Game of Thrones (season 1)
The first season of the fantasy drama television series "Game of Thrones" premiered on HBO on April 17, 2011 in the U.S., and concluded on June 19, 2011. It consists of ten episodes, each of approximately 55 minutes. The series is based on "A Game of Thrones", the first novel in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R. R. Martin, adapted for television by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. HBO had ordered a television pilot in November 2008; filming began the following year. However, it was deemed unsatisfactory and later reshot with some roles being recast. In March 2010, HBO ordered the first season, which began filming in July 2010, primarily in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with additional filming in Malta.
Game of Thrones
First-season reviewers said the series had high production values, a fully realized world and compelling characters. According to "Variety", "There may be no show more profitable to its network than 'Game of Thrones' is to HBO. Fully produced by the pay cabler and already a global phenomenon after only one season, the fantasy skein was a gamble that has paid off handsomely". The second season was also well received. "Entertainment Weekly" praised its "vivid, vital, and just plain fun" storytelling and, according to "the Hollywood Reporter", the series made a "strong case for being one of TV's best series"; its seriousness made it the only drama comparable to "Mad Men" or "Breaking Bad". "The New York Times" gave the series a mixed review, criticizing its number of characters, their lack of complexity and a meandering plot.