Just as HBO's House of the Dragon Season 3 premiered to its strongest critical reviews yet, a familiar pattern has emerged: the show is being review bombed on Rotten Tomatoes. The third season of the Game of Thrones prequel currently holds a stellar 91% Certified Fresh score from critics, who praise it as a reinvigorated and riveting chapter. However, the audience score has plummeted to 69%, signaling a coordinated effort by some fans to tank the rating.
This isn't the first time an HBO fantasy series has faced such backlash. The second season of The Last of Us similarly saw its audience score targeted, with actress Bella Ramsey bearing the brunt of the negativity. For House of the Dragon, the review bombing appears to stem from a mix of discontent over queer themes, diverse casting, and creative decisions that some fans feel stray from George R.R. Martin's original vision.
What the Critics Are Saying
Critics have largely embraced Season 3, calling it a return to form. Collider's Therese Lacson described the new season as "game-changing," while the Rotten Tomatoes consensus notes that the show "matches the expectations of its predecessor" with wicked new characters and thrilling battles. The season's premiere drew 21 million views in its first three days, according to FlixPatrol, making it a massive hit for HBO Max.
Yet, some audience reviews tell a different story. "HBO desperately needs to clean house on the creative involved with this project," one user wrote, unfavorably comparing the series to the upcoming spin-off A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Another called the acting "appalling" and the writing "terrible," while a third claimed the show "disrespects" George R.R. Martin, who has publicly criticized the series in the past.
A Familiar Pattern
Review bombing has become a recurring issue for genre titles that tackle queer themes or feature actors from minority communities. House of the Dragon has been no stranger to this, with its diverse cast and storylines often drawing ire from a vocal subset of fans. The show's third season, which continues to explore complex political and personal dynamics, seems to have triggered a fresh wave of negative ratings.
Despite the online backlash, the series remains a ratings juggernaut. The premiere's strong viewership numbers suggest that the broader audience is still engaged. For those looking to revisit the show's best moments, check out our ranking of the best House of the Dragon episodes.
What's Next for the Franchise
As HBO continues to expand the Game of Thrones universe, House of the Dragon remains its flagship. The show's third season has also introduced new locations, including the mysterious Isle of Faces, which fans have long awaited. For more on that, read about how the series finally explores the Isle of Faces and the Green Men.
With the season off to a strong start, it remains to be seen whether the review bombing will have any lasting impact. For now, the show's critical acclaim and massive viewership suggest that the majority of fans are still on board. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on House of the Dragon and all your favorite fantasy series.
