House of the Dragon: Specials

A behind-the-scenes look at the logistics, set design, and special effects used in the series premiere of House of the Dragon.

A behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of S1 E2 of the HBO original series House of the Dragon.

A behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of S1 E3 of the HBO original series House of the Dragon.

A behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of S1 E4 of the HBO original series House of the Dragon.

A behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of S1 E5 of the HBO original series House of the Dragon.

A behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of S1 E6 of the HBO original series House of the Dragon.

A behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of S1 E7 of the HBO original series House of the Dragon.

A behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of S1 E8 of the HBO original series House of the Dragon.

A behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of S1 E9 of the HBO original series House of the Dragon.

A behind-the-scenes look at the crafting of S1 E10 of the HBO original series House of the Dragon.

Ryan Condal, Miguel Sapochnik, and more discuss why they opened the episode with the Great Council, the juxtaposition between the tournament and Queen Aemma's birthing sequence, and the motivation behind Viserys choosing Rhaenyra as heir.

Milly Alcock (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Emily Carey (Alicent Hightower), Ryan Condal, Miguel Sapochnik and more discuss the selection of the Kingsguard, the face-off at Dragonstone, and the pressure Viserys faces to choose a new wife in "The Rogue Prince."

Ryan Condal, Miguel Sapochnik, Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), and more speak to the timejump in the third episode, Viserys and Rhaenyra's mental states during the hunt, and Daemon's fight at the Stepstones.

Ryan Condal, director Clare Kilner, Emily Carey (Alicent Hightower) and more hone in on the motivation behind Daemon's advances towards Rhaenyra, approaching intimate scenes, and the fractures in Rhaenyra and Alicent's friendship.

Ryan Condal, director Clare Kilner, Rhys Ifans (Otto Hightower), Emily Carey (Alicent Hightower) and more dive into Rhaenyra and Laenor's marriage arrangement, and where Alicent's allegiances lie.

Cast and crew, including Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra) and Matt Smith (Daemon), examine how Rhaenyra's lies are starting to catch up with her, and the slow unraveling of Daemon's marriage while living in Pentos.

Leo Ashton (Aemond Targaryen), Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), John MacMillian (Laenor Velaryon) and more speak to the fallout that occurs after Aemond loses his eye during a fight, and how Laena's death causes Laenor to reflect on his own life.

Director Geeta Vasant Patel, Paddy Considine (Viserys Targaryen), Wil Johnson (Vaemond Velaryon) and more dive into the motivation behind Vaemond challenging Luke's claim to Driftmark, and Viserys' attempt at bringing his family together.

Showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik, director Clare Kilner, Tom Glynn-Carney (Aegon Targaryen) and more unpack the moment when Alicent finally sees her father for who he is, Aemond's underlying resentment for Aegon, and Rhaenys' escape from King's Landing.

Showrunner Miguel Sapochnik, director Greg Yaitanes, Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen), and more explore the emotional complexity Rhaenyra endures after hearing the Greens usurped the throne, Rhaenys' change of heart, and the implications of Aemond and Luke's encounter.

Featurette from House of the Dragon season 1.

George R. R. Martin, Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik offer a look at what's to come in Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon.

The cast and crew share the thrills and challenges of entering the world Game of Thrones, and approaching it when the Targaryens at the height of their power.

Creator and executive producer George R. R. Martin sets up the Game of Thrones prequel, sharing key details on major Houses and relationships featured in the series, alongside illustrations from Fire & Blood artist Doug Wheatley.

Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, and more cast and crew discuss how House of the Dragon takes place during the height of the Targaryen reign over Westeros, and how that influenced the story and design of the series.

Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, and more cast and crew break down the historical significance and role of the two prominent houses in the series: the Velaryons and the Hightowers.

The cast and crew describe the various changes made to recognizable sets like the Red Keep and the Throne to reflect the decadence of the time period and how they evolved over time.

Olivia Cooke and Emma D'Arcy discuss their roles in the Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon.

