'Game of Thrones' returns on April 1

HBO has set April 1 as the date for the 10-episode second-season premiere of ''Game of Thrones.''Fantasy drama was a huge ratings winner for the pay cabler in its debut last year, as well as a massive profit center for the net since HBO produces the series as well. In addition to be a domestic hit, ''Thrones'' drew millions of viewers around the world.Other premiere dates announced by the cabler include the Lena Dunham comedy series ''Girls'' to debut April 15, Julia Louis-Dreyfus laffer ''Veep'' a week later on Apirl 22 and two-hour telepic ''Game Change,'' with Ed Harris as Sen. John McCain and Julianne Moore as Gov. Sarah Palin, will debut March 10. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com