Is the new series in the Game of Thrones universe worth watching?

Another premiere has taken place in the Game of Thrones universe — HBO's streaming platform has launched the series The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, based on the novellas by George R. R. Martin. Initial ratings and reviews indicate that the project has been warmly received by critics and viewers alike and is noticeably different from previous stories in the franchise.

Based on its initial performance, the series is enjoying steady, albeit modest, success. On Rotten Tomatoes, it received 88% positive reviews from critics and 80% from audiences, while on IMDb, the first episode started with a rating of 8.5. For a spin-off without large-scale battles and high-profile political conflicts, these results are considered very strong.

Western media reviewers note a shift in focus in the new series. "The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" deliberately reduces the epic scope: there are fewer locations, complex intrigues and pathos, but more attention is paid to the atmosphere, the characters and everyday life in Westeros. The tone of the narrative is much lighter than in Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon — the series has more humour, irony and warm scenes that soften the cruelty of the world.

Forbes calls the project an example of so-called "cosy fantasy." The publication emphasises that the series does not try to surpass its predecessors in scale, but offers an intimate journey through a familiar world. The main characters and their interactions play a special role in this, forming the emotional core of the story. According to Forbes, it is the lighter tone and rejection of excessive seriousness that make the series an attractive alternative to previous adaptations.

The Hollywood Reporter also praised the authors' decision to move away from the "bigger and louder" principle. The publication describes The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as a more compact, smarter and at the same time more charming project within the franchise. Critics note the short episode format, the focus on two central characters, and the plot, which resembles a television soap opera, where it is the relationships between the characters that keep the viewer interested.

The Guardian emphasises that the new spin-off is much calmer and more humane than the main saga. The series does not seek to constantly shock with tragedies, but tells a story of friendship, growing up, and survival in a feudal world. The publication notes that the project is unlikely to become as massive a phenomenon as Game of Thrones, but its main feature is precisely its rejection of the continuous escalation of violence.

Overall, House of the North started out as a restrained, warm and deliberately low-key spin-off. Critics note its consistently high ratings, strong acting duo and focus on human stories. 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Game of Thrones, HBO, Westeros, TV series