The first episode of the new series of Game Of Thrones has already been watched by 3.4 million Sky Atlantic viewers, the broadcaster has said.
Some 192,000 enthusiasts stayed up until 2am on Monday morning to watch the first transmission of the first episode of series eight live, at the same time it was being broadcast for the first time in the US on HBO.
That transmission has now been viewed by a total of 2.7 million UK fans who recorded the early broadcast or watched on demand, as well as those who tuned in live.
Strategic naptime is over.After 636 days, it’s almost time for the final season of #GameofThrones. #GameofThronesSeason8 pic.twitter.com/syp42nuNbJ
— Sky Atlantic (@skyatlantic) April 15, 2019
The episode aired for a second time at 9pm and that transmission has been watched by 698,000 people, including those who watched live in primetime.
The figure is expected to increase significantly as more Game Of Thrones fans catch up on the series premiere on demand, through Sky + recordings and through repeats.
A fresh look for #GOT8. The scene is set. #GameofThrones #ForTheThrone pic.twitter.com/u8J8pCNE7c
— Sky Atlantic (@skyatlantic) April 15, 2019
After the broadcast, fans in the UK said they were relieved they could “finally come out of hiding” after making it to the series eight debut without hearing any spoilers.
Many people tuning in to the second showing said they had stayed off social media all day in case any of the programme’s secrets were spilled before they could watch for themselves.
Game Of Thrones continues on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV.