House of the Dragon returns with 'breathtaking' and 'masterful' second season

House of the Dragon season two has been hailed as ‘breathtaking’ and ‘masterful’ in early reviews ahead of its global premiere. Launching on Sky Atlantic later this month, the fantasy drama tells the story of House Targaryen as it stands on the brink of an era-defining civil war.

The series is based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood and set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, during a period when the Targaryen dynasty ruled over the Seven Kingdoms. Released three years after Thrones’ final season, House of the Dragon has been another big hit for HBO and Sky and has already been renewed for a third season.

Announcing the show’s return on Thursday (June 13), HBO’s Francesca Orsi said: “George, Ryan, and the rest of our incredible executive producers, cast, and crew, have reached new heights with the phenomenal second season of House of the Dragon.

“We are in awe of the dragon-sized effort the entire team has put into the creation of a spectacular season two, with a scope and scale that is only rivaled by its heart. We could not be more thrilled to continue the story of House Targaryen and watch this team burn bright again for season three.”

House of the Dragon season two premieres Monday, June 17 exclusively on Sky Atlantic, which is included alongside a £108 saving on Sky’s Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle for £24 a month, down from £26. Shoppers can also get the Sky Glass 4K TV and Netflix plan from £14 after three months free.

This packed bundle includes a 43" 4K QLED smart TV with more than 150 Sky channels and Netflix built-in for £14 when taken with the Sky Stream and Netflix plan for £26. Shoppers can also opt for larger TVs like the 65" Sky Glass model with TV and Netflix for £50.

To celebrate the return of House of the Dragon, Sky has added a raft of voice commands inspired by season two to Sky Stream, Sky Glass and Sky Q. Sky members can easily get to the House of the Dragon Show Page by saying "Hello Sky" followed by phrases like Westeros, Targaryen, Team Green and Team Black.

House of the Dragon season two sees the return of stars Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen respectively. Slow Horses star Olivia Cooke reprises her role as Alicent Hightower alongside Notting Hill’s Rhys Ifans as her father Otto Hightower, while Tom Glynn-Carney reprises his role as King Aegon Targaryen.

Ewan Mitchell also returns as Prince Aemond Targaryen with Nurse Jackie’s Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Joining the cast in season two is English actor and The Bay star Tom Taylor as Lord Cregan Stark, the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North.

Early reviews ahead of the show’s return have been overwhelmingly positive, earning a raft of four and five-star reviews from critics. Empire described the series as ‘a spiky, acidic human drama’ and ‘a confident and elegant improvement upon the first season’, while Esquire called it a ‘thrill’ that will remind viewers of Game of Thrones’ glory days.

In a glowing review, Collider said the ‘visually stunning’ second season ‘exceeds expectations’ by surpassing its first season and has the potential to ‘overshadow’ Game of Thrones. Radio Times gave season two five-stars, hailing it as a ‘masterful second act’ that is ‘slower-paced but never dull, action-packed yet in-depth and violent yet beautiful.’

The Telegraph lauded it as ‘breathtakingly gorgeous’ and a ‘soaring, roaring blockbuster’ that can rival even the biggest summer blockbuster. House of the Dragon season two is yet to be unleashed on general audiences, but if they share the same sentiment as the wave of critics’ reviews it’s sure to go down a storm.

House of the Dragon season two premieres June 17 on Sky Atlantic.

Alternatively, Disney+ offers a range of new shows, including The Bear and Star Wars thriller, The Acolyte. TV fans can get the equivalent of two months free with an annual subscription to Disney’s Premium or Standard plans, while those that prefer to pay monthly can do so with prices starting at £4.99.