Fans of epic fantasy can rejoice, as the realm of Westeros returns to screens with a brand new chapter. The first episode of the highly anticipated prequel series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, was released on Monday 19 January 2026. This marks a fresh journey into George R.R. Martin's universe, offering a distinct perspective from its predecessors.
A Grittier, Ground-Level Tale of Westeros
Based on Martin's series of novellas beginning with The Hedge Knight, the show transports viewers to a period set 100 years before the events of Game of Thrones and 72 years after House of the Dragon. The story follows two unconventional heroes: the young, courageous but naive knight Ser Duncan the Tall, played by Peter Claffey, and his small squire, Egg, portrayed by Dexter Sol Ansell.
In a significant shift for the franchise, co-creator Ira Parker has indicated the series will pivot away from high fantasy. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Parker explained the focus will be on the lives of ordinary people and the lower classes, with magic taking a backseat. "We are ground up in this series, we are starting right at the bottom. We're not with the lords and ladies, the kings and queens," Parker stated.
He likened the setting to "14th-century Britain," describing it as a "hard nose, grind it out, gritty, medieval" world, but one touched with a sense of hope. The recently released trailer promises medieval jousting, knights, and squires, staying true to the aesthetic of the Thrones universe while exploring new social strata.
How and Where to Watch in the UK
For UK audiences eager to dive in, the wait is over. The six-episode series is available now, with the first episode having debuted on 19 January. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly, maintaining suspense throughout the season.
The series is streaming on Sky and the Sky-owned service NOW (formerly Now TV). Viewers have two primary options:
- Sky Stream: Non-Sky customers can get a Sky Stream box for £15 per month, which includes an entertainment package and subscriptions to Netflix (standard with ads) and Discovery+.
- NOW Entertainment Membership: For those who prefer not to commit to Sky, the show can be streamed via a NOW Entertainment membership, currently priced at £3.99 per month for a 12-month term.
A New Direction for a Beloved Franchise
By focusing on the common folk and the gritty reality of medieval life, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms aims to carve its own unique identity within the expansive Game of Thrones saga. This ground-level approach offers a fresh narrative lens, potentially attracting viewers interested in character-driven stories within a familiar, beloved world. The release strategy of weekly episodes also promises to rebuild the communal viewing experience and sustained anticipation that defined earlier series in the franchise.
With its cast of relative newcomers and a deliberate shift in thematic focus, the success of this prequel will be closely watched to see if the world of Ice and Fire can continue to captivate audiences from an entirely new, down-to-earth angle.
