Game of Thrones prequel series in talks, HBO says

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

HBO has never made a prequel or spinoff series from one of its scripted hits. But Game of Thrones could change that.

The network’s programming president Casey Bloys confirms HBO is still talking to author George R.R. Martin about ideas for a follow-up to the international Emmy-winning hit series, which is seen by more than 20 million viewers.

“I would say it’s still kind of preliminary ongoing talks,” Bloys replied when asked if he’s zeroed in on a specific idea from Martin’s thousands of years of Westeros history to potentially develop into a new show. “There are areas we are exploring, but I wouldn’t point to any one and say, ‘This is what we’re going to do.'”

We also asked Bloys if Thrones‘ season 8 episode count has been determined (EW and others have previously reported that producers David Benioff and Dan Weiss aim to keep the final season to six episodes). “I’ll take as much as we can get,” the executive says.

Another question about the last season is whether the final couple episodes could be released in theaters as a movie — something that Martin and others have lobbied for, given the show’s epic scope and cinematic production values. HBO insiders have long suggested this wasn’t going to happen, as the network prefers focus on serving its subscribers. “I want everything I can get for HBO, I’ll just leave it at that,” Bloys confirmed.

The interview was pegged to Bloys announcing that he’s renewed HBO’s new fall shows — Westworld, Insecure, and Divorce — for second seasons. Thrones returns next summer for its seventh season, which will have seven episodes.

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