Game of Thrones showrunners explain why the final season is taking so long

Game of Thrones type TV Show network HBO Where to watch Close Streaming Options

Backstage at the Emmy Awards, the showrunners of Game of Thrones explained to reporters why the final season is taking so long.

Writer-producers David Benioff and Dan Weiss, who just got off the Microsoft Theater stage accepting the award for best drama series, told the press that even though the eighth season is only six episodes, it will be very clear when watching the result why it took longer than ever to shoot.

“The final season’s taking a long time because it’s the biggest thing we’ve ever done,” Benioff said. “It was nearly a full year in Belfast either prepping it or actually shooting it. I think when people see it they’re going to understand why it took so long. The last season is far beyond what we’ve ever attempted before.”

Thrones only recently wrapped filming its final season after getting underway late last year. Part of that extra time was for a battle sequence that was by far the most ambitious the show has ever filmed.

Author George R.R. Martin also weighed in on the show ending, telling Variety on the red carpet that he wanted the series to go longer. “We could’ve gone 11, 12, 13 seasons,” he said. “David and Dan have been saying for like five seasons that seven seasons is all they would go. We got them to go to eight but not any more than that. There was a period like five years ago when they were saying seven seasons and I was saying 10 seasons and they won, they’re the ones actually working on it.”

Game of Thrones picked up its third Emmy for best drama series Monday night following wins in 2015 and 2016 (the show wasn’t up for last year’s Awards due to season 7 airing just outside of the eligibility period). Star Peter Dinklage also won his third Emmy for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister.

GoT returns in the first half of 2019.

— With additional reporting by Lynette Rice and Samantha Highfill

Episode Recaps Previous The most memorable shipper moments of 2019 By Samantha Highfill

The 30 most shocking TV moments of 2019 By EW Staff

See photos of the Game of Thrones cast celebrating their last Emmys together By Tyler Aquilina

See the best Game of Thrones moments from Comic-Con 2019 By Nick Romano

Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke's adorable friendship, on and off the Game of Thrones set By Tyler Aquilina

All the times Emilia Clarke and Jason Momoa had a mini-Game of Thrones reunion By Tyler Aquilina

The 10 best couples on Game of Thrones (and 3 dishonorable mentions) By Tyler Aquilina

See all of EW's epic Game of Thrones covers By Jessica Derschowitz

Game of Thrones: 14 never-before-released final season photos By James Hibberd

All the Game of Thrones seasons, ranked By Darren Franich

Look back at the biggest Game of Thrones cameos By Derek Lawrence

Check out HBO's new Game of Thrones season 8 merch By EW Staff

S8 E3 Recap Game of Thrones recap of Winterfell battle: A dark, epic bloodbath By James Hibberd

See Game of Thrones stars with and without their beards By Jillian Sederholm

11 of the best Game of Thrones gifts for diehard fans By Alex Warner

S8 E1 Recap Game of Thrones season 8 premiere recap: Jon finds out By James Hibberd

Queer Eye's Jonathan Van Ness breaks down the best hair on Game of Thrones By Piya Sinha-Roy

25 of TV's best opening credit sequences By EW Staff

See Maisie Williams and Sophie Turner at Game of Thrones premieres through the years By Lauren Morgan

See all the stars at the Game of Thrones premiere after-party By EW Staff

See all the Game of Thrones stars at the season 8 premiere By James Hibberd

Valar morghulis: 20 Game of Thrones stars look back on their character deaths By Nick Romano

Game of Thrones storyboard artist breaks down the death of Jon Snow By Christian Holub Next