<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Website </Td> </Tr> <P> Westworld is an American science fiction western television series created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy . Produced by HBO, it is based on the 1973 film of the same name (written and directed by Michael Crichton) and to a lesser extent its 1976 sequel, Futureworld . The story takes place in Westworld, a fictional, technologically advanced Wild - West - themed amusement park populated by android "hosts". The park caters to high - paying guests who may indulge their wildest fantasies within the park without fear of retaliation from the hosts, who are prevented by their programming from harming humans . </P> <P> Nolan and Joy serve as executive producers, along with J.J. Abrams, Jerry Weintraub, and Bryan Burk . The first season premiered on October 2, 2016, and concluded on December 4, 2016; it comprised ten episodes . In November 2016, HBO renewed the series for a ten - episode second season, which premiered on April 22, 2018 . The series' debut on HBO garnered the network's highest viewership ratings for a premiere since the first episode of True Detective in 2014 . Moreover, Westworld ranks as the most - watched first season of any HBO original series . On May 1, 2018, the series was renewed for a third season . </P> <P> The series has received largely positive reviews from critics, with particular praise having been given for its visuals, story, and performances . </P>

How many episodes are there in season 1 of westworld