A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Brings Humor To Westeros

On January 19, 2026, HBO pulled back the curtain on its latest foray into Westeros with the premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a series that both honors and subverts the legacy of Game of Thrones. Fans eagerly tuned in, curious to see if this new chapter would recapture the magic of George R.R. Martin’s world or carve out a fresh path. What they got was a surprising blend of humor, humility, and heart—a far cry from the dragons, daggers, and deadly politics that defined its predecessors.

From the opening moments, it’s clear that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is not interested in retreading old ground. As ComicBook.com notes, the differences are stark (pun intended): there’s no Iron Throne, no Winterfell, and not a single dragon in sight. Instead, the series introduces viewers to Ser Duncan the Tall—Dunk for short—who, in a rain-soaked and emotional scene, buries his longtime master, Ser Arlan of Pennytree. This somber beginning, reported by Bam Smack Pow, sets Dunk on a journey of self-discovery, armed only with his late mentor’s sword, shield, and three horses.

But before the story can get too heavy, the show delivers a jolt of irreverence. Right after the iconic Game of Thrones theme begins to swell, Dunk—overcome by the effects of too much wine and hard salt beef—dashes behind a tree to relieve himself. It’s a scene that’s as unexpected as it is hilarious, and it signals a new tone for the franchise. According to ComicBook.com, showrunner Ira Parker is a fan of such earthy humor, though he admits there are limits: “Very early on in the writers room, we were talking about where people have to go to the bathroom in the middle of a tournament... [but] that was too far for us, so there is a limit as to how much poop and fart jokes we will allow in this show.”

This willingness to poke fun at itself—and at the genre’s usual gravitas—runs throughout the premiere. Dunk, a hedge knight with no noble title or famous house to his name, embodies the struggles of Westeros’ common folk. As ComicBook.com points out, unlike the lords and ladies of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, Dunk has to worry about daily realities like where to sleep and, yes, where to go to the bathroom. It’s a refreshing perspective that grounds the show in a relatable, if slightly ridiculous, reality.

On his journey to Ashford Meadow, Dunk encounters a small, bald child who will soon become his unlikely companion. Egg, as he’s known, is quick-witted and persistent, offering to be Dunk’s squire. The chemistry between actors Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell is immediate, with Egg’s sharp tongue and Dunk’s gruff warmth giving the show its comedic backbone. According to The A.V. Club, their dynamic is reminiscent of classic odd-couple pairings: “An adult flummoxed and annoyed by a child he’s forced to spend time with is a comic premise that echoes through screen history.”

Despite initial reluctance, Dunk eventually allows Egg to squire for him—at least on a trial basis. Their banter, full of jabs about Dunk’s makeshift belt and Egg’s unfiltered observations, quickly evolves into a partnership marked by mutual respect and growing affection. As the night falls, the two share a quiet moment beneath the stars, with Egg offering words of encouragement and a bit of homespun superstition about shooting stars bringing luck. It’s a touching scene, one that Bam Smack Pow describes as “a beautiful ending” to the episode, hinting at the adventures to come.

The journey to the tournament is not without its challenges. Dunk, eager to compete, finds himself stymied by the requirement that a knight must be vouched for by another. He seeks out Ser Manfred Dondarrion, hoping his late master’s reputation will open doors, but is met with indifference. Along the way, Dunk crosses paths with a colorful cast of characters: the odious Ser Steffon Fossoway, his cousin Ser Raymon Fossoway, and the charismatic Lord Lyonel Baratheon. A memorable dance-off with Lyonel—part intimidation, part camaraderie—adds another layer of levity to the proceedings.

Yet, for all the laughs and lighter moments, the series doesn’t completely abandon the familiar trappings of Westeros. Political intrigue still simmers in the background, with houses like Baratheon and Tyrell making appearances, and Targaryen plots lurking in the shadows. The A.V. Club points out that while the show focuses on the “small folk,” the machinations of the great houses remain ever-present. Even dragons, though absent from the skies, are referenced in puppet shows and whispered legends.

The show’s comedic ambitions have been a point of discussion since the first trailers dropped. Entertainment outlets like Vulture and SlashFilm have dubbed A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms a “buddy comedy,” and the early episodes lean into this reputation with gusto. The humor is broad—sometimes literally, with sight gags about Dunk’s towering height next to Egg’s diminutive frame—and sometimes sly, with snarky impressions and playful jabs. There are even Family Guy-worthy flashbacks, as The A.V. Club observes, including a particularly memorable one about how Ser Robyn Rhysling lost his eye.

Still, not all critics are convinced the show fully commits to its comedic potential. The A.V. Club laments that “opportunities to inject more comedy into this comedy-sized half-hour show keep flying past.” While the snot, poop, and fart jokes are plentiful, there’s a sense that the writers could push the envelope further, especially given the rich tradition of physical and situational comedy in fantasy storytelling. Yet, for many viewers, the lighter tone is a welcome change of pace, offering a breather from the relentless darkness that often defined its predecessors.

Behind the scenes, the future of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms looks bright. The series has already been renewed for a second season, and George R.R. Martin has reportedly provided story outlines for as many as twelve seasons, according to The A.V. Club. New episodes air Sundays at 10pm on HBO and HBO Max, ensuring that fans have plenty more adventures—and laughs—ahead.

By daring to embrace humor and humility, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has staked out its own corner of Westeros. It’s a world where the heroes are ordinary, the stakes are personal, and sometimes, the biggest challenge is just finding a place to sit—comfortably—beneath the stars.