House of the Dragon first reactions are out and it looks like Game of Thrones has found a worthy successor

The early reactions to the show have been positive for the most part, with many calling it more serious and grounded compared to Game of Thrones.

However, what both the shows have in common is the extreme amount of violence, which should come as good news to fans of the franchise.

The last season of Game of Thrones was universally panned by critics and fans alike, even some of the cast members spoke up about it.

But the upcoming prequel series seems to be in good hands according to the early reactions from critics.

The series is set two hundred years before the events of Game of Thrones, the series chronicles the beginning of the end of House Targaryen; the events leading up to and covering the Targaryen war of succession, known as the "Dance of the Dragons."

These are some of the reactions from critics about the pilot episode

I did not like the last season of #GameofThrones. At all. But I’ll admit the series premiere of #HouseOfTheDragonHBO is really well done and I’ll definitely continue watching. After the episode ended they showed an extended preview of the season and looks cool. pic.twitter.com/wzuIMkZWe0

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) July 28, 2022

I didn’t know how much I missed the #GameofThrones theme song until I heard it tonight at the #HouseoftheDragon premiere! That first episode is fantastic! Can’t wait to see what’s next. Fingers crossed it’s no repeat of the final season of GoT. @BlackGirlNerds #hbo #HBOMax pic.twitter.com/8EZYC8iLY8

— Cat Combs (@ccfilmcritic) July 28, 2022

Rubbed elbows with one of the double D's, expert action director Sappochnick, Matt Smith, the Musk man himself (lol)... Pretty great night all told. But what did I think of that hot, hot, HOTD? ...

— Bald Move (@BaldMove) July 28, 2022

The #HouseOfTheDragonHBO pilot very efficiently explains its context in relation to GoT, introduces its core characters, and lays out the central conflict of the series. It's an easy to follow premiere with vibrant colors and detailed texture. Absolutely a worthy successor so far pic.twitter.com/3lARILHfuv

— Brandon Katz (@Great_Katzby) July 28, 2022

I’ve just uploaded a quick two-minute reaction of @HouseofDragonHBO episode 1 to YouTube https://t.co/oATYkuYXQS

@HBO @hbomax throws a nice little party, thanks guys https://t.co/HrpvksYtKp

— 🜏 The Dragon LmL 🜏 (@thedragonLML) July 28, 2022

House of the Dragon stars Paddy Considine (Peaky Blinders) as King Viserys Targaryen, Olivia Cooke (Ready Player One) as Alicent Hightower, Emma D’Arcy (Wanderlust) as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Matt Smith (Doctor Who) as Prince Daemon Targaryen.

The show will be available on August 21, 2022.