‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 premiered on June 21 on HBO and HBO Max. The season consists of eight episodes, with the fourth season already ordered by HBO in November 2025. Showrunner Ryan Condal described the Season 3 premiere, which features the Battle of the Gullet, as “arguably the craziest episode of television ever made.” On Rotten Tomatoes, the season holds a 95% approval rating based on 42 reviews, with the critical consensus calling it a “reinvigorated and riveting” season.
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Where season 2 left off
Rhaenyra captured King’s Landing in the Season 2 finale. With two armies and seven dragons at her disposal, she entered Season 3 as arguably the strongest player in the war. Her uncle and husband, Prince Daemon, spent much of Season 2 at Harrenhal, where he had prophetic visions including a sight of his future descendant Daenerys and a White Walker. This convinced him to rally his forces behind Rhaenyra.
On the other side, King Aegon II was badly scarred after being betrayed by his brother Aemond at the Battle of Rook’s Rest. He was last seen heading for Essos with Larys Strong’s help, hoping to return and seek revenge. Alicent Hightower traveled to Dragonstone to strike a peace deal with Rhaenyra. Concerned for her children’s lives, she offered to make the guards stand down. Rhaenyra agreed but set one condition: Alicent had to take Aegon’s life. Alicent did not know that Aegon had already been smuggled out of the city.
Team Black
Emma D’Arcy returns as Rhaenyra Targaryen, the named heir of the late King Viserys and leader of the Blacks. She rides the dragon Syrax.
Matt Smith returns as Daemon Targaryen, Rhaenyra’s husband and uncle. He rides the dragon Caraxes and carries the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister.
Steve Toussaint is back as Corlys Velaryon, known as the Sea Snake. He is now Rhaenyra’s Hand and was last seen aboard his ship, the Queen Who Never Was, sailing out to defend her at sea.
Harry Collett plays Jacaerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s oldest son and heir. He rides the dragon Vermax. Jacaerys played a key role in securing House Stark’s support during Season 2 by befriending Lord Cregan Stark.
Bethany Antonia plays Baela Targaryen, daughter of Daemon and Laena Velaryon. She is betrothed to Jacaerys and rides the dragon Moondancer. Phoebe Campbell plays Rhaena Targaryen, Daemon and Laena’s younger daughter. The Season 2 finale saw her discover the wild dragon Sheepstealer in the Vale.
Also on Team Black are Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty), a bastard son of Corlys who bonds with the dragon Seasmoke; Ulf (Tom Bennett), a dragonseed who claims Silverwing; and Hugh (Kieran Bew), a dragonseed who claims the large dragon Vermithor.
Team Green
Olivia Cooke returns as Alicent Hightower and Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen. With Aegon missing, Aemond serves as Regent and Protector of the Realm. In the Season 2 finale, he found himself outnumbered at Dragonstone and failed to convince his sister Helaena to join him.
Fabien Frankel returns as Ser Criston Cole, now the Hand of the King to Aegon and one of Alicent’s close confidants.
New faces in season 3
Lord Ormund Hightower, Alicent’s cousin and Lord of Oldtown, makes his debut in Season 3. He leads a large host of men from the Reach in support of the Greens. James Norton plays the role.
Daeron Targaryen, Alicent’s fourth child with King Viserys, also arrives in Season 3. He is known as Daeron the Daring and has a dragon named Tessarion. The character was not seen in the first two seasons despite being referenced.
Alysanne Blackwood, also known as Black Aly, is another new addition. She is a skilled archer fighting for Rhaenyra’s cause. Annie Shapero plays the character.
Additional new cast members include Tom Cullen as Ser Luthor Largent, Joplin Sibtain as Ser Jon Roxton, and Barry Sloane as Ser Adrian Redfort.