After five and a half years and 21 episodes, Fabien Frankel has officially bid farewell to House of the Dragon and the complex role that made him a standout figure in the series.
In a heartfelt message shared with fans via his Instagram, the actor reflected on his time portraying Ser Criston Cole with characteristic honesty and gratitude:
“21 episodes. 5 and half years. And a badly dealt with heartbreak. To all of you who tuned in every week, and to all those who have carried me along the way, I couldn’t have gotten through it without you. It’s been an honour. Criston Cole, over and out.”
He posted a total of 15 photos, each showing different sides of his time on the show. Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Freddie Fox, Milly Alcock, Rhys Ifans, and more are featured in these photos.
A defining chapter
Frankel joined House of the Dragon from the very beginning, bringing depth, intensity, and vulnerability to one of the story’s most polarizing characters. Over three seasons, Criston Cole evolved from a rising knight and Kingsguard into a man shaped by loyalty, bitterness, love, and ultimately tragedy. Frankel’s performance earned both praise and strong reactions from audiences.
The “badly dealt with heartbreak” line in his farewell feels especially poignant. It nods not only to Criston’s own emotional turmoil throughout the series, which is his love for Alicent Hightower. But also to the personal weight of leaving behind a character and a production that clearly meant a great deal to the actor.
Gratitude to fans and collaborators
Frankel made a point of thanking both the viewers who followed the show week after week and the people who supported him behind the scenes. Ending the message with “Criston Cole, over and out” gave the farewell a sense of finality that mirrored the character’s own dramatic exit in Season 3, Episode 6.
With Criston Cole’s story now complete, Frankel steps away from Westeros after leaving a lasting mark on the series. His portrayal helped turn a character who could have remained one-dimensional into someone far more complicated and human. Frankel’s farewell marks the end of an era.