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Despite Disney's later admission that The Acolyte was not a hit—dipping to about 11 million viewers in its first five days globally—the show's initial numbers still lag far behind House of the Dragon. The latter is projected to gain even more viewers—likely tripling its debut figure—further emphasizing its popularity compared to The Acolyte.
Why the Success of House of the Dragon Matters
House of the Dragon demonstrates that quality storytelling, compelling characters, and good writing are what truly drive viewer engagement—not just diversity or inclusion. Despite similar cast diversity and some similar thematic elements, House of the Dragon has been praised widely because it centers on well-crafted characters and intricate plots.