As of August 19, "House of the Dragon" holds an "80% Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 195 reviews from critics. Though not as high as the "90% Fresh" rating "Game of Thrones" earned for its first season, the early reviews indicate that "House of the Dragon" is off to a strong start. Author George R.R. Martin, who wrote the books that inspired "Game of Thrones" and its spin-off, has also applauded the new show's take on his characters. Other early reactions to "House of the Dragon" have described it as a worthy successor to "Game of Thrones."