The creator of Westeros is pleased with the new show. George R. R. Martin has shared his strong support for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the newest series set in the world of Game of Thrones. The author watched the completed first season and is happy with how the adaptation of his Dunk and Egg stories has turned out.
Martin serves as a co-creator and executive producer on the series. He praised the show’s creative team and the casting of the two main characters. The show is based on Martin’s series of novellas, beginning with The Hedge Knight. It follows the adventures of a young, wandering knight named Ser Duncan the Tall and his clever squire, a boy called Egg.
What Is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms About?
The story is a major change in scale from other shows in this universe. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set about 90 years before the events of Game of Thrones. The entire first season takes place over just a few days at a single jousting tournament in the realm. This is very different from the sprawling wars and decades-long timelines seen in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
The show focuses on Dunk, played by Peter Claffey. He is a humble hedge knight with a strong sense of honor but little money or status. After his mentor dies, Dunk decides to enter a tournament to try to earn a name for himself. On the road, he meets Egg, played by Dexter Sol Ansell, a bald-headed boy who becomes his squire. Their friendship is the emotional core of the series.
Martin has specifically highlighted the casting as a success. He called it a “home run” and said the actors bring his characters to life vividly. Reviewers have also noted the strong chemistry between Claffey and Ansell, calling their bond one of the most tender friendships in the entire Game of Thrones universe.
A Different Kind of Westeros Story
Fans should not expect the epic scale of previous shows. Martin and the showrunner, Ira Parker, have emphasized this is a character-driven story. There are no dragons and no large-scale battles. Instead, the drama comes from Dunk’s personal journey and the challenges he and Egg face at the tournament.
Martin explained that part of the reason HBO made this show was to create a Westeros story with a more controlled budget. He pointed out, “This doesn’t have any dragons or big battles. It has a field and a lot of tents and some horses”. The show uses its smaller scope to explore the lives of ordinary people in Westeros during a time of peace.
The tone also includes more humor. Early scenes establish this shift immediately, contrasting the famous Game of Thrones theme music with very humble, everyday moments. While the world is still dangerous and violent, the relationship between Dunk and Egg brings warmth and hope to the story.
Martin’s Role and Reaction to the Adaptation
The author is deeply involved but did not write the scripts. Martin helped shape the season by hosting a creative summit with the writers in Santa Fe before they began their work. Showrunner Ira Parker said Martin was involved “every step of the way”. However, Martin has not written an episode of television since the fourth season of the original Game of Thrones series.
His reaction to the finished product has been overwhelmingly positive. In blog posts and interviews, Martin has stated he “loved” what he saw. He declared the show a “faithful adaptation,” which is high praise from an author known for having strong opinions about how his work is adapted.
“It turned out very well, and I’m very happy with season one. The casting was a home run. [Showrunner Ira Parker] is terrific and seems to have the same priorities I do — he’s trying to do something that’s very true to the characters,” Martin said in a recent interview.
This endorsement is notable. Last year, Martin publicly detailed several issues he had with the second season of House of the Dragon. His enthusiastic support for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms signals a strong alignment with the creative vision for this series.
Release Information and Future Seasons
The first season is ready for viewers. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiered on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. The season consists of six episodes, which will be released weekly.
A second season has already been approved. HBO has officially greenlit season two, which will adapt Martin’s second Dunk and Egg novella, The Sworn Sword. Production is expected to move forward, aiming for a release next year.
The future of the series beyond that depends partly on Martin himself. The author has only published three Dunk and Egg novellas so far, though he has ideas for many more stories. He has mentioned working on new tales set in Winterfell and the Riverlands. For the TV show to continue adapting new material, more source stories from Martin would be needed.
Also Read: Ahn Hyo-seop on KPop Demon Hunters: An Actor’s Unique First Reaction
