LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - HBO's Game of Thrones returned in a big way as it has notched its highest ratings to date.

The show's season 2 premiere scored a record 3.9 million viewers, becoming the most watched scripted cable series this week. Figuring in the broadcasts for the night, viewership almost doubled to 6.3 million, a 53% increase from their first season's average.

With the huge jump in ratings, Game of Thrones is steadily becoming HBO's new marquee series, surpassing the recent season highs from their latest hit drama, Boardwalk Empire.