The "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise consists of four distinct television series that expand upon the world established in the original films: DreamWorks Dragons (comprising Riders of Berk and Defenders of Berk), Dragons: Race to the Edge, Dragons: Rescue Riders, and Dragons: The Nine Realms. These shows span different eras, target audiences, and continuities within the broader dragon-riding universe.
The expansion of the "How to Train Your Dragon" (HTTYD) universe from a trilogy of films into a sprawling television empire is one of DreamWorks Animation's most significant achievements. As of 2026, the franchise has successfully navigated multiple eras of television, transitioning from traditional cable broadcasting on Cartoon Network to becoming a pillar of streaming content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Peacock. Each series serves a specific purpose, whether filling the narrative gaps between the theatrical films or reimagining the dragon-human bond for a modern-day setting.
Understanding the "How to Train Your Dragon" shows requires a distinction between the "Original Continuity" (following Hiccup and Toothless) and the "Expanded Universe" (including preschool spinoffs and modern-day sequels). This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of every show, its place in the timeline, and the technical details that define its production.
DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk and Defenders of Berk (2012–2014)
The television journey began with DreamWorks Dragons, which aired its first two seasons on Cartoon Network under unique subtitles. Season 1 was titled Riders of Berk, and Season 2 was titled Defenders of Berk. These seasons are essential for fans who want to see the immediate aftermath of the first film.
Plot and Setting
Set shortly after the events of the 2010 movie, the series follows Hiccup, Toothless, and the other Viking teens as they attempt to integrate dragons into the daily life of Berk. This was not a simple transition; the show focuses heavily on the "teething pains" of a society that spent generations killing dragons suddenly trying to live alongside them. The protagonists establish the Berk Dragon Academy, where they study new species and develop training techniques.
Key Developments
- New Dragons: The show introduced fan-favorite species like the Typhoomerang, the Scauldron, and the Whispering Death.
- Villains: It established long-running antagonists such as Alvin the Treacherous and the Outcast Tribe, as well as Dagur the Deranged (who would later see significant character growth in Race to the Edge).
- World Building: This era explored the biology of dragons, including how they shed their skin, how their fire breath works in different environments, and the social hierarchy within a dragon flock.
Technical Depth and Production
Produced by DreamWorks Animation Television, the show faced the challenge of maintaining the high visual standards of the 2010 film on a television budget. While the character models were slightly simplified, the series excelled in its writing and voice acting. Most of the original film cast returned for these seasons, including Jay Baruchel (Hiccup) and America Ferrera (Astrid), which helped maintain continuity and emotional resonance.
Dragons: Race to the Edge (2015–2018)
Often considered the "golden age" of the HTTYD television expansion, Dragons: Race to the Edge was a Netflix original series that spanned six seasons. It serves as a direct prequel to the film How to Train Your Dragon 2.
The Bridge to the Second Film
Race to the Edge takes place approximately three years after Defenders of Berk and one year before the events of the second movie. The characters are older (roughly 18–19 years old) and their designs are updated to reflect their transition toward their adult appearances seen in the sequels.
The Dragon Eye and Exploration
The central plot device of this series is the Dragon Eye, an ancient, mysterious cylinder that can only be unlocked by a dragon's fire. It provides maps and information about unexplored lands and unknown dragon species. This allowed the writers to move the action away from the village of Berk and onto Dragon's Edge, a remote outpost where the riders lived and operated independently of their parents.
Narrative Sophistication
This series is noted for its more mature storytelling compared to the Cartoon Network seasons. It introduced complex villains like Viggo Grimborn, a brilliant and cold-blooded leader of the Dragon Hunters. Unlike previous villains who relied on brute force, Viggo challenged Hiccup intellectually, treating their conflict like a game of "Maces and Talons" (a Viking chess-like game).
Important Canon Links
- The Dragon King: The series explores the concept of the "King of Dragons" (the Bewilderbeast), which becomes the central plot point of the second film.
