Do You Need to Watch ‘Game of Thrones’ to Enjoy ‘House of the Dragon’?

Those who missed the original series buzz might wonder if there is a need to binge Game of Thrones to keep up with the acclaimed House of the Dragon prequel. The short answer? No! The long answer? House of the Dragon has enough fire (and dragons) to stand tall on its own. With friends turning into mortal enemies, a relentless quest to keep that pure bloodline going, and, of course, the hunger for all things dragon, you won’t need to cram any “winter is coming” homework to appreciate the drama on screen.

HBO has masterfully taken us back to the familiar yet distinct world of Westeros. The story this time around? The Targaryens in their prime. Sure, there are nods to Game of Thrones, but don’t worry, the prequel is designed to welcome even the freshest of newcomers to Westeros too. With icy winds whispering of prophecies and chaos borne out of fire and ambition, House of the Dragon walks a path paved by Game of Thrones, echoing the legacy of power struggles and epic tales that defined its predecessor. This raises the question: Do you need to have watched the original series? Or can you dive straight into the dragon’s pit?

The Shared Universe and Lore of ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Game of Thrones’

Image Credit: HBO

Set about 200 years before Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon takes us deep into the fiery world of the Targaryens — the family that put the “fire” in “fire and blood.” Knowing some Game of Thrones trivia might add extra spice as it gives a glimpse of the Targaryen’s rise to power, their internal drama, and eventual downfall but it’s not required to enjoy the dragon-fueled drama in House of the Dragon.

If you’re familiar with the original series, you might spot Easter eggs and be pumped to relive iconic events and characters. Daenerys Targaryen’s quest for the Iron Throne finds its roots in the history that House of the Dragon unpacks. It’s like a cheeky wink to those who’ve been around since the beginning, a clever nod that says, “If you know, you know,” while still letting newcomers in on the fun without missing a beat. House of the Dragon on its own introduces fresh faces, new power struggles, and unique settings that distinguish it from its predecessor. Even if you’ve never set foot in Westeros before, you will get a front-row seat to the political chess games, family feuds, and epic battles.

Understanding Targaryen History in House of the Dragon

Image Credit: HBO

To truly get the most out of House of the Dragon, knowing a bit of Targaryen history might seem like the key to mastering dragon-riding. Or, you know, you could just wing it and enjoy the ride—no previous lessons required.

Aegon the Conqueror didn’t just stroll into Westeros — he soared in with dragons, uniting the Seven Kingdoms and lighting the fuse for all the drama to come. His descendants kept the Targaryen name alive, ruling Westeros with an iron fist, or in this case, a dragon’s claw. House of the Dragon explores the family’s power struggles, especially the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war so intense, you’d think their white hair was a target for all the dragons. This isn’t your average family feud but an all-out, dragon-fueled brawl with sky-high stakes and an pirate patch step-brother leading the charge. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good pirate vibe?

Can You Watch House of the Dragon Without Watching Game of Thrones?

Whether you’re a Westeros novice or a seasoned fan, the plot is engaging and easy to follow. Between multiple Aegons, “The Queen Who Never Was”, and the sibling marriages, House of the Dragon is like a rich historical novel with familiar echoes and riveting drama. Knowing the history of the Iron Throne and the Targaryen family helps you understand Daenerys Targaryen’s quest for power in the original series better. Every step she took was driven by the desire to rebuild her life, linking the past struggles of her ancestors. The show’s hints and references will click, and you’ll start seeing all those little details in Westeros you might’ve missed.

Which Show Should You Watch First: ‘House of the Dragon’ or ‘Game of Thrones?’

From the White Walkers looming menacingly to Queen Cersei’s infamous Walk of Shame, it’s hard to mention House of the Dragon without Game of Thrones creeping into the conversation. Sure, you can try to dodge spoilers, but let’s be honest — once you start poking around the internet, Game of Thrones is bound to pop up. While House of the Dragon itself might not ruin Game of Thrones for you, the online chatter probably will. You could watch either Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon first, but starting with Game of Thrones makes things easier. Plus, who wouldn’t want to know where the iconic phrase “What is dead may never die” comes from, soar with the three-eyed raven, or witness the explosive destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor?

For more fire and blood, all seasons of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are currently streaming on Max.