House of the Dragon Season 3 holds a 97 percent Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 32 reviews, the highest rating in the franchise’s history. The season premieres on HBO and Max on Sunday, June 21, at 9 p.m. ET, with new episodes running weekly through the finale on August 9.

Critics have praised the season for its pace and visual scale. Season 2 was widely criticized for slow storytelling, but Season 3 opens immediately with the Battle of the Gullet — the large-scale naval and aerial dragon battle that fans had been anticipating since the books. Variety called it “more action, less sleepy,” and Rotten Tomatoes editors described it as a show that “kicks off with a bang and only gets better.”

The 97 percent score matches the highest-rated seasons of Game of Thrones, a benchmark that Season 1 and Season 2 of House of the Dragon both fell short of. Season 1 opened at 90 percent in 2022, and Season 2 slipped to 84 percent in 2024. Emma D’Arcy’s performance as Rhaenyra Targaryen has drawn particular praise across multiple reviews.

The embargo for critic reviews lifted on June 15, covering the first four of eight episodes. Reviewers were asked not to reveal plot details beyond the premiere. The 72-minute premiere episode is the longest opening in the franchise’s history, according to HBO.

ComicBook.com reported that the Season 3 score equals a 14-year Rotten Tomatoes record tied to the best-regarded Game of Thrones seasons. The visual effects team has been specifically highlighted, with critics noting improved dragon sequences compared to the earlier seasons. A full audience score will be available after the premiere.

House of the Dragon Season 3 streams on Max the same night it airs on HBO. The season follows the events of the Dance of the Dragons civil war. For viewers catching up, earlier seasons are available on streaming platforms now. HBO’s official page lists episode details and air dates.