- Valka’s Shadow: While Hiccup’s mother does not appear directly, the show hints at the presence of other dragon riders in the world, setting the stage for her reveal.
- Romantic Development: The relationship between Hiccup and Astrid (Hiccstrid) is formally developed here, moving from teenage crushes to a committed partnership.
Dragons: Rescue Riders (2019–2022)
In 2019, the franchise branched out with Dragons: Rescue Riders, a series designed for a preschool and younger elementary audience. This show represents a departure from the "Original Continuity."
A Different Universe
Rescue Riders is not set in the world of Berk. Instead, it takes place in a village called Huttsgalor. The protagonists are twins, Dak and Leyla, who were raised by dragons and possess the unique ability to speak the dragon language. This was a significant shift, as dragons in the main series do not speak but communicate through vocalizations and body language.
Format and Tone
The show is bright, colorful, and emphasizes teamwork, kindness, and problem-solving. Because the dragons talk, they have distinct personalities and dialogue, making the show more akin to a traditional talking-animal adventure series.
Series Evolution
- Seasons 1–2: Released on Netflix.
- Heroes of the Sky: The show eventually moved to Peacock under the title Dragons: Rescue Riders: Heroes of the Sky, where it continued for several more seasons.
- Specials: Several 45-minute specials were released, such as Hunt for the Golden Dragon and Secrets of the Songwing.
While long-time fans of the original films often skip this series, it remains a commercial success for the younger demographic, successfully maintaining the "brand" of dragon-human cooperation.
Dragons: The Nine Realms (2021–2023)
As the franchise looked toward the future, Dragons: The Nine Realms took a bold leap forward—1,300 years into the future. By 2026, this series has concluded its run, serving as the definitive modern-day expansion of the lore.
The Modern Setting
The show is set in the present day, where dragons are considered nothing more than myths. When a massive fissure (the ICARIS fissure) opens in the Earth’s crust, a group of children whose parents are scientists studying the phenomenon discover that dragons have been living in a massive underground "Hidden World" for over a millennium.
The New Generation
The lead character is Tom Kullersen, who discovers a dragon named Thunder, a descendant of the Night Fury/Light Fury lineage (specifically a "Night Light"). The series mirrors the original films' themes—secret friendship, the bond between rider and dragon, and the struggle to protect dragons from human exploitation—but uses modern technology like drones, tablets, and helicopters as part of the conflict.
Continuity and Legacy
Despite the massive time jump, The Nine Realms is firmly in the original movie canon. It provides answers to what happened to the Hidden World after Hiccup and Toothless said goodbye. The series ran for eight seasons on Hulu and Peacock, exploring various "realms" within the underground world, such as the Fire Realm and the Crystal Realm.
Television Specials and Shorts
In addition to the multi-season shows, several television specials are often categorized alongside the series because they were aired as "special events" and provide critical bridge content.
| Title | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon | 2010 | A comedic short following Gobber's quest for a legendary dragon. |
| Book of Dragons | 2011 | A guide-style short explaining dragon classifications (Stoker, Boulder, etc.). |
| Gift of the Night Fury | 2011 | A holiday special (Snoggletog) that explores the bond between Hiccup and Toothless. |
| Dawn of the Dragon Racers | 2014 | Introduces the sport of Dragon Racing seen at the start of the second film. |
| How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming | 2019 | Set 10 years after the end of the third film; focuses on Hiccup's children and Toothless's offspring. |
Comprehensive Comparison of All HTTYD Series
The following table compares the four main series based on their technical and narrative characteristics.
