A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Review: George R.R. Martin’s Dunk & Egg Finally Hits the Screen – Worth the Wait?

HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Season 1, six episodes, released late 2025/early 2026) finally brings George R.R. Martin’s Dunk & Egg novellas to the screen—and it’s arguably the most successful Game of Thrones universe extension since the original series ended.Set roughly 90 years before Game of Thrones, the show follows Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), a low-born hedge knight of immense size and even bigger heart, and his squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), who is secretly Aegon V Targaryen in disguise. Together they wander the Seven Kingdoms, taking odd jobs, entering tourneys, and stumbling into political intrigue far above their station.What Works BrilliantlyCasting is near-perfect Peter Claffey embodies Dunk’s gentle-giant energy—physically imposing yet disarmingly kind, with a natural warmth that sells every “I’ll protect the smallfolk” moment. Dexter Sol Ansell is equally strong as Egg: precocious, sharp-tongued, and convincingly royal under the dirt. Their chemistry feels lived-in from episode one. Tone & world-building This is Westeros without dragons or White Walkers—grittier, smaller-scale, and more human. The show leans into the novellas’ blend of road-trip adventure, medieval mystery, and quiet moments of honor. Production design (costumes, tourney grounds, rural hamlets) feels lived-in and authentic, not over-polished. Faithfulness to source Showrunner Ira Parker and Martin himself (executive producer) kept the spirit intact. Key changes (mostly structural) serve the episodic format well. The tournament at Ashford Meadow and the Blackfyre rebellion undertones are handled with care. Minor CriticismsPacing in episodes 3–4 feels slightly episodic rather than building momentum. Some CGI tourney battles look a touch budget-constrained compared to House of the Dragon’s dragon spectacles. Supporting cast occasionally underused (a few one-note lords and knights), though this mirrors the novellas’ focus on Dunk & Egg. VerdictA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the best thing HBO has done in the Game of Thrones universe since the original series’ peak seasons. It proves Martin’s world works beautifully without dragons or incestuous royal drama—just two decent men trying to do right in a morally gray world.Rating: 8.5/10 Must-watch for ASOIAF fans; very enjoyable entry point for newcomers who want a lighter, more grounded Westeros tale.At digital8hub.com, we cover fantasy TV reviews, George R.R. Martin adaptations, HBO Max series, medieval drama, and more. For A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode breakdowns, Dunk & Egg book comparisons, or medieval-inspired gear (swords, armor replicas), check our entertainment and collectibles guides.Ser Duncan the Tall and Egg are finally here—and they’re worth the wait.