeeky.com\/2026\/06\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tessa Smith, Mama\u2019s Geeky<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of several pivotal confrontations that will likely allay concerns about continued treading of water\u2026 the Battle of the Gullet is indeed spectacular.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/variety.com\/2026\/tv\/reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-1236781041\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alison Herman, Variety<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s artificially huge and artificially bloody, and there are dragons doing dragon things\u2026Oh, and in the first couple of episodes, there are deaths, big deaths, big meaningless deaths.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/tv\/tv-reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo-1236620995\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first two episodes feel like the exciting and inevitable conclusion that season two so desperately needed.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/nextbestpicture.com\/house-of-the-dragon-finally-finds-its-fire-with-its-third-and-best-season-yet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Megan Lachinski, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Season 3 starts strong with blistering bloodshed, but it also affirms that its quiet cliffhanger in Season 2 wasn\u2019t a mistake.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inverse.com\/entertainment\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lyvie Scott, Inverse<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are there even better episodes later?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In its ensuing episodes, it demonstrates that it\u2019s additionally pretty good when it comes to on-the-ground combat performed with giant swords on muddy, fiery fields.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thedailybeast.com\/obsessed\/house-of-the-dragon-is-finally-reaching-game-of-thrones-heights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nick Schager, The Daily Beast<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The third episode of the season is a standout\u2026 as Rhaenyra attempts to rein in power before losing her grasp.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rogerebert.com\/streaming\/house-of-the-dragon-season-three-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kaiya Shunyata, RogerEbert.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The third episode of the season and, to a lesser degree, the fourth were my favorite\u00a0<em>House of the Dragon<\/em>\u00a0episodes to date. Why? Because they were funnier, smarter, and a little more intimate in scale.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/tv\/tv-reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo-1236620995\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The third episode is an interesting divergence from the typical tone and story of <em>House of the Dragon<\/em>, especially compared to the first two episodes, and the gamble by Condel and episode writer Sara Hess may not work for everyone.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/nextbestpicture.com\/house-of-the-dragon-finally-finds-its-fire-with-its-third-and-best-season-yet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Megan Lachinski, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"380\" src=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews2.jpg?w=700\" alt=\"Harry Collett in House of the Dragon: Season 3 (2026)\" class=\"wp-image-291889\" srcset=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews2.jpg 700w, https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews2.jpg?resize=300,163 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" title=\"\"><figcaption><span class=\"media-credit\">(Photo by HBO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is there plenty of dragon action?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s grandiose and filled with dragon action on a scale unlike anything else the show has attempted before.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/nextbestpicture.com\/house-of-the-dragon-finally-finds-its-fire-with-its-third-and-best-season-yet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Megan Lachinski, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re in it for the dragons, you\u2019ll be pleased with the effects this season. From detailed close-ups to thrilling shots of them soaring across the sky or engaging in warfare, the dragons certainly live up to their godlike glory.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/movieweb.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melody McCune, MovieWeb<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The visual effects team has outdone themselves, giving these massive beasts a terrifying, majestic weight that makes them feel entirely real.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/mamasgeeky.com\/2026\/06\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tessa Smith, Mama\u2019s Geeky<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dragons are as mesmerizing as ever, fully realized and astonishing in detail. Each time one dies, it is a heartbreaking tragedy.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/regionfree.net\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joonatan Itkonen, Region Free<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s the people who make <em>House of the Dragon<\/em> worth enduring the predetermined devastation. The dragons are just the CGI flying lizards on top.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/variety.com\/2026\/tv\/reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-1236781041\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alison Herman, Variety<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just because you have the technological capacity to do a battle scene with four dragons and thousands of CG boats doesn\u2019t mean that it wouldn\u2019t be better with two dragons and, heaven forbid, some practical effects.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/tv\/tv-reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo-1236620995\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Are there any other reasons to enjoy this season?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To my mind, the more exciting development in Season 3 is much more intimate in scope than hordes of troops descending into chaos\u2026 a rewarding return by <em>House of the Dragon<\/em> to its roots.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/variety.com\/2026\/tv\/reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-1236781041\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alison Herman, Variety<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For all its emphasis on boisterous, capital-E events,\u00a0<em>House of the Dragon<\/em>\u00a0just works better when it\u2019s a bunch of people talking in a room.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inverse.com\/entertainment\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lyvie Scott, Inverse<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is an added layer of emotional weight here. The betrayal feels more personal now, and the wounds deeper.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/mamasgeeky.com\/2026\/06\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tessa Smith, Mama\u2019s Geeky<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">[The show] has suddenly remembered that it can be entertaining without filling the frame with dragons.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/tv\/tv-reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo-1236620995\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"380\" src=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews4.jpg?w=700\" alt=\"Olivia Cooke and Ewan Mitchell in House of the Dragon: Season 3 (2026)\" class=\"wp-image-291909\" srcset=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews4.jpg 700w, https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews4.jpg?resize=300,163 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" title=\"\"><figcaption><span class=\"media-credit\">(Photo by Ollie Upton\/HBO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Does it have good writing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The writing is smart and keeps you guessing.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/nextbestpicture.com\/house-of-the-dragon-finally-finds-its-fire-with-its-third-and-best-season-yet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Megan Lachinski, Next Best Picture<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The writing has become more agile, more versatile, able to inject more character into each action and reaction.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.looper.com\/2194219\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-hbo-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Matthew Jackson, Looper.