Entire fifth season of Game of Thrones to be timed with US release

IN a bid to dodge online piracy, HBO has made an announcement that is sure to bring a smile to fans of Game of Thrones.

FORGET fast tracking from the US, HBO is taking things to the next level with the new season of Game of Thrones.

The broadcaster has announced it will release the fifth season of the popular show simultaneously in more than 170 countries around the globe.

It won’t just be the first episode of the season either, with the company announcing all HBO branded networks and broadcast partners around the world will release all 10 episodes simultaneously.

The new season will be launching on April 12 at 9pm Eastern Standard Time.

This means Australian fans will get to see the episode Monday at 11am Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Well, if they have access to Foxtel, a spare hour at work and a burning desire to catch the new episode immediately.

.@GameOfThrones S5 to be simulcast across the globe timed with airing on @HBO U.S., starting Sunday, 4/12 at 9PM ET: http://t.co/M7yLZYZNqU

— HBO PR (@HBOPR) March 10, 2015

HBO is hoping the new initiative will curve the trends of illegal downloads from fans hoping to avoid spoilers.

“We are thrilled to see our international partners jumping on board to bring Game of Thrones, one of the most universally loved television shows in the world, to global audiences at the same time it airs on HBO in the US,” said Michael Lombardo, President, HBO Programming.

“It’s going to be a great season.”

The announcement came just a day after a new Game of Thrones trailer was unleashed during Apple’s new product launch.

We know how we’ll be watchin' @GameOfThrones season 5. 👍 @AppStore @HBO #HBONOW #AppleLive http://t.co/uEVwKeP9am https://t.co/d071Y5Cglx

— iTunes TV (@iTunesTV) March 9, 2015