Emmy winners Julia Louis-Dreyfus and David Mandel celebrate with their newest accessories at HBO's after party at the Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on Sept. 17, 2017. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

"We are definitely taking a little longer with the final season," showrunner David Mandel said of the comedy, even if it means missing the 2018 Emmy eligibility period.

While accepting Veep's Emmy for best comedy series, David Mandel joked that he was "out of a job. … If anyone hears of anything, I'm looking for movie work, but I'll do television." In reality, Mandel's hands are currently full with the upcoming final season of the HBO political comedy.

"I do have a lot of work to do," he told THR the day after the show. "There is zero process when it comes to thinking about what's next. Veep will take me through to June or July and then I'll need a break. Then I'll figure it out."

The showrunner also said he took a longer break after last season and that he and his team, which includes producer and star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, are solely focused on going out with a bang. "We are definitely taking a little longer with the final season," he said of season seven. The show typically launches in April but meeting a premiere date is "not our first concern," he says — even if that means they would miss the eligibility period for the 2018 Emmys. If Veep weren't in the running, the best comedy and lead actress in a comedy categories would be open for the taking (Veep has won three consecutive years and Louis-Dreyfus, six). "I just have to get a script done and then we'll know where things are."

Mandel, who was a longtime executive producer on Curb Your Enthusiasm, has his hands full with Veep and wasn't able to return for Larry David's upcoming ninth season. But if Curb were to continue on after Veep wraps, would he be open to a creative reunion? "I'm certainly not opposed!" he says.

A version of this story first appeared in the Sept. 20 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.