Steve Toussaint discusses playing the role of Lord Corlys Velaryon, "The Sea Snake", in House of the Dragon.

Eve Best discusses playing the role of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen in House of the Dragon.

Emma D'Arcy discusses playing the role of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon.

Paddy Considine discusses playing the role of King Viserys Targaryen in House of the Dragon.

Matt Smith discusses playing the role of Prince Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon.

Rhys Ifans discusses playing the role of Otto Hightower in House of the Dragon.

Sonoya Mizuno discusses playing the role of Mysaria in House of the Dragon.

Fabien Frankel discusses playing the role of Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, Director Alan Taylor, Production Designer Jim Clay, and more reflect on the making of the making of season 2 episode 1, "A Son for a Son".

Showrunner Ryan Condal, director Clare Kilner, actress Olivia Cooke (Queen Alicent Hightower), and more take us behind the scenes of the chaotic opening of episode 2, and the funeral scene where Queen Alicent Hightower and Queen Helaena Targaryen's (Phia Saban) emotions are on full display.

Director Geeta Vasant Patel, production designer Jim Clay, actor Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), and more reflect on the scale of the Harrenhal castle set, the introduction and design of Baela’s (Bethany Antonia) dragon, Moondancer, and the creation of Aegon's (Tom Glynn-Carney) ancient Valyrian armor.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, director Alan Taylor, and actress Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen) reflect on the massive scale of the Battle at Rook's Rest and the devastating consequences of dragons joining the battle.

Director Clare Kilner, director of photography Alejandro Martínez, actor Steve Toussaint (Lord Corlys), and more discuss the aftermath of the battle at Rook's Rest and the immersive filming locations of episode 5.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, stunt coordinator Rowley Irlam, special effects supervisor Michael Dawson, and more discuss the complex stunt work and innovative pyrotechnics used to create Ser Steffon's encounter with Seasmoke.

Director Loni Peristere, production designer Jim Clay, VFX producer Thomas Horton, and more reflect on the creation of the Godswoods at Harrenhal, the intense stunt work behind Vermithor's attack, and the cutting-edge visual effects behind riding dragons.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, director Geeta Vasant Patel, and more dissect the revelations of Daemon's (Matt Smith) final vision at Harrenhal, the visual effects used to grow Rhaenyra's (Emma D'Arcy) army, and the innovative special effects used to create the impactful montage at the end of season 2.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, director Alan Taylor, and the cast discuss where the story picks up in the new season, finding Rhaenyra deep in grief, Aegon facing his first challenges as king, and Alicent seeking comfort in an unexpected companion.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, writer Sarah Hess, and more discuss Aegon's (Tom Glynn-Carney) lost sense of stability, Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) embracing her rage, and the plot set in motion by Ser Criston (Fabien Frankel), culminating in the epic showdown between Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, director Geeta Vasant Patel, and more dissect Ser Criston's (Fabien Frankel) anxiety-inducing first day as Hand of the King, Daemon’s (Matt Smith) supernatural hallucinations about his past, Rhaena's (Phone Campbell) resentment towards not having an important role in the war, and the long awaited face-to-face conversation between Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) and Alicent (Olivia Cooke).

Showrunner Ryan Condal, director Alan Taylor, actor Ewan Mitchell (Aemond Targaryen), and more discuss the escalating tensions between characters that comes to a head during the epic Battle at Rook's Rest.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, director Clare Kilner, and more reflect on the aftermath of the Battle at Rook's Rest and the shifting power dynamics on both sides of the war.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, director Andrij Parekh, and more reflect on Aemond's (Ewan Mitchell) newfound power, the rising tensions amongst the people of King's Landing, and the changing dynamics between Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) and Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy).

Showrunner Ryan Condal, actor Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra), actor Clinton Liberty (Addam), and more discuss Rhaenyra and Syrax's standoff with Addam and Seasmoke, and Aemond's (Ewan Mitchell) shock when he discovers Rhaenyra's army of dragons.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, writer Sara Hess, director Geeta Vasant Patel, and more reflect on Aemond's (Ewan Mitchell) fear of losing power as his secret comes to light, Daemon's (Matt Smith) evolution after his time at Harrenhal, and the difficult decisions made by Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) that set the tone for Season 3.

