Debut episode of the new nine-part series achieves the top cable debut of the year in the US
The Wicklow-filmed nine part series follows in the blood-soaked footsteps of Game of Thrones as another major success story for a battle-driven epic filmed on Irish shores.
On Sunday evening, Vikings scored 8.3 million total viewers, making it the number one new cable series launch of the year among total viewers in the US and adults aged 25-54.
A family saga told from the point of view of the Vikings themselves, the series has earned praise for its dramatic recreation of an historical period filled with compelling characters.
“People think they know the Vikings but the reality is more complex. We knew our audience had an appetite for this unexpected storytelling and it was a big bet that paid off,” said Nancy Dubuc, President, Entertainment and Media, A+E Networks.
The first scripted series on the History channel, Vikings focuses on the conflict between warrior Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and Gabriel Byrne’s chieftain Earl Haraldson as they become locked in a leadership struggle as tempers become strained to breaking point.
Written and created by Michael Hirst (The Tudors), the series was also executive-produced by Morgan O’Sullivan (The Count of Monte Cristo; The Tudors), John Weber of Take 5 Productions (The Tudors, The Borgias), Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer, James Flynn (The Tudors, The Borgias) and Sheila Hockin (The Tudors, The Borgias).
Other cast members include Katheryn Winnick, Jessalyn Gilsig; George Blagden, Clive Standen and Gustaf Skarsgard. An Irish/Canadian co-production by World 2000 and Take 5 Productions, Vikings will be distributed internationally by MGM television with an Irish air date yet to be confirmed.
