Writer/producer David Benioff (R) accepts Outstanding Drama Series for 'Game of Thrones' from actor Jimmy Smits (L) onstage during the 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 18, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo : Getty Images/ Kevin Winter)
While every "Game of Thrones" fan knows that Season 8 is coming, HBO has not formally renewed the series for its eighth and final season. Rumor has it that the delay is due to a possible change in game plan, as the creators of the series are allegedly considering extending Season 8 beyond the previously announced six episodes.
According to HBO's programming president Casey Bloys, the formal announcement on the renewal of the series has been delayed because showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are currently trying to figure out the number of episodes that they want to do. This means that the final season may have more than just six episodes.
In April 2016, Benioff and Weiss said that Season 7 would include seven episodes while Season 7 would include six. However, Bloys recently told TV Line, "They're still figuring out because I think they're trying to get a shape of the season. They always do what they think will yield the best version of the show. It's all about how many episodes they're comfortable with. But I'll always take more."
As reported by The Independent, Benioff and Weiss have always had an end date in mind and have always stated how they wish the series to be capped at 73 hours. The previous seasons held 10 episodes each, while Season 7 and Season 8 were initially planned to consist of seven and six episodes, respectively. With Bloys' recent statement, however, it looks like more episodes could be on the way.
Last year, Benioff also said they wanted "Game of Thrones" to tell a cohesive story with a sensible beginning, middle and end. The series creator said they had known the end for quite some time and were hurtling towards it.
In the Season 6 finale, Daenerys was back to Westeros, Jon Snow was declared the king of the North, and Cersei was seated on the Iron Throne. Benioff said that given those last images from the Season 6 finale, the pieces proved to be finally on board and heading towards the endgame.
"Game of Thrones" Season7 is set to premiere this summer on HBO. Watch the promo for Season 7 here:
