The feature-length finale drew a record 16.1 million viewers in the US alone, breaking the previous record which was set just two weeks ago.
On average, season seven has drawn 31 million viewers per episode once live, time-shifted, on-demand and streaming figures are consolidated, up 34 per cent on last year.
Despite the stellar ratings and the increased number of broadcast and streaming options given to viewers, a greater number are using illegal downloads to watch the series.
Minutes after the finale aired in the US, some 400,000 people were sharing just one of the many torrent files available online.
While there are no official figures on illegal downloads, it is thought that millions will watch a pirated version of the episode this week.
However, those who watch Game of Thrones or any other copyrighted by unofficial methods are breaking the law.
In May the Government passed the Digital Economy Act, which increased the maximum sentence for sharing illegal files from two years to 10.
The bill is mostly targeted at those who distribute stolen content, however end-users could also be prosecuted under the legislation.
It is not just downloaders who could find themselves in trouble, as those who use illegal streaming sites or watch pirated content through Kodi boxes or other devices are also flouting the law.
Streaming used to fall into a grey area of the law, however the European Court of Justice has recently ruled that streaming copyrighted content without the right-holder’s permission is illegal.
Despite the risks associated with illegal downloading or streaming, Game of Thrones remains the most-pirated show on television.
A survey released in July predicted that five per cent of US viewers, or 10.5 million, planned to watch season seven by illegitimate means.
The only way to watch the latest Game of Thrones episode safely and legally in the UK is via Sky Atlantic or NOW TV – the latter of which offers a free 14-day trial to new customers.
All seven seasons are also available to purchase on Amazon Video and iTunes.