'Game of Thrones' debut draws record 10.1 million viewers

This image released by HBO shows Lena Headey, left, and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau in "Game of Thrones." (Helen Sloan/HBO via AP)

LOS ANGELES - Women dominate Westeros as never before, and it's the same with the "Game of Thrones" ratings.

The HBO drama's seventh-season premiere last weekend drew a record-setting 10.1 million viewers, according to Nielsen company figures released Tuesday.

That eclipsed previous top-rated "Game of Thrones" episodes, including the 8.11 million who watched the season five finale in 2015 and the 8 million who tuned in to that year's opener.

The numbers represent viewers who watched the episodes as they first aired. Many more join the party through streaming and DVR viewings.

As the new season opened, Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) is atop the Iron Throne as queen of Westeros; Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) commands an extensive army, and Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) is exacting revenge for Red Wedding family deaths.

There was one eye-catching new man: Pop star Ed Sheeran had a cameo in the premiere.