“House of the Dragon” has set a new viewing record on Foxtel and its entertainment streaming service Binge.
The group said the first episode of the “Game of Thrones” prequel had already amassed 1.235 million viewers since it premiered last Monday, Aug. 22.
It has thus become the biggest premiere for any show in history across Foxtel and Binge.
Alison Hubert-Burns, executive director of Binge, said the group knew “house of Dragon” was going to be popular, but they have been blown away by the response to Season 1 Episode 1.
“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,” she said.
The series is set 200 years before “Game of Thrones” takes place and tells the story of House Targaryen.
The cast includes Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Sonoya Mizuno, Fabien Frankel and Rhys Ifans. The series also features Australian stats Milly Alcock, as young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ryan Corr as Ser Harwin ‘Breakbones’ Strong.
The Australian premiere of the show generated local and international headlines when CEO of the Foxtel Group Patrick Delany labelled “Game of Thrones” actress Emilia Clarke a “short, dumpy girl” when explaining his experience with the program.
Foxtel subsequently issued a statement, addressing the “misunderstandings” and offence caused.
Episode 2 is available on Foxtel and Binge from today, Monday, Aug. 29.
“House of the Dragon” has also been renewed for a Season 2.