Despite Two Major Fan Complaints, A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Tops Streaming Charts

Despite mixed reactions from devoted Game of Thrones fans, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms soared to the top of streaming charts.

According to FlixPatrol, it became the most-watched show on HBO Max shortly after its premiere and holds a critics’ score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. 

The initial success was soon overshadowed by a bitter backlash from longtime viewers who were furious over the spin-off’s more comedic approach to George R.R. Martin’s traditionally brutal world of Ice and Fire.

The first episode sparked a massive social media debate, with viewers highlighting two significant issues.

“It ruined everything for me!!” one fan said. 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms viewers aren’t loving its humorous take on Westeros

Young man dressed in medieval clothing standing in a barn, representing A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms streaming success.

Image credits: HBO

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiered on January 18, with the first episode, titled The Hedge Knight, introducing viewers to Peter Claffey’s Ser Duncan the Dall / Dunk. It also features several quick cutaway gags that provide more insight into Dunk’s internal thoughts.

On Reddit, several fans criticized the creative choice and admitted that they did not find the gags funny. 

“Not the biggest fan of the short cutaway gags,” one viewer wrote. 

Another user added, “We didn’t need to be so forcefully told, ‘There’s humor too.’”

“What was the point of that kind of comedy?” a third person asked.

Some fans felt that the cutaway gags undercut the emotional tension in scenes, such as when Dunk is burying his deceased master, Ser Arlan of Pennytree. 

Two characters from A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms riding horses in a forest scene from the streaming series.

Image credits: HBO

Others felt the scenes framed Ser Arlan “to be quite the a**hole,” which they felt was a deviation from the source material. 

In an interview with the New York Post, showrunner Ira Parker defended the show’s comedic tone, stating that it reflected Dunk’s point of view and needed to feel “unpolished,” “vulgar,” and “funny” at times. 

While fans understood the reason for the spin-off’s humorous approach, they felt the jokes were more misses than hits. 

“I think they aren’t wrong to go all in on the humour for this, but I can’t say every joke landed,” one viewer commented. 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ most graphic scene left fans polarized

A knight from A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms climbing through trees in a medieval fantasy setting.

Image credits: Game of Thrones/YouTube

A significant chunk of the audience also complained about the graphic defecation scene that marked the start of Dunk’s journey. The character emptying his bowels played for laughs, but the scene proved controversial, and fans felt it was rather unnecessary. 

“The only thing I didn’t like was the p*op scene,” one viewer said. 

Another fan stated, “The graphic sh*tting was so unnecessary and could’ve been cut.”

“I think I understand why they went with the cut-away to sh*tting gag, I just disagree that it was necessary or good to do it,” a third person wrote. 

Even franchise creator George R.R. Martin was surprised by the graphic scene, admitting he was unsure it was really needed. Despite the mixed reactions, Parker has teased similar gags in future episodes. 

“I swear to God, I only use three p*op jokes this entire series, [but] everybody keeps asking questions about these,” he told the press earlier this week. 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms topped streaming charts with just one episode

Executive producer Ira Parker in an indoor setting discussing A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms streaming success.

Image credits: Game of Thrones/YouTube

Audience reaction to the first episode has been mixed, mainly because its humor has proven divisive. The polarized response is reflected in the show’s audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which currently sits at 72% compared to the 95% critics’ score. 

Despite this, the series emerged as a streaming hit, with FlixPatrol reporting that it rose to the top spot on HBO Max’s list of most-watched television titles. Following its launch, the spin-off knocked out the streaming service’s most popular series, The Pitt, from first place. 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms character with messy hair and worn clothing standing outdoors under a cloudy sky.

Image credits: Game of Thrones/YouTube

In the United States, it claimed the top spot on January 19, just a day after the first episode was released, and has maintained its place while The Pitt, which recently returned with its second season, dropped to second place. 

Season 1 of the fantasy drama comprises six episodes, with new installments releasing weekly, every Sunday. It has also been renewed for a second season, which began filming in December 2025. 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is currently streaming on HBO Max.

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