It was HBO‘s turn to take the stage at the summer edition of the Television Critics Association, and with the network in transition — Casey Bloys is still settling into his new role as chief of programming — there was much to talk about.
Right at the top of the list is the network’s most popular show, “Game Of Thrones,” which is headed toward the finish. David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have long been talking about wrapping things up after two more shortened seasons, and HBO has confirmed that season eight will indeed be the last trip to Westeros.
“If I could get them to do more, I would take 10 seasons, but we want to take their lead with what they can do and what the best version of the show is,” Bloys said, noting that the decision to end the series came from Benioff and Weiss.
As for season seven, many have noted that the summer premiere in 2017 means it will be ineligible for next year’s Emmys, and indeed that’s the case, marking the first time in show’s history it will sit out of an awards cycle. But I’d wager it’s a safe bet that HBO will make sure the final season will be in contention. And don’t think that the door on ‘Thrones’ is completely closed — the idea of doing a spinoff show is already being kicked around.
“It’s something I’m not opposed to, but it has to make sense creatively. I’m open to it. The guys aren’t opposed to it, but there’s no concrete plans,” Bloys said.
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Speaking of doors not being closed, HBO is still committed to “True Detective.” The series, which triumphed in its first season and flopped in its second, is still being considered for a third season but with one big difference: Creator Nic Pizzolatto would likely stick around in a producer role, but wouldn’t be writing it.
“It’s not dead,” Bloys said, though he added, “I’m not sure we have the right take for a third season yet.”
With HBO set to have a big gap in their programming once “Game Of Thrones” says farewell, it’ll be interesting to see what shows take shape in the next couple of years, and which one transitions into the network’s banner series. They’ve definitely got a few options, and with even more in development, they’re a long way from being down and out. [Deadline]