House of the Dragon breaks viewing records in debut week

House of the Dragon has broken viewing records across Foxtel and Binge since its premiere on Monday, August 22. 

The Games of Thrones spin-off set a new viewing record with 1.235 million viewers watching the first episode, becoming the biggest premiere for any show in history across Foxtel and Binge.

The new series continued to grow across the week as people caught up on demand.

After the premiere episode reached record ratings, a season two renewal has already been confirmed.

Binge executive director, Alison Hurbert-Burns said: “With so much anticipation around the series, we knew House of the Dragon was going to be popular but we have been blown away by the response to the opening episode.

“The show has launched to strong critical acclaim from reviewers here and around the world and we are so thrilled that the series has reignited Game of Thrones fans, and brought in a new audience as viewers tune in to see what all the hype is about.

“We can’t wait to bring the remaining episodes to fans each Monday as the story of House Targaryen unfolds, and we are incredibly excited the series has been renewed for a second season.”

Based on George R.R. Martin’s fantasy novel “Fire & Blood,” House of the Dragon is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, tells the story of House Targaryen.

The ensemble cast includes Paddy Considine (The Third Day), Matt Smith (The Crown), Olivia Cooke (Ready Player One), Emma D’Arcy (Truth Seekers), Steve Toussaint (Doctor Who), Eve Best (Nurse Jackie), Sonoya Mizuno (Ex Machina), Fabien Frankel (The Serpent) and Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill). 

The series also features Australian stars Milly Alcock (Upright) as Young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ryan Corr (Packed to the Rafters) as Ser Harwin’ Breakbones’ Strong. 

Episode two is available to watch on Foxtel in 4K UHD and stream on Binge from August 29.