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This Year’s Broken Emmy Nomination Streak for ‘House of the Dragon’ Was Unexpected, but Inevitable

July 18, 2025

Game of Throneswas an undeniable force in the television landscape as it was not only widely popular with audiences but also became the most awarded scripted show in Emmy history (beaten from being the most awarded show only by Saturday Night Live). With 59 Emmy wins and many more nominations, Game of Thrones has a lot to brag about, including receiving a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series for every single season, and winning the award four times. As a prequel series, House of the DragonSeason 1 continued that legacy, upholding the franchise’s streak with its own nomination. But House of the Dragon Season 2 couldn’t do the same, breaking a 14-year tradition of the franchise getting nominated for the Outstanding Drama Series Emmy. In fact, House of the Dragon received no above-the-line nominations, getting largely ignored by the award show. The fantasy series is nominated for six less-high-profile categories, getting recognition for its special effects, costuming, make-up, hairstyling, and title design, which it certainly deserves.

It’s a sad turn for the popular franchise, but it’s not entirely surprising. House of the Dragon may be set in the same world as Game of Thrones, but it is very different. Though popular, it hasn’t had the same cultural effect, yet that isn’t what the Emmy nominations reflect. When it comes to Season 2, the prequel did struggle with its story, and when pitted against the fierce competition this year, House of the Dragon didn’t earn a Drama Series nomination. That isn’t to say no one did; several of the actors deserve recognition for their parts that they didn’t receive. Regardless of how snubbed the series may be, this turn of events does put additional pressure on both House of the Dragon Season 3 and the franchise’s next spin-off as they try to regain some of Game of Thrones‘ notoriety.

‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Ending the Streak Isn’t Surprising

Image via HBO

Most fans will admit that House of the Dragon Season 2 had issues, and while audience opinions don’t determine nominations, it is an indication that the season wasn’t at its best. The things that fans raised valid criticisms about likely contributed to the lack of nomination for the Drama Series award, like the show’s pacing and story problems. With a slow story as the series builds toward an all-out war and an anticlimactic ending, Season 2 suffers because it needs to escalate the story for future seasons, but the results are delayed, which certainly didn’t help its chances of nomination. Then there is the fact that the season included odd story choices, for example isolating Daemon (Matt Smith) and giving him hallucinations, or delaying the war as Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) meet in secret. The result is a somewhat uneven season, though there are highlights.

Admittedly, it feels like a low blow for House of the Dragon to not even be nominated for Outstanding Drama Series when the much-hated final season of Game of Throneswon the category. However, even though it is a spin-off, House of the Dragon cannot ride Game of Thrones‘ success entirely. Game of Thrones earned its recognition, and Season 8’s Drama Series win can be explained by the series’ incredible legacy. Meanwhile, House of the Dragon Season 2 just didn’t earn the nomination this year, especially considering the competition. It’s disappointing for the streak to end, but the decision is justified.

Gayle Rankin as Alys standing in her kitchen in Harrenhal in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4

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Streak or Not, the Bigger Snub Is ‘House of the Dragon’s Lack of Acting Nominations

While House of the Dragon Season 2’s issues do explain the lack of Outstanding Drama Series nomination, the total lack of major nominations is shocking. While there are certainly low points, the Season included some epic episodes with major spectacles, like “The Red Dragon and the Gold,” which was a highlight, and the impressive and emotional battle should have earned itself a directing nomination. But it seems especially odd that none of the all-too-deserving actors were selected. HBO submitted ten actors for consideration, including Emma D’Arcy for lead actress, Matt Smith, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Fabian Frankel, and Steve Toussaint for supporting actor, Olivia Cooke and Eve Best for supporting actress, and Rhys Ifans and Paddy Considine for guest actor.

While each of these actors represents a strong performance, a few stand out. Emma D’Arcy’s portrayal of Rhaenyra was complex as the character underwent an emotional journey. In Season 2, she is both a grieving mother and a Queen in a fraught situation. D’Arcy pulls off both sides of Rhaenyra with skill, and as the show’s lead, they have a lot to carry. Meanwhile, Tom Glynn-Carney had a difficult task in Aegon’s Season 2 story. As the character gains power, with little idea what he’s doing, Glynn-Carney makes him both interesting and unique. It would be easy for the character to seem like a copy of Game of Thrones’ Joffrey (Jack Gleeson), but Glynn-Carney gave him more depth, ultimately making his injury more tense. These are just a few of the notable performances from Season 2. Certainly, there are many impressive actors on TV, but for no one in this incredibly talented cast to be even in the running is shocking.

‘House of the Dragon’s Lack of Emmy Nominations Puts Pressure on the Franchise’s Future

Daemon Targaryen kneeling in front of Rhaenyra Targaryen and holding her hand in both of his — Image via HBO

While House of the Dragon‘s Emmy performance is disappointing, it is not the end for the series. With Season 3 on the way, House of the Dragon will have the opportunity to learn from Season 2 shortcomings and hopefully do better. Though still in production, the next season already promises to be eventful. Not only did the Season 2 finale set up a full-blown war, but Showrunner Ryan Condal has teased four major book events and an experimental episode on the way. Perhaps such a packed season can turn this award season into an anomaly for House of the Dragon and the franchise as a whole. However, the letdown of Season 2’s Emmy nominations certainly puts pressure on the next installments, including the second Game of Thrones spin-off, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which is slated to be the franchise’s next release. After this, both House of the Dragon Season 3 and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will have to fight hard to win back the clout of the original series.