"The North must stand ready." Showrunner Ryan Condal discusses Season 2's return to the Wall and the importance of the Starks in the escalating conflict.

Showrunner Ryan Condal and director Geeta Vasant Patel discuss the centuries-long feud between the Blackwoods and the Brackens that comes to a head at the Battle of the Burning Mill.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, writer David Hancock, actor Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), and more explain the important role House Tully and House Frey play in helping the Black Council gain support in the Riverlands.

Eve and Steve attempt to guess who said specific lines in Season 1.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, actress Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen), and actor Steve Toussaint (Lord Corlys) pay tribute to Princess Rhaenys, after her death during the Battle at Rook’s Rest.

Westerosi family ties can be confusing. This primer will help viewers keep track of the complex and far-reaching branches of House Targaryen.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, director Geeta Vasant Patel, actor Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), and more discuss the mysterious, seemingly cursed Harrenhal castle, as well as Daemon's personal journey of discovery and unraveling.

Join Co-Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer Ryan Condal and the cast and crew as they provide an overview of Season 2 and a glimpse of the war to come.

The cast has pledged their loyalties. Now, it’s your turn.

Showrunner Ryan Condal, Production Designer Jim Clay, and more talk about the full circle moment of returning to Winterfell for House of The Dragon Season 2.

Showrunner Ryan Condal and the cast express their excitement to be back on set and what fans can expect in Season 2.

Team Green or Team Black? A choice must be made.

Who do you think would make a better king or queen? All Must Choose.

Team Black and Team Green weigh in on "who has less fucks to give" in House of the Dragon.

Emma D'Arcy discusses what's next for her character Rhaenyra Targaryen after the devastating events of the Season 1 finale.

Tom Glynn-Carney looks ahead at what Season 2 has in store for his character Aegon Targaryen.

Matt Smith discusses his character Prince Daemon Targaryen and what's to come in Season 2.

Steve Toussaint discusses playing the role of Lord Corlys Velaryon, "The Sea Snake", in House of the Dragon.

Olivia Cooke discusses what's to come for her character Queen Alicent Hightower in Season 2.

Ewan Mitchell discusses what's next for his character Prince Aemond Targaryen in the wake of the shocking events of the Season 1 finale.

Co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, EP and episode director Loni Peristere, and more share behind-the-scenes insights from the season 3 premiere. Cast and crew share what it was like to film the most complicated buck sequences yet, the elaborate combination of SFX and VFX that makes the Battle of the Gullet so visceral and say goodbye to a beloved character.

Co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Harry Collett (Jacaerys Velaryon) and more dive into Season 3’s meticulous production and design, detailing Aemond’s new battle armor crafted specifically to accommodate his missing eye, learning to operate the buck to simulate dragon riding, and the challenging yet rewarding experience of filming a beheading scene.

A new reign has begun. Co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Emma D’Arcy (Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen), Clinton Liberty (Addam of Hull), and more give behind-the-scenes insight into Episode 3 of the new season. Cast and crew discuss the special lenses and filming techniques used to portray Rhaenyra’s point of view, how the prosthetics teams created realistically edible rat dishes, and the stylistic choices behind the newly-knighted dragonriders’ costumes.

No task is too big for this team. Co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Tom Glynn-Carney (Aegon Targaryen), Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (Daeron Targaryen), and more, walk through the massive production behind Season 3, Episode 4. Cast and crew discuss the attention to detail that went into crafting a full-size prosthetic head for Aegon’s dragon, Sunfyre, introducing the idyllic town of Tumbleton in an authentic way, and reimagining the Eyrie's Moon Door from Game of Thrones.

