‘House of the Dragon’ blows up social media with fans ‘in tears’

Warning: Spoilers ahead for the first episode of “House of the Dragon.”

Sunday nights in Westeros are back.

The “Game of Thrones” spinoff show, “House of the Dragon,” kicked off with a bang on HBO Max Sunday night, with fans tuning in to catch up with the dragon-riding, incestuous Targaryen family and their questionable platinum wigs.

“Game of Thrones” made fantasy-TV appointment viewing during its run from 2011 to 2019, and it looks like “House of the Dragon” might bring that back. The show takes place around 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and is based on George R. R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood.”

The plot of the first episode followed King Viserys (Paddy Considine) as his wife and baby son (and presumed heir) died in a graphic childbirth sequence, and he subsequently named his teen daughter Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) as his successor in a controversial move, since it’s not the norm for women to rule in Westeros. He did this partly to keep the throne away from his swaggering, power-hungry younger brother Daemon (Matt Smith), who spent the episode having a flirty encounter with his niece, Rhaenyra, visiting brothels and committing several acts of violence. By the end, Daemon got kicked out of King’s Landing for making light of the king’s baby son dying after being just “king for a day.”

The fan reaction to the new show ranged from enthusiasm, tears, humor and shock.

“I’m genuinely in tears ‘House of the Dragon’ was so good,” one fan gushed. “It not only reminded me how much I love Daenerys and ‘Game of Thrones’ lore but how much we’ve been in need of real REAL television again.”

Someone tweeted a video of a whole building of apartments in Brooklyn all tuning in at the same time.

Other fans compared “House of the Dragon” favorably to its predecessor. 

“ ‘House of the Dragon’ Episode 1 was absolutely fantastic,” one dragon devotee said. “GOT seasons 1-6 is one of my favorite things ever and HOD absolutely captured the same feeling/quality that [those] seasons did. Those last minutes had me tearing up, I can not wait for this series. It’s going to be special.”

One viewer joked about all the grandiose character names, and how they had every fan rushing to Google.

“The ASOIAF [A Song of Ice and Fire] wiki is loading so slow [right now],” they wrote. “Bc we’re all on it trying to figure out who tf is Daemon vs Jaeherys vs Baelon vs John Jacob Jingleheimer Scmhidt Targaryen.”

Some fans lingered on the brutality of Queen Aemma’s (Sian Brooke) death through childbirth.

“Still think the worse thing about Aemma’s death is how Viserys took away her ability to choose in favor of treating her like a broodmare,” one said, while another viewer pointed out, “Damn Aemma Arryn lasted less episodes than Ned Stark,” and another simply said, “That birthing scene was brutal. Shedding tears!!”

Daemon Targaryen also made a strong impression, as he strutted around causing mayhem.

“I just love what a little s – – t he is. Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen is so far great!” one fan enthused, while another wrote, “Daemon Targaryen…being a complete a – – hole but becoming everyone’s fave character”

“Daemon Targaryen out here clapping brothel buns and turn out to have a wife? yep Game of Thrones is back baby!” another fan joked.  

Other viewers were intrigued by Daemon and Rhaenyra’s dynamic. In this episode, he gives his teen niece a necklace, puts it around her neck, and proclaims, “Beautiful.” Later, he stands behind her and offers some supporting words at her mother and baby brother’s funeral.

“Listen I know they related,” one viewer said, “but it’s not my fault Rhaenyra and Daemon have Chemistry already. I can’t make the chem not chem.”

Talking to The Post about that relationship, Rhaenyra actress Milly Alcock said, “Me and Matt came to a mutual understanding: that [the relationship] is charged, but it’s under the surface. It’s almost like they’re having two conversations in every scene. It’s like what they’re actually saying, and what they’re saying in their body language, and in their eyes, and in their tone. It was really fun to play with, and to work with Matt. He’s such a generous actor, and he’s so kind and considerate, it elevated my performance.”

“House of the Dragon” airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on HBO Max.