HBO renews 'Thrones' for second season

LOS ANGELES, April 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. cable network HBO says it has ordered a second season of its medieval fantasy series, "Game of Thrones."

Based on George R.R. Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire" books, the show earned positive critical reviews and was seen by 2.2 million people when it debuted Sunday night, The Hollywood Reporter said. It stars Sean Bean and Mark Addy.

"We are delighted by the way [screenwriters] 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," HBO's programming president Michael Lombardo told the entertainment industry trade newspaper. "This is the continuation of an exciting creative partnership."