The seventh episode of House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres on Sunday, August 2, 2026, on HBO and Max at 9:00 PM ET. The episode runs 62 minutes, was directed by Nina Lopez-Corrado, and written by Philippa Goslett and Zenzele Price.
To watch the episode, viewers need an active subscription to Max, the streaming platform owned by Warner Bros.
What happened in Episode 6
The sixth episode, titled “Faceless Men,” featured one of the most anticipated deaths among fans supporting Team Black: Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) fell in battle. According to the source, his end was considered irrelevant and without honor, the result of obsession and resentment rather than the chivalric glory he had long sought.
Meanwhile, Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Daemon (Matt Smith) worked to counter Ormund Hightower (James Norton), with Rhaenyra attempting to use her enemy’s heightened sense of smell to set a trap. Ser Gwayne uncovered the scheme and saved Daeron.
Daemon focused on investigating the murders of his Gold Cloaks in King’s Landing. After capturing one of the infiltrators, he confirmed that Ormund’s spy network inside the capital is extensive.
Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) was captured and confined. To secure freedom for herself and her daughter Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban), Alicent was forced by Rhaenyra to carry out a desperate act.
What to expect in Episode 7
In the preview for the upcoming episode, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) speaks of a new dawn and a new line of untainted kings. When Alicent arrives at Harrenhal, Alys Rivers warns Aemond that his mother has come to harm him.
That warning proves justified: Alicent has struck a deal with Rhaenyra to assassinate Aemond in exchange for her own freedom and Helaena’s. Helaena, who is pregnant and imprisoned, has been revealed to be a dreamer, and Rhaenyra presses her to share everything she knows. In the preview, Rhaenyra tells Helaena that while she may reject her as a sister, she can compel her as her queen.
