House of the Dragon is not having any easy launch.
The second season of the “Game of Thrones” spin off had a hard start last week. Now its second week has gotten worse.
Week 2 for Season 2 was down 17% in the key age demo, and down almost 2% in total viewers — 1.3 million.
These are actually reported numbers for linear HBO, not counting Max and other platforms. But linear numbers tell the story. Fans — especially the desired age group — are not digging the prequel.
The show is relentlessly grim. It’s also very dark. The characters are constantly at odds with each other. There’s never a light moment, or indications of friendship or family loyalties. It just seems like a constant war.
This is a big difference from “Game of Thrones.” Yes, it was violent, but it was also sexy and fun. In the first few seasons you could also root for Jon Snow and Jamie Lannister. I can’t find a character to invest in.
Luckily we are two days away from the return of “The Bear” on Hulu. Yes, chef! Maybe Carmie can broil up some dragons!