HBO must be sure Game of Thrones is going to be big.

After the pilot episode of the medieval fantasy dram aired on Sunday night, the US TV network ordered a second season. They made the same decision after the première of Boardwalk Empire in 2010.

The series, based on author George R. R. Martin’s best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire series of novels, chronicles the violent dynastic struggles among noble families for control of the Iron Throne of Westeros.

Speaking about the recommission decision, HBO’s president Michael Lombardo said:

“We are delighted by the way [writers] David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have brought George R.R. Martin’s amazing book series to the screen, and thrilled by the support of the media and our viewers,” he said. “This is the continuation of an exciting creative partnership.”

Game of Thrones continues in America on Sundays at 9pm on HBO and in the UK on Mondays at 9pm on Sky Atlantic.

Check out our review of the first episode here and some spoilers from the second here.