On the initial viewing ratings from June, the second season of the series House of the Dragon has led global viewership on the HBO platform for over a month. The popularity of the Game of Thrones franchise remains significant among audiences worldwide. However, the latest episode – Smallfolk – has set a noteworthy milestone as it recorded the lowest rating for the franchise on IMDb, with a score of 6.3/10.
According to WIS, the initial reception for Smallfolk has been quite positive, with praise for its quality compared to the previous five episodes that aired a week prior. However, recently, a significant number of viewers have taken to IMDb to give the episode a one-star rating due to the controversial portrayal of the character Rhaenyra Targaryen, played by Emma D’Arcy.
Specifically, at the end of the episode, Rhaenyra had a contentious intimate scene with the character Mysaria, portrayed by British actress Sonoya Mizuno. Some viewers felt that this segment was inappropriate and expressed dissatisfaction with how it conveyed themes related to gender identity. Many fans were left disappointed as they believed this decision undermined the narrative’s coherence, negatively impacting the overall quality of the series.
According to IMDb statistics, over 14,000 viewers have rated the episode one star, accounting for more than 37% of total ratings. A significant portion of this backlash has come from countries such as the United Arab Emirates (7,400 viewers), Myanmar (1,000 viewers), and Iraq (800 viewers).
House of the Dragon is a prequel to the iconic series Game of Thrones. It captured a solid fan base during its first season, quickly achieving significant viewership and garnering favorable ratings from critics globally. The series primarily revolves around the Targaryen family and the intricate dynamics of their relationships, set in a historical context preceding the events of Game of Thrones.
The success of House of the Dragon continues into its second season. The series has been praised for its gripping storytelling and visually stunning production. The impressive visuals and captivating performances have resonated well with audiences, making the second season one of the most highly anticipated series to air in 2024.
