A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has earned a spot on Variety’s list of the Best TV Shows of 2026, with the publication praising it as a refreshing change of pace in the Game of Thrones universe.
A breath of fresh air in Westeros
In its year-end list, Variety described the series as “a breath of fresh air,” highlighting its shorter episodes, lighter tone, and smaller scale. The review noted that these elements offer audiences a more intimate and approachable story compared to the grand, often grim scope of previous entries in the franchise.
Variety’s exact description was:
“The show is a breath of fresh air, with shorter episodes, a lighter tone and a radically reduced scale that make Westeros fun again. At its heart is the chemistry between Peter Claffey’s Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell’s Prince Aegon Targaryen.”
Credits: HBO
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The heart of the show: Dunk and Egg
At the center of the praise is the chemistry between the two leads. Variety specifically called out the dynamic between Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell as young Prince Aegon Targaryen (Egg). Their partnership is described as the emotional core of the series, bringing warmth and humour to a world often defined by political intrigue and violence.
Why it stands out in 2026
The show’s reduced scale and more grounded storytelling resonated with both critics and fans. By focusing on the unlikely friendship between a towering hedge knight and a clever young Targaryen prince, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms delivers a fresh, character-driven adventure that feels distinct from House of the Dragon and the original Game of Thrones.
Paying heed to a very successful first season, the second season is currently under production.
