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Ever since Game of Thrones arrived on HBO in 2011 with an entirely new visual approach to fantasy, TV shows have tried to replicate the formula. These attempts to be the next Game of Thrones increased as the series overtook George R. R. Martin's source material, declining in quality and leaving room for another epic high fantasy TV series to take its place. The Rings of Power was one such TV show, but while it had the potential for great success being based on Tolkien's masterpiece, Lord of the Rings, it lacked one essential element from Game of Thrones.
People unfamiliar with Game of Thrones might assume that the high budget and visual spectacle were the defining qualities in the show, but the truth is simpler, reflecting the heart of the fantasy genre. Fantasy is, at its core, about characters' journeys, whether large or smaller scale, and it often felt as though the best characters in Game of Thrones could carry their own TV show, with partnerships like Tyrion and Bronn feeling intensely real through camaraderie and witty one-liners. It took until 2026 for creators to understand this, but A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has cracked the formula.
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Feels Like Lord Of The Rings In Westeros
A man and young child celebrating in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
The Lord of the Rings is widely regarded as the greatest high fantasy story of all time because it combines high stakes, intense action, and a new and immersive world, yet never loses sight of the individual characters. People like Frodo, Aragorn, and Samwise feel real, with personal journeys that are connected to, and yet separate from, the main story, which addresses the battle between good and evil. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, while being part of the Game of Thrones franchise, takes the same approach through the quest of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes place about a century before Game of Thrones, and while the formidable Targaryen family are still in power, their dragons are dead, leaving the show to focus on Duncan and Egg's adventures, which are often hilarious. The story might be set in Westeros, but its tone resembles the beginning of The Fellowship of the Ring, when the four main Hobbits are traveling together, still full of mischief, excitement, and optimism for the future.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms features some bleak and disturbing scenes, but the show, along with its source material, are the most lighthearted and optimistic offerings in the universe of A Song of Ice and Fire. Even in its darkest moments, The Lord of the Rings celebrates heroism in many forms, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feels Tolkienesque by reflecting this, with everyday characters becoming heroes through their honor and integrity. This approach is set to continue in season 2 as the show cements its reputation as the unlikely Game of Thrones replacement.
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Has Become The Unlikely Successor To Game Of Thrones
Lyonel Baratheon in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Of all the shows we thought would be the next Game of Thrones, epic fantasy series like The Wheel of Time seemed the most plausible. However, none of these have seamlessly incorporated the dialogue, jokes, and character-driven aspects that originally made Game of Thrones so bingeable. The six-episode miniseries has come the closest, learning from the success of The Lord of the Rings and telling a story that has made A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms even better than Game of Thrones, with some comparing Duncan and Egg to Arya and The Hound.
Comparing A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to Game of Thrones
Name
Year
Aired seasons
Rotten Tomatoes critics' rating
Rotten Tomatoes audience rating
Game of Thrones
2011
8
89%
85%
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
2026
1
94%
79%
It might be difficult to imagine Westeros without the dragons that arrived in later seasons, but the initial seasons managed perfectly. Creating another series, also based on George R. R. Martin's short stories, but centered on a lowly knight and his comparatively small problems was a major creative risk. However, it paid off, allowing viewers to spend more time within Westeros while bringing the original show back to its roots through character development and a compelling quest. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms returns in 2027, taking Duncan and Egg into "road movie" territory.
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms
Release Date January 18, 2026
Network HBO
Showrunner Ira Parker
Directors Owen Harris
Peter Claffey
Ser Duncan 'Dunk' the Tall
