Fans yearning for a return to the epic fantasy world of Westeros have a date for their diaries, as a highly anticipated new prequel series is set to premiere in the UK next week. 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight' will transport viewers back into the heart of George R.R. Martin's creation, offering a fresh perspective on the realm's history.
A New, Gritty Direction for Westeros
Set a century before the events of Game of Thrones and roughly 72 years after House of the Dragon, this series marks a significant tonal shift. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, co-creator Ira Parker revealed that the show will move away from the high fantasy and magical elements that defined its predecessors.
Instead, the narrative will adopt a 'ground-up' perspective, focusing intently on the lives of ordinary people and the lower classes of Westerosi society. "We are starting right at the bottom. We're not with the lords and ladies, the kings and queens," Parker stated, describing the setting as reminiscent of "14th-century Britain"—a "hard nose, grind it out, gritty" world of medieval knights, but one touched with a "light, hopeful" sensibility.
Meet the Unlikely Heroes
Based on Martin's beloved series of novellas, beginning with The Hedge Knight, the story follows an unconventional duo. Peter Claffey stars as Ser Duncan the Tall, a young, naive, yet courageous knight, while Dexter Sol Ansell plays his "diminutive squire," Egg. Their journey promises a more intimate, character-driven adventure compared to the grand political machinations of earlier series.
The released trailer hints at this focus, showcasing a medieval world filled with knights, squires, and jousting tournaments, staying true to the aesthetic fans love while promising a new narrative angle.
How and When to Watch in the UK
For eager UK audiences, the wait is almost over. While the series premieres on HBO in the US on Saturday, 18 January 2026, viewers in Britain can begin streaming the first episode from Monday, 19 January 2026.
The six-episode season will be released on a weekly basis, with two primary streaming options available:
- Sky: The series will be available on Sky platforms. For non-customers, the Sky Stream box offers a route to watch, bundling a Sky TV entertainment package with subscriptions to Netflix (standard with ads) and Discovery+.
- NOW: The Sky-owned streaming service (formerly Now TV) will also carry the series. Viewers will need an Entertainment Membership to access it.
This new chapter in the Game of Thrones saga aims to capture the essence of chivalric tales from a uniquely humble viewpoint, offering a stark contrast to the dragon-fire and bloodshed of the Iron Throne's past. With its focus on grassroots storytelling and a pair of underdog heroes, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is poised to expand the universe in a compelling new direction for British fantasy fans.
