Photo: Wenn.com

Acclaimed fantasy drama 'Game of Thrones' has had a third season commissioned by HBO.

The network's president Michael Lombardo said of the decision: "Series creators David Benioff and DB Weiss raised our expectations for the second season - and then surpassed them.

"We are thrilled by all the viewer and media support we've received for the series, and can't wait to see what Dan and David have in store next season."

The show is based on George RR Martin's epic novel series 'A Song of Ice and Fire', and its second season is currently being broadcast on Sky Atlantic.

The renewal comes as good news for Brit Sean Bean. Although his character Ned Stark was killed off, there is a possibilty he will return, perhaps in the form of a flashback.

Discussing his enthusiasm for the show, he told the Hollywood Reporter: 'It's still a possibility. There is some mention of a flashback with Ned Stark so that'd be nice, just to pop in again and get me crackle on."

As reported at the beginning of the month, 'Game of Thrones' trumped the ratings of 'Mad Men' when it recently returned.