House of the Dragon Season 3 Earns Strong Rotten Tomatoes Score
Winter Is Coming has reported that House of the Dragon Season 3 currently holds a 97 percent Rotten Tomatoes score ahead of its June 21 premiere. The rating is based on early reviews covering the opening episodes, so it could change as more critics assess the full season.
House of the Dragon Season 3 has already surpassed the show's first two seasons in one major area before its HBO premiere. Early reviews gave the new season a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score before the rating settled at 97 percent. Critics have praised its faster pace, darker story, and large-scale action, including the long-awaited Battle of the Gullet. The fantasy drama returns on June 21, 2026, on HBO and HBO Max.
Early Reviews Highlight Positive Reception
Winter Is Coming reported that Season 3 initially received a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews. The score later rose to 97 percent after the total number of reviews reached 32. The rating puts the new season ahead of the first installment, which holds a 90 percent score. Season 2 remains the show's lowest-rated chapter with 84 percent.
The early number does not reflect a 9.7-out-of-10 average. It shows that 97 percent of participating critics gave the reviewed episodes a positive assessment. Most reviewers have only watched the first two to four episodes, so the score could shift once the full season is available.
Winter Is Coming gave the season a B rating and called it “the absolute definition of must-watch television.” Mama's Geeky said the season “wastes no time getting into the dark and gritty.” The outlet also described the Battle of the Gullet as “a massive, devastating spectacle.” Metro UK said “fans who felt that the show suffered a dip” would welcome the show's “thrilling return to form.”
Season 3 Promises Faster Action and Record-Breaking Stunts
Early reviews describe the season as fast-paced and packed with major action. The Battle of the Gullet will play a central role as the conflict between the rival Targaryen factions grows. The season has also set another production record. Its team reportedly used more stunt performers on fire in a single take than any previous television production.
Season 3's current Rotten Tomatoes score matches the 97 percent rating held by Game of Thrones Season 4, the highest-rated season of the original series. The final comparison will depend on reviews for all episodes. For now, Season 3 enters its premiere week with the strongest critical score in the prequel's history.
