‘Game of Thrones’ has already been renewed for a second season by HBO, even though its series premiere just debuted on April 17, insidetv.ew.com is reporting. While the medieval fantasy show has only aired one episode so far, the network is “delighted by the way (series creators) David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have brought George R.R. Martin’s book series (Song of Ice and Fire) to the screen,” HBO president Michael Lombardo said.

The second season, which will likely be based on the series’ second book, A Clash of Kings, is believed to debut next year. The renewal “is the continuation of an exciting creative partnership,” Lombardo also said.

The ‘Game of Thrones’ renewal was considered to be extremely likely, even before the premiere aired. HBO has made a big investment into the series and has heavily promoted it, and it’s likely it will receive more money from international and DVD sales. The premiere garnered 4.2 million viewers across three airings on April 17.

Written by: Karen Benardello