Violent, Sexy 'Game of Thrones' Premieres on HBO; Series Already Beating 'The Sopranos' in Overseas $

After four long years of production in exotic locales like Malta and Northern Ireland, the new HBO Series "Game of Thrones" finally aired last night, leaving no throat unslit, no breast unbared and no shocking plot twists untwisted.

Part "Lord of the Rings," part soft core action-porn ala "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" and "Rome," part "Xena: Warrior Princess," the season premiere launched with a bloody bang, drawing in critical acclaim from all corners.

James Poniewozik from Time, for example, said "watching 'Game of Thrones' is like falling into a gorgeous, stained tapestry. This epic, unflinching fantasy noir takes our preconceptions of chivalry, nobility and magic and gets medieval on them."

Hyperbole, perhaps, but the series has all the makings of a hit here in the U.S.

Based on a highly successful series of George R. R. Martin novels, the show has screenwriter and best-selling author David Benioff as part of its production team, a massive, gorgeous multi-national cast (including Sean Bean and the always fantastic Peter Dinklage), and a network apparently wiling to give the sprawling story time to unfold.

Which makes sense given the staggering numbers the show is bringing (sight unseen) overseas, where the show is already a smash hit for HBO.

"In a latest sign of international success, the premium pay network’s newest show, Game of Thrones, premieres on Sunday, but has already become HBO's best-selling series abroad ever, fetching more than $2.5 million an episode, more than 50% above the international price tag for The Sopranos," said The Hollywood Reporter.

A 50% markup on "The Sopranos"? Whether this series garners massive viewership or not, at those prices, we'd be shocked if this show (currently slated for 10 episodes) doesn't at least last for more than one season.

"Game of Thrones" plays on HBO Sundays at 9 p.m. EST.