The second season of House of the Dragon premiered on HBO on June 16, 2024, and concluded on August 4, 2024, consisting of eight episodes based on George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood. Following the death of King Viserys I, the season depicts the escalating civil war between Aegon II Targaryen, supported by the Green Council and his mother Alicent Hightower, and his half-sister Rhaenyra Targaryen, who plots from Dragonstone with the Black Council. Production saw Ryan Condal become the sole showrunner after Miguel Sapochnik's departure, with filming taking place from April to September 2023 in England and Spain, notably continuing during the Hollywood strikes due to the British cast's Equity rules. The season introduced new cast members like Gayle Rankin and Simon Russell Beale, while the returning ensemble—including Matt Smith, Emma D'Arcy, and Olivia Cooke—earned critical praise for their performances, character development, and visual effects. The premiere drew over 7 million viewers, and the season won Best Fantasy Television Series at the Saturn Awards, with D'Arcy receiving a Best Actress nomination. A third season was officially ordered in June 2024, ensuring the continuation of the Targaryen conflict.