HBO is celebrating a major victory as its latest fantasy epic, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, narrowly edges out the critically acclaimed medical drama The Pitt in a heated battle for viewership. The competition between the two heavyweights has resulted in staggering numbers for the network.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms averaging 13 million views per episode
The real story is the phenomenal viewership performance of A Knight of the Seven Kingdom. According to HBO, the prequel to Game of Thrones is averaging close to 13 million U.S. viewers per episode across its platforms. With five of its six-episode first season already available, the series is on track to become the third biggest series debut in the history of HBO Max.
The show’s momentum is only building. Episode 5, titled “In the Name of the Mother,” has already drawn 9.2 million U.S. cross-platform viewers. That too, in just its first three days of availability. HBO reports that three-day viewership has grown week to week for every episode. But the fourth one broke that as it aired early due to Super Bowl LX. The season finale is scheduled to air on February 22, and all signs point to a massive finish for this A Knight of the Seven Kingdom viewership story.
While A Knight of the Seven Kingdom takes the top spot, it’s hardly a defeat for The Pitt. The Pitt Season 2 is averaging approximately 12 million viewers per episode. This is a staggering 50% improvement over the show’s premier season, demonstrating incredible word-of-mouth and audience loyalty.
The medical drama, which has already been renewed for a third season, is also experiencing week-to-week growth. Episode 6 of the current 15-episode season drew 7 million U.S. viewers in its first three days. With Episode 7 dropping today, the series shows no signs of slowing down. It continues its intense, real-time portrayal of life in a Pittsburgh trauma center (via Variety).
With both A Knight of the Seven Kingdom and The Pitt having massive viewership, HBO has secured a major, powerful one-two punch to start the year.
