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By
- Abby L’Bert, cleveland.com
The war for the Iron Throne marches on, as “House of the Dragon” season 3, episode 4 airs tonight, Sunday, July 12, at 9 p.m. Eastern on HBO and HBO Max
After a third episode that saw Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen struggle with the realities of ruling and fall victim to a shocking Hightower deception, we’re eager to see how the next chapter unfolds
If you’re curious about how to watch free (or nearly so), there are currently several legitimate streaming options available. Read on for more details about the impending episode and today’s best streaming deals
How you can watch ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3, episode 4 for free
HBO Max itself is not currently offering a standard free trial, but several live-TV providers give access to HBO programming for free or a discount
Best free option: <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=126006X1587346&xs=1&xcust=albert%7C&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.directv.com%2Faffiliates%2Fstream%2F&product_category=Arts+%26+Entertainment%3EStreaming%3ETv+Shows” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>DIRECTV
For most fans, DIRECTV remains one of the easiest ways to watch new HBO programming with a free-trial opportunity for eligible new subscribers
DIRECTV features
- 5-day free trial for new customers (cancel anytime)
- $30 off the first month after free trial ends
- HBO channel access
- Live and on demand HBO access
DIRECTV is one of the most consumer-friendly ways to watch major HBO premieres without paying immediately
Try DIRECTV for free
Get a 5-day free trial of DIRECTV now.
Watch for Free
More ways to stream ‘House of the Dragon’
For entertainment-focused viewers, Philo Bundle+ offers access to live television channels while incorporating Max through qualifying subscription bundles
Bundle highlights
- 70+ live channels
- Max included on eligible plans
- Large on-demand library
- Lower-cost entertainment-focused package
Get Philo
Plans start at $25/month (after free trial). For only $33/month, choose Bundle+ to combine Philo with HBO Max, AMC+, and Discovery+
Watch on Philo
Sling TV + Max
Sling TV remains one of the most flexible streaming services for cord-cutters
Highlights include:
- Orange and Blue package choices
- HBO/Max add-ons available
- Live HBO channel access
Get Sling TV
Sling TV pricing starts as low as $4.99.
Watch on Sling
Disney+, Hulu and Max Bundle
Viewers already juggling multiple streaming services may find value in the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle
Benefits include:
- Access to Disney+, Hulu and Max under one subscription
- 42% savings compared with separate subscriptions
- Extensive movie and TV libraries
- One consolidated monthly payment
Get Disney+
Bundle Disney+ with Hulu, and HBO Max for 42% off.
Watch on Disney+
HBO Max (standalone subscription)
The most direct streaming option is a standalone HBO Max subscription. New episodes become available at the same time they air on HBO, so you can watch live or catch up later. HBO Max includes the complete libraries of “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon” alongside original series including “The Pitt,” “Euphoria” and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.”
Get HBO Max
Watch on HBO Max for as little as $10.99 per month to access HBO’s full library of originals and more.
Watch on HBO Max
What happened in episode 3? (spoilers included)
Episode 3, titled “Rhaenyra Triumphant,” shifted the focus away from large-scale battles and toward the difficult realities of governing a fractured kingdom. After claiming King’s Landing and finally sitting on the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra quickly discovered that victory did not guarantee stability
One of the episode’s biggest twists involved Ormund Hightower’s apparent surrender. Daemon successfully pressured Ormund into swearing loyalty to Rhaenyra and turning over a boy presented as Prince Daeron Targaryen. However, viewers later learned that the child was actually an impostor. The true Daeron remained safely hidden under Hightower protection, allowing Ormund to continue advancing his own plans against Team Black
Back in King’s Landing, Rhaenyra discovered that the royal treasury had largely been depleted. Financial problems, food shortages, unrest among the smallfolk, political disagreements and uncertainty surrounding Aegon and Aemond pile pressure on her new administration. By the end of the episode, Ormund had revealed his betrayal by seizing Tumbleton, creating a massive challenge for our queen
Episode 4 preview: What’s next?
Rhaenyra’s position may become even more unstable tonight, if that’s even possible. HBO’s YouTube preview teases how Team Black will have to contend with growing military threats, financial strain and shifting alliances throughout Westeros
Rhaenyra questions Ormund’s motives after his seizure of Tumbleton while Daemon warns that unpaid soldiers could create chaos throughout the realm. Expect increasing concern about hidden loyalties and efforts to locate Prince Aemond. Meanwhile, the return of Vhagar looms over the conflict as one of the Greens’ most powerful assets
Watch for:
- Fallout from the fake Daeron revelation
- Escalating tensions surrounding Tumbleton
- New political challenges for Queen Rhaenyra
- Developments on Prince Aemond’s whereabouts
- Growing influence from Ormund Hightower
- More dragon warfare as the conflict expands (hopefully)
Worried about Disney’s class-action settlement?
Fans considering DIRECTV as a viewing option should know that the recently publicized $50 million proposed Disney class-action settlement does not impact HBO, HBO Max, or the availability of “House of the Dragon.” The proposed settlement stems from allegations regarding Disney’s channel-distribution and bundling practices involving certain pay-TV providers, including DIRECTV. Disney has denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle the litigation. A judicial review remains scheduled for January 2027. Eligible customers may qualify for compensation if the settlement receives final approval.
‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 streaming guide
DIRECTV
- Free trial: 5 days for new subscribers
- Current promo: $30 off the first month on select packages
- Starting price: Entertainment plan from $59.99 for month one ($89.99 regular price)
- Best for: Fans wanting a free-trial option and live HBO access
Philo Bundle+
- Price: $33/month.
- Free trial: Not currently offered on Bundle+ (available only on Philo Essential)
- Includes: 70+ live channels, HBO Max Basic with Ads, AMC+, and discovery+
- Promotion: Bundle+ saves about $22/month compared to subscribing separately to the included services
Sling TV + Max
- Starting price: Sling Orange or Sling Blue from $45.99/month
- Max add-on: Available separately through Sling
- Promotion: Prepay offers start at $49.99 for three months on select packages
- Best for: Cord-cutters who want flexible channel packages
Disney+, Hulu & HBO Max Bundle
- Free trial: None currently available
- With Ads: $19.99/month
- No Ads: $32.99/month
- Promotion: Savings up to 42% versus subscribing separately
HBO Max
- Free trial: Not currently available
- Current promotion: Through July 15, a discounted annual plan saves up to $110 ($6.58/month)
- Basic with Ads: $10.99/month
- Standard (Ad-Free): $18.49/month
- Premium (4K): $22.99/month
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This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff
