HBO is banking heavily on dragons and its new struggle for the throne of Westeros. But the public is already getting tired? Four years after the controversial finale of Game of Thronesthe American channel has no intention of letting its golden goose sleep. House of the Dragon is only the beginning of a long project of expansion of the television universe dedicated to the imagination of George RR Martin. It must be said that there are many fans around the world, as many spectators as the Warner Bros. subsidiary. Discovery hopes to seduce with the story of the Targaryen dynasty.
The first season did not disprove HBO, which claimed that Game of Thrones was one of his strongest licenses. The first episode brought together around 10 million spectators across the United States, and stood at the highest steps of the world podium. This season 2 should logically take the same path, reaching new heights of popularity. Ultimately, the public didn’t really get excited… According to data shared by Warner Bros Discovery, only 7.8 million households watched this first episode on Sunday night. A significant drop for the series, and which is confirmed with Samba TV data.
50% less
The analysis tool, which brings together data from connected televisions on American soil, estimates an audience of up to 1,3 million. The organization announced an encrypted launch at 2.6 million in 2022. The step between the two seasons thus becomes higher, reinforcing the idea of disinterest among American spectators. If the availability via Max offers the series numerous opportunities to convince during the week, these first results are not really encouraging. Note that this return still benefited the first season which attracted more than a million viewers on HBO and Max in recent weeks. Some probably preferred catch up before starting to watch this new chapter, and should thus allow episode 1 to achieve a certain form of balance. To note that House of the Dragon faces tougher competition, the series must share the spotlight with feedback from The Boys, The Bridgerton Chronicles as well as the launch of The Acolyte.
Elsewhere in the world, season 2 of House of the Dragon is doing better. In Latin America, the first season broke streaming records. In the territory, the spin-off recorded growth of 30% compared to the first salvo. Max France for its part has not yet gone into details, the platform is counting on the stamp to establish itself sustainably in the territory.
Game of Thrones lasse déjà ?
HBO has every intention of increase the explorations of Westeros. House of the Dragon is only the beginning of a long series of derivative productions, several projects are in development. This Wednesday, June 19, HBO even shared first images of A Knight of The Seven Kingdoms. The adaptation of the adventures of Dunk and Egg enters production in Belfast, confirming that the imagination of George RR Martin has not revealed all its secrets. Note that a series on Aegon The Conqueror is also progressing rather well, while the American author himself confirmed the continuation of reflections on the Nymeria project.
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But if the audience drop continues, HBO will undoubtedly have to review its plans for the future. I have to say that House of the Dragon did not receive only praise when it was broadcast. Many spectators confided in 2022 to having abandoned this spin-off, season 2 must now offer them a reason to come back. See you next week to see if episode 2 marks the return of fans… and in droves.
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