HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Cozy Fantasy TV Revolution

The cozy vibe isn't restricted to video games; HBO's A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has brought a similar approach to the world of fantasy TV. Though chill, low-stakes video games have always existed, "cozy gaming" became a full-on trend in the 2020s following the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea began with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which essentially wrapped players in a warm, fuzzy, comforting blanket during one of the most challenging times in recent history.

Today, there are gamers who exclusively play cozy games. They are chill and inviting, but that doesn't mean they are easy or uncomplicated. They lack the anxiety-inducing intensity of mainstream entertainment, which we all need a break from now and again.

In the world of recent television—especially fantasy TV—high intensity is the norm. Game of Thrones was all shocking twists and violence, and the success of this project means that the goal of most fantasy TV shows was to increase the heart rate and keep you on the edge of your seat. However, once again, we all need a break from that energy. Interestingly, it's the Game of Thrones franchise that has provided us with a warm and fuzzy escape.

HBO's New Game Of Thrones Show Is Shockingly Cozy To Watch

If you decide to dive into HBO's new Game of Thrones show, be prepared for a very different experience than what you are used to. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is still set in the same world as GOT and House of the Dragon, but everything from the central conflicts to the music is of an entirely different caliber.

"Quaint" would be a great word to describe A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms​​​​​. The central protagonist, Dunk (Peter Claffey), is simple and lovable. He maneuvers the world with a unique sort of innocence. This quality is underscored by Dunk's heartwarming relationship with his young squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). Though remniscent of Game of Thrones pairings like Arya and The Hound, Dunk and Egg lack that conflicted tension entirely.

The unique energy of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is further represented in the show's soundtrack. Rather than the large-scale orchestrations of Game of Thrones, HBO's spinoff uses intimate, folky music comprised almost exclusively of guitar, piano, and whimsical whistling. Overall, the combined cozy elements of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms allow viewers to sit back, take a deep breath, and smile at Dunk and Egg's adventures.

A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Can Lead A New Era Of Fantasy TV

Game of Thrones set the standard for fantasy television, and that certainly wasn't a bad thing. There's an undisputed thrill to knowing that literally anything could happen at any moment. This approach is undoubtedly always going to be the standard. However, just as cozy gaming has become a niche preference for a specific community, cozy fantasy television is sure to as well.

Cozy games aren't necessarily easy, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms isn't lacking in tension and excitement. Neither experience compromises on quality entertainment—they just feature a unique flavor of thrills. If HBO's new Game of Thrones series continues to perform well, we can almost certainly expect similar projects to further usher in a new era of television.