“The dragons dance, and men are like dust under their feet.” House of the Dragon is back with a bona fide roar. The first two episodes of Season 3 are proof positive that this series is stronger than ever. It has finally hit its stride, and audiences agree. In fact, its most recent episode, Season 3, Episode 2, “Queen’s Landing,” has just broken a show record on IMDb.
The outing currently sits at 9.5, the highest rating in the series, even eclipsing the wildly popular Season 2 episode, “The Red Dragon and the Gold.” It’s now one of the highest-rated episodes in the Game of Thronesfranchise, though 13 episodes in the flagship series boast higher scores (but not by much). “Queen’s Landing” has 18,469 votes on IMDb thus far.
Sunday’s chapter takes place in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, known as the bloodiest naval battle in Westerosi history and a pivotal event in the Dance of the Dragons. In it, Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) learns about Jace’s (Harry Collett) death before finally seizing King’s Landing with Daemon (Matt Smith) by her side. She also beheads Otto (Rhys Ifans), much to the surprise of Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Helaena (Phia Saban).
Meanwhile, Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) takes control of Harrenhal and slays Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale) and his family. Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Larys (Matthew Needham) escape the rookery and make a beeline for Rook’s Rest.
“Queen’s Landing” was directed by series mainstay and executive producer Clare Kilner. Writer and executive producer Sara Hess penned the episode.
HBO shared a preview trailer for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 3, which is yet to be titled, that will chronicle the beginning of Rhaenyra’s reign as queen. That episode will air next Sunday, July 5, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max.
This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Jun 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.