Game of Thrones star Kit Harington on why he will never watch House of the Dragon

Kit Harington as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones
(Image credit: HBO)

House of the Dragon is no doubt one of the most popular TV shows around right now, with season 2 ending in a drama-filled finale and season 3 already announced. But one person who isn't tuning in is Game of Thrones star Kit Harington. 

"I just can't watch it, I think for me I have just spent too long there," said Harington in an interview with Associated Press at the Industry season 3 premiere. But despite not being a viewer, the star still wishes the cast and crew well, adding, "I hear it's wonderful and going really well but I don't think I'll ever watch that show."

The Game of Thrones prequel series takes place almost 200 years before the events of the main show as the Targaryen siblings fought over the Iron Throne, causing a civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. But despite the clear links, the GOT star still refrains from tuning in. Harington starred as secret Targaryen bastard Jon Snow in Game of Thrones and became its titular character, later joining forces with Daenerys Targaryen to defeat the Ice King and save The Seven Kingdoms from a never-ending winter. 

But the star stayed with the series for the whole 8 seasons spanning over 8 years, which makes his not wanting to return to Westeros quite understandable. "I don't think I'll watch Game of Thrones again for very many years, it's taken a few years to put it in the rearview mirror," said Harington.

The spin-off went full-on GOT in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 which showed Daemon having a vision reminiscent of The Song of Ice and Fire, including Daenerys rising from the ashes with three Dragon hatchlings. However, the Mother of Dragons was played by another actor rather than GOT star Emilia Clarke.

As for Harington, his appearance as a Lord in season 3 of the London-based financial drama Industry marks the star's first return to television in a full capacity since GOT. "I think now was the right time," added the star. Industry returns to BBC One and iPlayer in the UK and HBO in the US on August 11, 2024. 

House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are now available to stream on HBO Max in the US and Sky NOW in the UK. For more, check out the House of the Dragon season 2 episode list and House of the Dragon timeline.  

CATEGORIES
Editorial Associate, 12DOVE

I am an Entertainment Writer here at 12DOVE, covering TV and film for SFX and Total Film online. I have a Bachelors Degree in Media Production and Journalism and a Masters in Fashion Journalism from UAL. In the past I have written for local UK and US newspaper outlets such as the Portland Tribune and York Mix and worked in communications, before focusing on film and entertainment writing. I am a HUGE horror fan and in 2022 I created my very own single issue feminist horror magazine.  

Read more
Daemon in House of the Dragon season 2
House of the Dragon season 3 release date speculation, cast, plot, and more news
Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg and Peter Claffey as Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
George R.R. Martin has high praise for the next Game of Thrones spin-off: "It's as faithful as adaptation as a reasonable man could hope for"
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon showrunner says season 3 will introduce something from George R. R. Martin's books that Game of Thrones left out: "I just thought it was cool"
Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon season 3 will start with one of the bloodiest battles ever written by George R.R. Martin
Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg and Peter Claffey as Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
HBO boss says new Game of Thrones spin-off's battles "match" the mainline series at a "fraction of the price"
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms first look
After George RR Martin praised the next Game of Thrones spin-off, HBO is gearing up to give it another two seasons, as a "promising" Targaryen spin-off is also teased
Latest in Fantasy Shows
Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg and Peter Claffey as Dunk in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
HBO boss says new Game of Thrones spin-off's battles "match" the mainline series at a "fraction of the price"
Abubakar Salim in House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon season 3's opening battle is "beastly", according to one of the show's stars
Jamie Campbell Bower in Stranger Things
The Rings of Power newcomer Jamie Campbell Bower has 'revealed' his season 3 character – but it could be a Sauron-style misdirect
Jamie Campbell Bower in Stranger Things 4
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 adds Stranger Things star and Eddie Marsan to cast
Jeff Goldblum in Kaos
Jeff Goldblum's fantasy series Kaos was Netflix's most-watched cancelled show of late 2024
The Wheel of Time season 3
The Wheel of Time showrunner teases future of the Amazon fantasy series beyond season 3: "My job is to do everything I can to get it to the end"
Latest in News
Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds dev says the game's success is thanks to an "emphasis on the story," but I think that's only a tiny aspect of it
Agricola: Dead Harvest zombie farming board game artwork
Legendary farming board game Agricola just announced a zombie-fueled horror standalone, but fans seem to think it's an early April Fools joke
Jack Quaid in Novocaine
The Boys star Jack Quaid's commitment to the bit is unmatched as his latest marketing stunt for upcoming action movie Novocaine goes viral
George R. R. Martin in Dark Winds season 3
Game of Thrones creator makes sudden cameo in TV show for apparent joke about The Winds of Winter
Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Again had Disney Plus' biggest premiere of 2025, but its viewership is lower than Agatha All Along and The Acolyte
Beyond the Ice Palace 2
After 37 years, this Commodore 64 classic returns with a new Metroidvania sequel that gives serious old-school Castlevania vibes