Fez — HBO’s expanding Westeros universe has found another hit. “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” the latest spin-off from the world created by George R.R. Martin, is proving to be a ratings powerhouse.

According to industry reports, the series has averaged nearly 13 million viewers per episode in its first season. That figure places it ahead of “The Pitt,” HBO’s Emmy-winning medical drama, which is averaging around 12 million viewers per episode during its current run.

The numbers position “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” on track to become the third biggest series debut in the history of HBO Max. Viewership has reportedly grown week to week, a sign of strong audience retention and positive word-of-mouth. Even an early episode release tied to Super Bowl scheduling did little to disrupt its momentum.

A smaller story, bigger impact

Unlike the sweeping political scale of “Game of Thrones” or the dragon-heavy spectacle of “House of the Dragon,” the new series focuses on the more intimate adventures of “Ser Duncan the Tall” and his young squire, “Egg.” The grounded storytelling, character-driven arcs, and restrained production scale appear to be resonating with audiences.

Production on season two is already underway, though no further seasons have been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, “House of the Dragon” is set to return for its third season in June, with the series expected to conclude after its fourth.

The success of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” signals continued audience appetite for stories set in “Westeros.” More importantly, it suggests that grand battles and fire-breathing dragons are not the only formula for success. Sometimes, a quieter tale can capture just as much attention.