I binge-watched the entire series in 3-4 days, almost around the clock. I was in a haze for several days afterward, but it made it a lot easier to keep track of the huge ensemble cast, which is on the scale of War and Peace. In retrospect, I'd recommend 4-6 episodes per day to get through the first season (10 episodes per season, with 5 complete seasons and the average episode about 55 minutes) and by then you'll either be hooked or bored silly.
It will take a few episodes just to get the lay of the land -- literally and figuratively -- and figure out who is who in terms of families and stature, etc. Sean Bean's family turns out to be the central focus -- at least in season one -- but as the series wears on, it is more about the next generation, so Bean is prominent only during the first season.
There are enough characters that sheer numbers will make sure you have some you really care about and want to follow, but the mortality rate is high and as soon as you think "they wouldn't possibly kill off X" you are probably in for a surprise.
It is ultimately a late middle ages soap opera, but it is well written, the on-location filming is amazing and the story is strong.
Give it a try.