If you were one of those hyperbolic fans concerned that we would have to wait until the latter half of the 21st century to enjoy season 8 (and there’s no shame if you were – I may have been one of them too), you can now put your spiraling fears to rest. HBO has confirmed that Game of Thrones will, indeed, conclude in 2019.

HBO released a PR statement earlier today clarifying once and for all that:

[T]he hit HBO series GAME OF THRONES will return for its six-episode, eighth and final season in 2019

The statement went on to confirm that season 8’s directors will be David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, David Nutter and Miguel Sapochnik and that the writers will be David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, Bryan Cogman and Dave Hill.

This isn’t exactly news, of course. We’ve known that 2019 was the tentatively provided and most likely year for season 8’s release. Still, it’s a relief to have an concrete statement inching us a little closer to a release date.

How do you feel about this confirmation? Is 2019 still too far away for your comfort? Or are you just happy to have a year of release?