Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke and the cast return as the battle for the Iron Throne reaches new heights in the HBO fantasy drama. (Instagram)
The wait for the return of Queen Rhaenyra and the Targaryen family is coming to an end. After the massive series that has captivated audiences since its release in 2022, House of the Dragon Season 3 will air on Sunday, June 21.According to USA Today, the new season comes after what was described as an anticlimactic finale to season two. Despite mixed reviews for the previous season finale, anticipation remains high for what many expect to be a pivotal chapter in the ongoing civil conflict that forms the backbone of the series.
When and where to watch the new season
Season 3 will premiere on Sunday, June 21 at 9 PM ET. Subsequent episodes will follow the same weekly schedule, and will be released every Sunday at the same time until the finale on August 9.
The season will consist of eight episodes in total.
Emma Darcy returns as Rhaenyra Targaryen, whose struggle for the Iron Throne continues in the highly anticipated third season. (Instagram)
Plot predictions for next season
Some plot elements have yet to be revealed, but in Season 3, events from the source material are expected to be covered, such as the Battle of the Gaul and the growing conflict between the two rival branches of House Targaryen. As the series progresses, the war that has dominated the series seems to have taken on a life of its own and shows no sign of abating.
The Sea Snake is gearing up for another chapter of the Dance of the Dragons with the premiere of Season 3 of House of the Dragon. (Instagram)
The cast returns for the third season of House of the Dragon
The cast will include both familiar and new faces for the upcoming season.
Emma Darcy continues in the central role of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, while Matt Smith reprises his role as Daemon Targaryen. Olivia Cooke returns as Alicent Hightower, with supporting cast members including Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Fabian Frankel as Ser Creston Cole, Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, Harry Collette as Jakyris Velaryon, Bethany Antonia as Baela Targaryen, Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon Targaryen, and Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen.
Ewan Mitchell’s Prince Aemond returns as conflict escalates between rival Targaryen factions. (Instagram)
Additional returning performers include Via Saban as Helena Targaryen, Sonoya Mizuno as Mesaria, Matthew Needham as Laris Strong, Phoebe Campbell as Rayna Targaryen, and Jefferson Hall, who portrays both Thailand and Jason Lannister. New additions for this season include Sons of Anarchy’s Tommy Flanagan, Fantastic Beasts’ Dan Fogler, and more. The ensemble also includes Kieran Bew as Hugh Hammer, Clinton Liberty as Adam of Hull, Abubakar Salim as Allen of Hull, Gayle Rankin as Alice Rivers, and Freddie Fox as Ser Gwynne Hightower.
Future seasons are already greenlit
The series has already been secured for a fourth season, which has been renewed in November 2025. The fourth season is scheduled to premiere in 2028, ensuring that viewers will get the chance to follow the Targaryen conflict through multiple additional chapters beyond the current season.The new season of House of the Dragon will air on HBO MAX starting this weekend.