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In its attempt to fit everything in a neat linear narrative, <em>House of the Dragon<\/em> has written itself in more corners than one, and even the tremendous performances and spectacular effects can\u2019t help it find its way.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/regionfree.net\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joonatan Itkonen, Region Free<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At times, it can feel like the script is hitting story beats like crossing items off a checklist \u2013 we arrive at the moment and then quickly discard it for the next one.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/movieweb.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melody McCune, MovieWeb<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>How is the returning cast this season?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The actors remain absolutely brilliant, delivering nuanced performances that anchor the fantastical elements in raw human emotion.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/mamasgeeky.com\/2026\/06\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tessa Smith, Mama\u2019s Geeky<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its leads are now so comfortable in their roles that there isn\u2019t a false performance in the (enormous) ensemble, with D\u2019Arcy\u2019s mixture of grief, rage, and narcissism and Mitchell\u2019s ruthless fanaticism helping energize this go-round.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thedailybeast.com\/obsessed\/house-of-the-dragon-is-finally-reaching-game-of-thrones-heights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nick Schager, The Daily Beast<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emma D\u2019Arcy specifically, has been given more to do this season as Rhaenyra goes to war, and they tackle the material with gusto.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/awardswatch.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-heavy-is-the-head-that-wears-the-crown-b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tyler Doster, AwardsWatch<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The incomparable Emma D\u2019Arcy continues to hold the series together with a beautiful and terrifying performance that demands attention.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/regionfree.net\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joonatan Itkonen, Region Free<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">D\u2019Arcy is at their best in this season, balancing the madness of a Targaryen and the hardened ambition of a woman claiming what has always rightly been hers.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/collider.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Therese Lacson, Collider<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">D\u2019Arcy has never been better. Smith remains wonderfully hammy.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/tv\/tv-reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo-1236620995\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Emma D\u2019Arcy should be writing their Emmy speech for their work this season.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/movieweb.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melody McCune, MovieWeb<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"380\" src=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews5.jpg?w=700\" alt=\"James Norton in House of the Dragon: Season 3 (2026)\" class=\"wp-image-291910\" srcset=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews5.jpg 700w, https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews5.jpg?resize=300,163 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" title=\"\"><figcaption><span class=\"media-credit\">(Photo by Theo Whiteman\/HBO)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Are there any notable newcomers?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new season offers a bunch of new faces, because what the show needed was new characters, with James Norton the best of the lot as Ormund Hightower.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hollywoodreporter.com\/tv\/tv-reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo-1236620995\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">James Norton is a bona fide delight as Ormund Hightower. He adds so much complexity to a character with little substance in the source material.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/movieweb.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Melody McCune, MovieWeb<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without a doubt, James Norton\u2019s Ormund Hightower. There\u2019s a magnetism to his every moment on screen that makes it hard to look away, whether you are rooting for him or not.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/fangirlish.com\/2026\/06\/15\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lissete Lanuza S\u00e1enz, Fangirlish<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Greens were in desperate need for a megalomaniac, acidic character like Ormund.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbr.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Katie Doll, CBR<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Does this season have any problems?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>House of the Dragon<\/em>\u00a0can\u2019t escape bad habits. The pacing is, yet again, an intimidating mystery.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbr.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Katie Doll, CBR<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In its attempt to capture the grand scale of fictional history, <em>House of the Drago<\/em>n often ends up feeling small when it introduces easily replaceable characters for minute political intrigue.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/regionfree.net\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Joonatan Itkonen, Region Free<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lack of screentime for characters like Aegon II and Aemond is disappointing, especially after their build-up in Season 2.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/collider.com\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-hbo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Therese Lacson, Collider<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is it starting to feel like the show is running its course?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>House of the Dragon<\/em> will [reportedly] end with Season 4, and it\u2019s not quite a criticism to say that the first half of Season 3 left me ready for that conclusion.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/variety.com\/2026\/tv\/reviews\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review-1236781041\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alison Herman, Variety<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the third season underway and only one remaining, whatever flaws fans perceived within\u00a0<em>House of the Dragon<\/em>\u00a0might as well be features in its design.<br \/>\u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inverse.com\/entertainment\/house-of-the-dragon-season-3-review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lyvie Scott, Inverse<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rottentomatoes.com\/tv\/house_of_the_dragon\/s03\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">House of the Dragon:<\/a><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rottentomatoes.com\/tv\/house_of_the_dragon\/s03\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Season 3<\/a> premieres on HBO on June 21, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"yt-consent-swap\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/WmPyopJROJM\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><strong><em><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/article\/app\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find Something Fresh! Discover What to Watch, Read Reviews, Leave Ratings and Build Watchlists. Download the Rotten Tomatoes App.<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While viewers wait to return to the Seven Kingdoms this month with the June 21 premiere of House of the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34628,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_animmysite_disable_animation":false,"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/editorial.rottentomatoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/HotD_S3_Reviews-Rep.jpg?w=600","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[212],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34627","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trending-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34627","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34627"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34627\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34627"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}