HBO's Game of Thrones returns tonight with the Season 5 premiere "The Wars to Come", airing at 9 PM ET tonight. While many fans are waiting with bated breath for the premiere, HBO has confirmed that the first four episodes of Season 5 have leaked online. Here's what the network had to say in a statement.

"Sadly, it seems the leaked four episodes of the upcoming season of Game of Thrones originated from within a group approved by HBO to receive them. We're actively assessing how this breach occurred."

The episodes were uploaded to several different Torrent sites on the internet last night, just one day before the premiere, and shortly after post-production producer Greg Spence discussed the likelihood of the episodes leaking early. The season's first trailer also leaked online back in January, which was captured by a cell phone camera. The first four episodes were reportedly leaked through online screeners sent to press members for review purposes. When the person who leaked the episodes posted the fourth episode, he or she said this would be the final upload for the evening, although he/she did tease that more episodes may be coming in the future.

What do you think about these episodes leaking online before they air on HBO? Do you plan on watching the pirated episodes, or will you just wait to tune in when they air on Sunday nights? Let us know what you think below, and stay tuned for more updates.