We're sure you remember how frequently episodes of Game of Thrones leaked online during its final couple of seasons, and it appears House of the Dragon is keeping the tradition going!
Early yesterday, the first episode of the prequel series started popping up on torrent websites and it's since been distributed widely across social media and YouTube. Critics were sent the first six instalments of the show to review, but this doesn't appear to have originated from them.
Instead, as with Game of Thrones, it looks like it originated from an international version of HBO that may have, however briefly, inadvertently uploaded the premiere too soon. Whatever the case, the cable network has acted quickly to remove this House of the Dragon leak...with little success. The episode is out there, and while we won't be linking to it, you will find it in the usual places.
This news actually comes hot on the heels of HBO issuing various DMCA takedown requests after the plotline of the entire season was leaked on Reddit. A show like this thrives on secrecy and keeping viewers coming back each week, so it's no wonder they're not happy.
Needless to say, we can't help but think this will have a severely negative impact on ratings.
Based on author George R.R. Martin's best-selling Fire & Blood, the series, set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, tells the story of House Targaryen.
In the show, we'll learn how the powerful family fell into a bitter and brutal civil war known as the "Dance of the Dragons," presaging the beginning of the end of the ruling dynasty of Westeros. For Game of Thrones fans, exploring this era on screen is an undeniably exciting prospect.
If you haven't seen it already, the first episode of House of the Dragon premieres on HBO tonight.