Three Shows, Seven Kingdoms, Twelve Seasons: How to Watch ‘Game of Thrones’ and Its Spinoffs

What is “Game of Thrones” all about and why do people love it?

Based on George R.R. Martin’s bestselling fantasy novels, “Game of Thrones” is an epic television saga centered on the brutal, Machiavellian struggle among noble families for control of the Iron Throne in the continent of Westeros. While these houses navigate lethal political intrigue and bloody warfare, an ancient, supernatural threat looms from the frozen North (no, not Greenland).

Viewers around the globe went ga-ga for GoT because it dared to slay traditional fantasy tropes—not to mention beloved, heroic characters. The show also delivered deeply complex, morally grey characters, gobsmacking cinematic production values, and shocking plot twists that rocked our Sunday nights.

If you’re ready to experience the ultimate quest for power, figuring out how to watch “Game of Thrones” is incredibly simple: the entire groundbreaking series currently streams on HBO Max.

Here is the best way to watch “Game of Thrones” and its spinoffs

Wanna know a secret? There isn’t one best way to watch “Game of Thrones.” In fact, there are two: release order and chronological order.

If you watch in release order, which is best for first-timers, you’ll start with eight seasons of GoT, followed by four seasons of spinoffs: three for “House of the Dragon” and one for “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” This way, you experience the “Game of Thrones” universe as it was originally served to viewers — and you don’t have to worry about spoilers. (Also, it’ll help you forget the lousy final season of GoT.)

Chronological order (which is recommended for seasoned fans who’ve watched the shows in release order) lets you experience the full GoT timeline as it happened — even with canonical gaps of 72–200 years between shows.

Having said that, this is your couch time. Watch the shows however you like. Breakdowns for both methods are below.

List of “Game of Thrones” series in release order

• “Game of Thrones” S1–S8 (2011–2019)
• “House of the Dragon” S1–S3 (2022–2026)
• “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” S1 (2026)

List of “Game of Thrones” series in chronological order

• “House of the Dragon” S1–S3 (2022–2026)
• “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” S1 (2026)
• “Game of Thrones” S1–S8 (2011–2019)

How to watch “Game of Thrones” (2011–2019)

Spanning eight seasons of backstabbing, dragons, incest, and surprise decapitations, “Game of Thrones” follows the brutal battle for the Iron Throne of Westeros. As noble houses like the proud Starks, scheming Lannisters, and exiled Targaryens play a lethal game of political chess, a legion of frozen zombies threatens to destroy everyone.

Audiences were immediately held rapt by GoT’s ruthlessness (bumping off main characters) and its monumental, cinematic battle sequences. The show was ultimately a masterclass in dark fantasy that led to a fiery finale that left much of the devoted “Game of Thrones” audience feeling burned.

How to watch “House of the Dragon” (2022–2026)

Rewinding to about 200 years before “Game of Thrones,” this prequel focuses on the rise and fall of House Targaryen. When King Viserys names his daughter, Rhaenyra, heir to the Iron Throne, it sparks a deep rift with her childhood friend, Alicent Hightower. This bitter feud erupts into a no-holds-barred civil war (the Dance of the Dragons).

Similar to GoT, “House of the Dragon” is action-packed eye candy and soapy situations, packed with breathtaking aerial battles (courtesy of the titular fire-lizards), toxic family dynamics, and stunning visual effects. The series delivers a thrilling, intense fantasy ride, which continues this month with its third — and next-to-last — season.

How to watch “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” (2026)

After watching all the epic drama and violence of the first two shows in the “Game of Thrones” universe, here’s some comic relief. Set 90 years before GoT, this delightful prequel follows Ser Duncan the Tall, a broke but brave hedge knight, and his plucky, hairless young squire, Egg.

This odd couple travels across Westeros, navigating small-scale tournaments and royal family dynamics—but nothing as deadly serious as in “Game of Thrones” or “House of the Dragon.” Instead, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is a much more intimate, charming, and lighthearted look at the realm, proving that great fantasy stories do not always require backstabbing, dragons, incest, and decapitations.

How to watch “Game of Thrones” FAQ