History channel hit 'Vikings' makes its second season premiere

COUNTY WICKLOW, Ireland, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- History channel hit Vikings has made its return to television.

The second season premiere aired Thursday night, a change from its usual Sunday night time slot. The move to the competitive Thursday broadcast time reflects the first season's success and History's confidence that the show will continue to thrive.

Romance, family and friendship abound in the show's plot lines, which focus on lead character Ragnar Lodbrok, portrayed by Travis Fimmel. The character is based on the legendary Viking chieftain of the same name, who led the Norsemen in exploratory raids and became notorious as the scourge of France and England.

In Vikings, Ragnar must contend with his duplicitous brother Rollo, juggle his shield-maiden wife Lagertha and new love Aslaug, and simultaneously confront those who stand in the way of his bloody raids and exploration. Needless to say, "Ragnar's got a lot of personal drama," said actor Fimmel in a recent interview with TV Guide.

Vikings airs at 10PM E.T. Thursday nights on History.

[TV Guide]