A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (2026) is an American fantasy drama series set in the world of Westeros. It blends medieval adventure, political drama, and character-driven storytelling.
The series is created by George R. R. Martin and Ira Parker and is adapted from Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. It stars Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Finn Bennett, Bertie Carvel, Sam Spruell, and Daniel Ings.
Set nearly a century before Game of Thrones, the story follows a wandering hedge knight and his young squire traveling across the Seven Kingdoms. Based on The Hedge Knight, Season 1 centers on a tournament that escalates into a deadly Trial of Seven.
The series premieres on January 18, 2026, on HBO and Max. It is produced by HBO with executive producers including Ryan Condal and Vince Gerardis.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Age Rating
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is officially rated TV-MA for graphic violence, strong language, sexual material, and mature thematic content. This rating indicates the series is intended for adult audiences and aligns with HBO’s established standards for the Game of Thrones franchise. Despite its lighter tone compared to earlier Westeros stories, the show still depicts brutal medieval combat, adult relationships, and morally complex situations that are not suitable for younger viewers.
Violence & Peril
Violence is frequent and often intense. Sword fights, tournament combat, and physical beatings are shown with realism. The Trial of Seven includes prolonged combat, severe injuries, and visible bloodshed. Some moments feature graphic wounds and crushing blows. The tone remains grounded and serious rather than fantastical.
Language
Strong language appears throughout the series. Characters use profanity consistent with HBO adult dramas. Insults, crude expressions, and harsh dialogue are common among knights and nobles. There are no indications of repeated slurs, but the language level supports the TV-MA rating.
Mature Themes
The series explores class inequality, abuse of power, corruption among nobility, and the harsh realities of medieval life. Sexual references and implied intimacy are present, and nudity may appear in select scenes. Alcohol use and smoking are shown as part of the setting. Themes of violence against the powerless and moral compromise are central to the story.
Is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12–14: Not suitable. The graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes make the series inappropriate for younger teens.
Ages 15–17: Not recommended. Older teens may be drawn to the adventure, but the violent content and adult tone exceed most teen viewing limits.
Ages 18+: Appropriate. Adults and mature viewers familiar with Game of Thrones will find the content consistent with HBO’s standards.
Final recommendation: Best suited for adults 18 and older.
What Parents Can Do
- Discuss violence realism: Explain how medieval combat is portrayed harshly and without glamor.
- Provide franchise context: Help teens understand how this series connects to Game of Thrones history.
- Encourage discussion: Talk about honor, power, and moral choices shown in the story.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
A: The series is rated TV-MA for violence, language, sexual material, and mature themes.
Q: Is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms appropriate for teens?
A: No. The TV-MA rating makes it unsuitable for viewers under 18.
Q: How violent is the series?
A: It features realistic sword combat, bloody injuries, and lethal duels.
Q: Does the show include sexual content or nudity?
A: Yes. Adult relationships, implied intimacy, and possible nudity are present.
Q: Is the show lighter than Game of Thrones?
A: The tone is more personal, but the content remains adult and intense.
Q: Where can I watch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
A: The series streams on HBO and Max starting January 18, 2026.