<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> List of Game of Thrones episodes </Td> </Tr> <P> The first season of the fantasy drama television series Game of Thrones premiered on HBO on April 17, 2011, at 9.00 pm in the U.S., and concluded on June 19, 2011 . It consists of ten episodes, each of approximately 55 minutes . The series is based on A Game of Thrones, the first novel in the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, adapted for television by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss . HBO had ordered a television pilot in November 2008; filming began the following year . However, it was deemed unsatisfactory and later reshot with some roles being recast . In March 2010, HBO ordered the first season, which began filming in July 2010, primarily in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with additional filming in Malta . </P> <P> The story takes place in a fictional world, primarily upon a continent called Westeros, with one storyline occurring on another continent to the east known as Essos . Like the novel, the season initially focuses on the family of nobleman Eddard Stark, who is asked to become chief advisor to his king and longtime friend, Robert Baratheon . Ned must find out who killed the previous Hand of the King, Jon Arryn, while trying to protect his family from their rivals the Lannisters . He uncovers the dark secrets about the Lannisters that his predecessor died trying to expose . Meanwhile, in Essos, the exiled Viserys Targaryen, son of the former king, believes he still has the rightful claim to the throne . </P> <P> Game of Thrones features a large ensemble cast, including Sean Bean, Mark Addy, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster - Waldau, Michelle Fairley and Iain Glen . Newer actors were cast as the younger generation of characters, such as Kit Harington, Sophie Turner and Maisie Williams . </P>

Who played the king in season 1 of game of thrones