THR Says 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 Improves by Episode 3 Ahead of June 21 Premiere
Updated
Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jun 15
THR Says 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 Improves by Episode 3 Ahead of June 21 Premiere
3 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jun 15
Summary
Four episodes sent to critics suggest Season 3 starts much like earlier runs—overstuffed, effects-heavy and rushed—before improving sharply in Episodes 3 and 4.
Episode 1 centers on the Battle of the Gullet and other major deaths, but the review says the spectacle feels artificial and the losses carry limited emotional weight.
Episodes 3 and 4 win praise for being funnier, smarter and more intimate, shifting focus from dragon spectacle to Rhaenyra’s possible rule, bureaucratic strain and the costs borne by ordinary people.
Emma D’Arcy drew the strongest praise, with Matt Smith and Olivia Cooke also highlighted, though the review warns the late-season creative turn may be a blip rather than a full reset.
Season 3 premieres on HBO on June 21, with the critic arguing the series still suffers from too many characters, too little time and long gaps between seasons.