The highly anticipated prequel of HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” titled “House of the Dragon,” premiered on August 21 and has become the most-watched premiere in HBO history, surpassing its predecessor. 

Both “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon” are based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, and it is set 200 years before “Game of Thrones”. 

The plot is primarily centered around House Targaryen, its reign over the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, and a civil war between two siblings–Aegon II Targaryen and Rhaenyra Targaryen–known as the Dance of the Dragons. 

English Instructor Kevin Estrada ’00 shared his general opinions on “House of the Dragon” and the nostalgia it gave him: “Although House of the Dragon is not as complex as its predecessor, it’s nice to be welcomed back into that world. As soon as I heard the theme song, I realized how much I missed it.” 

The show not only brought back the beloved “Game of Thrones” theme composed by Ramin Djawadi and prominent locations such as King’s Landing and Dragonstone. 

Fellow English Instructor Richard Sylvester ’01, also voiced how much he missed the show. “I miss seeing into the world that George R. R. Martin created, and I’ve invested so much time into the original TV series, books (and even comic book adaptations) that I can’t miss out on this,” he said. 

Overall, it is clear that this show undoubtedly serves as a pathway for former “Game of Thrones” fans to rediscover their love for the series and its community. 

Although Social Science Department Chair Cory Nelson, also has a preference for Game of Thrones due to its unrivaled complex nature, he claimed that “House of the Dragon”meets his “expectations in terms of character development, political scheming, and the actual Game of Thrones.” 

While many fans were unashamed to express their extreme disappointment for the “Game of Thrones” ending, Estrada believes that it is unlikely for another disappointing ending to ensue. 

He said, “I anticipate the show to have a satisfying ending because the showrunner(s) will have probably learned something from the disappointing way Game of Thrones ended.”