Following this weekend’s really great kick-off of Season 3 of Game of Thrones, HBO has made an unsurprising decision and has renewed the fantasy series for a fourth season. Since Season 3 will comprise only part of the third book in George R. R. Martin’s hit A Song of Ice and Fire series, A Storm of Swords, it makes sense that the subscription cable network would want to continue forth with the rest of that narrative in Season 4 (in fact, I would be shocked if the series didn't get renewals to pursue the other books, as well).
Season 3 premiered to 4.4 million total viewers in the first hour, a ratings increase over the last year and over a holiday weekend, to boot. Oftentimes, premieres are the best episodes of a season ratings wise, but since the holiday weekend interfered and since there are a ton of upcoming plots that should prove to be even more exciting than Sunday’s episode, there’s every indication Game of Thrones can and will continue to beat its ratings records.
While HBO hasn’t officially announced episode count or other details for Season 4, EW is noting all seasons thus far have featured 10 tightly woven episodes, and there’s no indication things will change moving forward. Hopefully, Season 4 will continue the trend of longer episodes, as well, as this season is promising a finale that might even exceed 60 minutes. We’re just one episode in to Season 3, so it could be a while before new details emerge concerning the upcoming season, however, we will keep you updated along the way.
In the meantime, tune in to HBO’s Game of Thrones on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.
