HBO’s streaming platform is no stranger to ambitious storytelling, but the first week of February 2026 has seen the network double down on both fantasy and drama, while also unveiling a bold new plan to adapt one of gaming’s most beloved franchises. As fans debate which series deserves the top spot in their watchlist, HBO is making it clear: there’s something for everyone, whether you crave sword-and-shield adventures, the pulse of a hospital drama, or the magic of Dungeons & Dragons brought to life.
Leading the headlines is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the latest spin-off set in George R.R. Martin’s sprawling Game of Thrones universe. This series takes viewers 90 years before the events of the original show and years after House of the Dragon, focusing on the journeys of hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall (played by Peter Claffey) and his squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) as they traverse the seven kingdoms. The spectacle of dragons and White Walkers is set aside for a more intimate, character-driven tale, yet the show still carries the weight of its iconic lineage.
Despite the built-in fanbase, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has faced stiff competition on HBO Max’s global charts. As of February 5, 2026, the series was unseated from the number one spot by The Pitt, a medical drama that’s quickly become a darling among critics and viewers alike. According to Flixpatrol, The Pitt now leads the pack, outpacing not only the Game of Thrones spin-off but also other heavyweights like The Last of Us, Industry, and Heated Rivalry.
The Pitt is fronted by Noah Wyle, whose performance has drawn widespread praise. But it’s not just the acting that’s turning heads—medical professionals themselves have commended the show for its realism and accuracy in portraying the lives and challenges of healthcare workers. This authenticity, paired with gripping storytelling, has helped the drama carve out a loyal audience. The first season was met with enthusiasm, and HBO’s confidence in the series was clear when it greenlit a third season even before the second had aired.
Still, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms isn’t down for the count. The series remains fresh, with only a handful of episodes released so far in its six-part run. Given the enduring love for George R.R. Martin’s world, there’s every chance that more viewers will discover the show as the season unfolds. HBO, for its part, appears to share this optimism—announcing a renewal for a second season, which will adapt the second book in the series, The Sworn Sword. The original cast is set to return, promising more adventures in the Seven Kingdoms for fans old and new.
Both The Pitt and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are available for streaming on HBO, ensuring subscribers have their pick of high-stakes drama and legendary fantasy. But HBO isn’t stopping there. On February 6, 2026, the network revealed plans for a new adaptation that’s already generating massive buzz in both the TV and gaming communities: a live-action series based on the Baldur’s Gate video game franchise.
According to GamesRadar+, HBO Max is developing the Baldur’s Gate series with none other than Craig Mazin at the helm. Mazin’s credentials are nothing short of impressive—he’s the co-creator of the acclaimed The Last of Us adaptation and the writer behind HBO’s award-winning miniseries Chernobyl. His attachment to the project has fans of both television and gaming excited for what’s to come.
What sets this adaptation apart is its approach: instead of rehashing the events of the earlier games, the new series will serve as a direct sequel to Baldur’s Gate 3, the recent smash hit from Larian Studios. This gives Mazin a rare opportunity to chart new territory in the beloved universe, rather than simply translating an existing narrative to the screen. In a statement provided via Deadline, Mazin expressed his personal connection to the material: “After putting nearly 1000 hours into the incredible world of Baldur’s Gate 3, it is a dream come true to be able to continue the story that Larian and Wizards of The Coast created. I am a devoted fan of D&D and the brilliant way that Swen Vincke and his gifted team adapted it. I can’t wait to help bring Baldur’s Gate and all of its incredible characters to life with as much respect and love as we can, and I’m deeply grateful to Gabe Marano and his team at Hasbro for entrusting me with this incredibly important property.”
Baldur’s Gate is more than just a successful video game series—it’s a cornerstone of the Dungeons & Dragons universe, set in the iconic Forgotten Realms. The city itself has been the setting for countless adventures, both digital and literary, including the tales of Drizzt Do’Urden, one of the most beloved characters in D&D fiction. By choosing to extend the story beyond Baldur’s Gate 3, HBO is signaling a willingness to innovate while still respecting the franchise’s rich history.
This move is part of a broader trend for HBO, which has increasingly invested in adapting popular video game properties for television. The success of The Last of Us has shown that, when handled with care and respect, these adaptations can resonate with both gamers and general audiences. With Mazin’s proven track record and clear passion for the material, expectations are understandably high.
Meanwhile, the competition between A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and The Pitt continues to play out on streaming charts. While the former draws on the deep lore and fan devotion of the Game of Thrones universe, the latter’s grounded realism and emotional storytelling offer a different kind of appeal. Both have secured renewals, ensuring that viewers can look forward to more episodes in the coming months. And with the promise of a new Baldur’s Gate series on the horizon, HBO’s lineup looks set to dominate conversations—and streaming queues—for the foreseeable future.
As HBO continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in television, fans can only wonder: which world will they escape to next? Whether it’s the political intrigue of Westeros, the high-stakes drama of a hospital, or the magical streets of Baldur’s Gate, the network is making sure there’s no shortage of adventure ahead.