We’ve all been wondering when Game of Thrones might come to a close, but HBO’s president just added (at least) one extra season to what fans had expected. Oh, and maybe even a spinoff series.

While speaking at the Television Critics Association’s press tour, HBO programming president Michael Lombardo said they plan on producing at least eight seasons of the hit fantasy series. That was news to many fans, as the series’ creators had previously hinted the series could end after its seventh season (Season 6 debuts in 2016). Considering he’s the guy who cuts the deals, it’d stand to reason Lombardo knows what he’s talking about.

Even better? He talked up the chances for a potential prequel series, assuming series showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss are into making one. Considering Game of Thrones is the most successful show in HBO history, it’s not much of a surprise they want to keep it around in some form or fashion. If Fear the Walking Dead turns into a monster hit for AMC, you’d have to think HBO would be keen to get Pre-Game of Thrones on the air.

Here’s an excerpt from Lombardo’s comments:

“Seven-seasons-and-out has never been the [internal] conversation. The question is: How much beyond seven are we going to do? Obviously we’re shooting six now, hopefully discussing seven. [Showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss are] feel like there’s two more years after six. I would always love for them to change their minds, but that’s what we’re looking at right now.

I would be open to anything that Dan and David wanted to do—about Game of Thrones, or any subject matter. It really would depend fully on what they wanted to do. I think you’re right, there’s enormous storytelling to be mined in a prequel, if George and Dan and David decide they want to tackle that. At this point, all the focus is on the next few years of the show. We haven’t had any conversations about that at this point.”

What’s your take on the Thrones situation? How many seasons do you want? Do you want a spinoff?

(Via Entertainment Weekly)