| Feature | DreamWorks Dragons | Race to the Edge | Rescue Riders | The Nine Realms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Network | Cartoon Network | Netflix | Netflix / Peacock | Hulu / Peacock |
| Timeline Placement | Between Movie 1 & 2 | Directly before Movie 2 | Separate Continuity | 1,300 years after Movie 3 |
| Primary Protagonist | Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III | Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III | Dak and Leyla | Tom Kullersen |
| Dragon Communication | Vocalizations / Empathy | Vocalizations / Empathy | Full Verbal Speech | Vocalizations / Empathy |
| Tone | Action / Adventure | Mature Adventure / Drama | Educational / Preschool | Modern Mystery / Action |
| Number of Seasons | 2 (Riders & Defenders) | 6 | 6 (including Heroes of the Sky) | 8 |
Recommended Viewing Order
For those looking to experience the full narrative arc of the Viking era (the Hiccup and Toothless story), the following chronological order is the most effective way to watch the shows and movies together:
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010 Movie)
- Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon (Short)
- Gift of the Night Fury (Special)
- Book of Dragons (Short)
- DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk (Season 1)
- DreamWorks Dragons: Defenders of Berk (Season 2)
- Dawn of the Dragon Racers (Short)
- Dragons: Race to the Edge (Seasons 1–6)
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014 Movie)
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019 Movie)
- How to Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (Special)
Note on Spinoffs: Dragons: Rescue Riders can be watched at any time as it does not impact the main story. Dragons: The Nine Realms should be watched last, as it relies on the viewer understanding the conclusion of the third movie.
Production and Animation Evolution
The technical evolution of these shows reflects the broader changes in the animation industry between 2012 and 2026.
In the early seasons of Riders of Berk, the production team utilized assets from the first film but had to optimize them for the limitations of weekly cable television. Lighting was simplified, and the number of dragons on screen at one time was strictly limited to maintain frame rates.
By the time Race to the Edge launched on Netflix, the budget and technology had improved significantly. This series utilized more advanced fluid simulations for water and fire, and the character models were updated to include finer details in clothing textures and hair. This was also the era where DreamWorks began using more sophisticated lighting engines, allowing for the atmospheric, "cinematic" look that the series is famous for.
The Nine Realms represented a different technical challenge: blending modern-day aesthetics with fantastical elements. The animation team had to design urban environments, modern laboratories, and high-tech gear that felt grounded in reality, while still making the dragons feel like they belonged in the same lineage as the original films.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the TV shows considered canon to the movies?
Yes, the original creators and DreamWorks have generally treated Riders of Berk, Defenders of Berk, and Race to the Edge as canon. They fill the gaps between the first two movies and explain how the characters obtained their new gear and dragons. The Nine Realms is also canon but set in the distant future. Rescue Riders is considered a separate spinoff and is not part of the main movie timeline.
Why do the voices sound different in some shows?
While Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera returned for the majority of the main series, some supporting characters had to be recast due to actor availability or budget constraints. For example, in the television shows, the character of Tuffnut (originally voiced by T.J. Miller) was voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse or other voice actors in later iterations.
Is there a new How to Train Your Dragon show coming out in 2026?
As of 2026, the focus of the franchise has shifted toward the live-action adaptation of the original film. While The Nine Realms has concluded its primary story, there are ongoing rumors of a new animated project centered on the "Hidden World" era, though no official series has been greenlit for a 2026 release date yet.
Do I need to watch the shows to understand the movies?
You do not need to watch the shows to follow the plots of the movies, but the shows provide significant context. For instance, the second movie begins with the Vikings already living in harmony with dragons and using specialized flight suits. The shows explain exactly how those suits were invented and how the Vikings transitioned from dragon-killers to dragon-riders.
Where can I stream all the How to Train Your Dragon shows?
The streaming rights are currently split. Race to the Edge and the first two seasons of Rescue Riders are primarily on Netflix. The Nine Realms and Rescue Riders: Heroes of the Sky are available on Hulu and Peacock. The original Riders of Berk seasons are often found on Peacock or available for digital purchase on platforms like Amazon and Apple TV.
Final Recommendations for Viewers
If you are a fan of the original movies and want more of the same heart and adventure, start with Dragons: Race to the Edge. It offers the highest production value and the most sophisticated writing of the televised entries. For parents with very young children, Rescue Riders provides a gentle entry point into the franchise without the darker themes or intense action of the films. Finally, if you are curious about the "long-term" fate of dragons in a world of humans, The Nine Realms offers a unique, modern perspective on the series' core themes.
