I certainly don't hate the show, but I barely like it.

Pros:
Production design
Cinematography
Costumes
Music


Mehs


Cons


I disagree with the bad reviews about acting. I think the actors are fine given the script they've been dealt with. I'm sure the actors could do a great job with a great script. Characterization comes down to the story at the core.

Ultimately, what I want to watch is an entertaining (and sometimes poignant) story. I'm up to episode 4 of HotD and after watching this installment I realized I've just been watching a soap opera with a bit of shock value. The first 3 episodes I was mildly enjoying, and I went into episode 4 expecting it the eventual opening of the main story, after this 3 episode build up. But episode 4 just said to me, "nope, there is not much story here, it's just a bit of family drama in a castle." There is so little intrigue, mystery, fantasy, build up, tension, and the whole cast is so limited that I feel stuck in this castle and I want to get out. At least in the previous 3 episodes there was a bit of escape on the dragons and the battle with the crab dudes from the triarchy.

I just rewatched the first 16 mins of Game of Thrones episode 1 out of curiosity to compare openings with HotD. Wow. What a difference. Go watch it and you'll see how to start an epic fantasy. HotD does not give the same sense that we're going on an adventure or that we're going to stand against a greater evil or that we're going to solve a mystery or that we're going to meet a host of exciting characters... But... I'll keep watching because I have faith in George Martin's storytelling. If the writers are following his story, perhaps it'll pick up soon.