John Oliver TRASHES HBO’s House of the Dragon: Why is the Show a HUGE Letdown?

Last Week Tonight’s host John Oliver makes a side comment on HBO’s House of the Dragon in the talk show’s latest episode. The comedian pointed out the dark scenes in the hit fantasy series that was the talk of the town a few weeks ago.

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John Oliver House of the Dragon
John Oliver comments on House of the Dragon’s poorly lit episode

Oliver made the remark while discussing transgender rights, and a girl was voicing her frustration about bathrooms in schools. The host tried to lighten the moment and poked fun at the series.

That is brutal! It’s so dark it is genuinely hard to watch — which would also, coincidentally, be a pretty accurate tagline for House of the Dragon.”

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The comedian did not hold back his statement as he knows many from the audience also felt the same. Episode 7 of House of the Dragon was scrutinized on social media for the poor lighting after Laena Velaryon’s funeral scene. The issue became the hot topic of many online posts where articles about adjusting one’s television’s brightness emerged.

RELATED: House of the Dragon Theory: King Viserys Didn’t Get Wounded by the Iron Throne in His Final Moment Because He Finally Became a Worthy Ruler

The Reason Behind House Of The Dragon Episode 7’s Poorly Lit Settings

House of the Dragon Episode 7
Emma D’Arcy and Matt Smith as Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen (Episode 7 “Driftmark”)

This particular scene was originally filmed in a well-lit location but was later on dimmed in postproduction to make it appear like it was evening. Many took their frustration to social media to which HBO Max’s customer service gladly responded and shed light on the matter.

HBOMaxHelp’s account replied to one of the fans:

We appreciate you reaching out about a night scene in House of the Dragon: Episode 7 appearing dark on your screen. The dimmed lighting of this scene was an intentional creative decision. Thanks!

Despite the high viewership ratings, House of the Dragon seemed to be a disappointment to many. The comparison between the original series, Game of Thrones, and the prequel is inevitable, but still, fans can’t help but express how much the latest series lacks the grit and intensity of its mother franchise.

RELATED: ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON has helped brighten my Sundays’: George RR Martin Commends Showrunners Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik for Epic Episode 8

Is The Prequel Series Another Massive Letdown?

Vermax House of the Dragon 2
Vermax in House of the Dragon

In a controversial post by NBA star Kareem Abdul Jabbar, he said that he was not impressed by the new series, and the story was predictable and unenthusiastic.

I have to admit to being a little let down after all the time, money, and hype around the series. It has what one expects to see: dragons, bloody conflict, political backstabbing, graphic sex, cool costumes, and creepy family relationships.”

While many were enraged by this take, a lot of fans also agree. So far, the series has not yet reached its climax, and most likely will only begin to intensify in the second season. George R.R. Martin, the author of the Fire & Blood novel, said it will take four seasons to conclude the story. Season 2 will most likely premiere in 2024.

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Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen

House of the Dragon became a massive hit after its pilot episode, beating other franchises with its high viewers rating, and has amassed worldwide supporters despite the failure of Game of Thrones Season 8 finale. With only one episode remaining, the world can judge whether the series is a huge letdown or the start of another global culture phenomenon.

House of the Dragon Episode 9 is now streaming via HBO Max.

RELATED: “They are planning another Game of Thrones”: George RR Martin Claims House of the Dragon Needs Minimum 4 Seasons to Complete the Story

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Written by Ariane Cruz

I have been writing news articles for FandomWire since 2021, mostly covering stories about Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Netflix, HBO, and Hollywood celebrities.

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