This crew is up for any challenge. Co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Emma D'Arcy (Queen Rhaenyra), Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole), James Norton (Lord Ormund Hightower), and more, break down the logistics behind producing this latest episode. They dive into the challenges of staying above ground while filming Cole’s army on a muddy bog, the trial and error involved in properly lighting a labyrinth, and the research required to create lifelike bowels for a macabre massacre.

It’s all in the details. Co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole), Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Steve Toussaint (Lord Corlys Velaryon), and more go in-depth into the diligent planning and preparation that went into creating Season 3, Episode 6 of House of the Dragon. Cast and crew discuss the process of choreographing Ser Criston’s last battle and Gwayne’s epic fight sequence, constructing Flea Bottom in a way that captured the poverty of its community, and the on-set effects of Lord Corlys’s spirit-lifting sea shanty.

Producing House of the Dragon requires pulling off the impossible. Co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Tom Glynn-Carney (Aegon Targaryen), and more go in-depth into the massive scale and fiery effects that went into creating Season 3, Episode 7. Cast and crew discuss the elaborate CGI and on-the-ground production needed to film an epic dragon altercation, the meticulous planning behind setting twenty-three stuntmen on fire, and the unwavering dedication Tom put into portraying Aegon’s most powerful on-screen moment.

Co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, along with episode director Loni Peristere, and the cast discuss how the first episode of Season 3 unravels in surprising and catastrophic ways. Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is fleeing in the shadows, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) must face the consequences of her bargain with Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), and in the Battle of the Gullet, Rhaenyra suffers another unfathomable loss, as war rages across sea and sky.

Co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, along with episode director Loni Peristere, and the cast discuss how the first episode of Season 3 unravels in surprising and catastrophic ways. Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is fleeing in the shadows, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) must face the consequences of her bargain with Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), and in the Battle of the Gullet, Rhaenyra suffers another unfathomable loss, as war rages across sea and sky.

Rhaenyra’s reign begins. Co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Emma D’Arcy (Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen), Steve Toussaint (Lord Corlys Velaryon), James Norton (Lord Ormund Hightower), and more break down season 3, episode 3 of House of the Dragon. They discuss Rhaenyra’s trying first few days as queen, her shifting power dynamics with Alicent, and her revelation of Ormund’s shocking deceit.

House of the Dragon co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Fabien Frankel (Criston Cole), and James Norton (Ormund Hightower) dive in-depth into Season 3, Episode 4 of #HOTD. They discuss Lord Ormund’s strategic occupation of Tumbleton and its impact on Rhaenyra, Ser Criston’s feelings of betrayal, and Daemon’s conflicting family encounter.

Tensions rise and truths are revealed. House of the Dragon co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole), Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), and Ewan Mitchell (Aemond Targaryen) break down Season 3, Episode 5 of #HOTD. They discuss Aegon’s renewed confidence and violent revenge, Alicent’s and Mysaria’s striking similarities, and Lord Ormund’s ruthless plan to return the Iron Throne to its rightful heir.

The longing for power lies with many. House of the Dragon co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole) and James Norton (Lord Ormund Hightower) break down Season 3, Episode 6 of #HOTD. They discuss Daemon’s and Rhaenyra’s conflicting approaches to war, Aemond’s and Alys’s potentially powerful partnership, and Cole's shocking, yet inevitable final moment on the battlefield.

Secrets and lies come to light. House of the Dragon co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), James Norton (Lord Ormund Hightower), Ewan Mitchell (Aemond Targaryen), and Steve Toussaint (Lord Corlys Velaryon) break down Season 3, Episode 7 of #HOTD. They discuss Daemon’s struggle to balance his loyalties, Alicent’s ill-intentioned reunion with Aemond in Harrenhal, and Aegon’s redemption-turned-rebirth.

No one emerges unscathed. House of the Dragon co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal, Emma D’Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen), Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), James Norton (Lord Ormund Hightower), Ewan Mitchell (Aemond Targaryen), and Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower) explain their character arcs and the evolution of war in the #HOTD Season 3 finale. They dive into Ulf’s impact on the war between the factions, Helaena’s devastating decision, and Rhaenyra’s season-long transformation as a ruler.