George R. R. Martin's fantastical universe in A Song of Ice and Fire is expanding with HBO's fantasy drama series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, scheduled to premiere on January 18. The show is an upcoming six-part prequel series to Game of Thrones, making it the third series after House of the Dragon (from A Song of Ice and Fire novellas) to be adapted for the small screen.Co-created by showrunner Ira Parker and Martin, the series is based on the latter's Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, which follow the adventures of the titular hedge knight Dunk (Peter Claffey) and his young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell).While the cultural weight of Game of Thrones looms large and its eight-season run shaped how audiences understand power, prophecy and politics in Martin's universe, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes a very different approach, one that may surprise both longtime fans and newcomers alike.The good news for casual viewers is that you don’t need to watch Game of Thrones to understand or enjoy A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The series is designed as a standalone entry point, introducing its characters and themes without relying heavily on prior knowledge. While longtime fans may catch subtle references to Targaryen history, noble houses and future legends, these Easter eggs enhance the experience rather than define it.More on this in our story.A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms can be watched as a standalone show View this post on Instagram Instagram PostNow that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is nearing its much-anticipated premiere on HBO, fans are wondering if they can watch it without having watched the OG series, Game of Thrones. Such is the popularity of Martin's fantastical books that fans who have yet to experience his magical world on the small screen are equally fascinated by it, like longtime readers. If you are one of the fans who have been waiting to experience Martin's work on the small screen (and Game of Thrones feels too intimidating), the upcoming prequel series can be the perfect starting point as it can be watched as a standalone show.A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is specifically based on The Hedge Knight, the first book in Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, which is set 100 years before the events of the flagship series, placing it between House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. The series follows Ser Duncan the Tall (Dunk) as he becomes a wandering hedge knight after the death of his master and takes a journey to Ashford to participate in the upcoming tourney. En route, he acquires his own squire in a bald and young boy named Egg.While the upcoming prequel is set in the same fantastical universe as Game of Thrones, it is said to be different from the original series, following a new set of characters as they begin their harrowing journeys in Westeros. However, seasoned Martin fans will surely find hidden easter eggs, nostalgic callbacks and familiar family names like Targaryen, peppered throughout the prequel's narrative.Although it is not necessary to watch Game of Thrones before A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, familiarity with Martin's fantastical universe will certainly enhance your experience and enrich connections, especially with characters like Bloodraven and Targaryen history, making it more rewarding. However, the show is positioned as a standalone series and provides equal grounding in the world for newcomers too.A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is 'Short, fun and earthy' View this post on Instagram Instagram PostIn a recent Comic-Con appearance, showrunner Ira Parker described A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as 'Short, Fun, Earthy', the adjectives seldom used to describe Martin's work before. This statement alone proves the prequel series will be different from the original series and will appeal to a larger target audience, even enthusiastic television veterans unfamiliar with Game of Thrones.While Game of Thrones relied on brutal and bloody battles, complicated family dynasties and shocking betrayals, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a simple tale about the Dunk and Egg, an unusual partnership that grows into friendship and mutual respect. The trailer for the prequel suggests the upcoming HBO series will offer an exclusive peek at the common folk of Westeros, who were rarely brought into the spotlight in Game of Thrones. Between dragons and betrayals, the premise of the original series never allowed for this larger world-building but the prequel series will dive into Westeros' mythology, offering a never-before-seen peek into Martin's fantastical world, exciting for seasoned fans and new audiences alike.Catch the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiere on HBO on January 18.For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.