game of thrones

After much speculation, HBO has officially announced that the eighth and final season of ‘Game of Thrones’ will premiere in 2019.  The showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss stated last year that they wanted to take a year and a half to ensure that they get the last six episode of this monster hit just right.  While many of those involved in the series, including the actors, have stated that ‘Game of Thrones’ won’t be back until 2019, HBO’s announcement makes it official.

The eighth season is currently shooting and that is expected to carry on until summer.  But of course, a show as FX heavy as this one requires added time for post-production.  The extra time means that HBO can now focus its attention on promoting ‘GoT’ season seven during the upcoming Emmys race, rather than selling a new season, not that it would require much to drum up excitement for that.  It also allows the network to throw its support behind ‘Westworld’, its newer critically-acclaimed, FX-heavy series, which returns for its sophomore season this year.

HBO did not offer an exact return date, which leaves a 12-month span of possibilities.  That could mean an almost two year wait for fans if it arrives too late in the year.  But considering that until last season, ‘GoT’ always premiered in the spring, that is most likely.  Production on Season Seven ran long, pushing it to a summer debut.  Technically anything is possible, but with filming expected to wrap up within the next six months (approximately), hopefully that will mean a return sooner than later.

Regardless of the timing, here’s hoping that the wait is worth it.  Former ‘GoT’ actor Jason Momoa recently visited the set (and insists that there will not be a Khal Drogo appearance in season eight) and stated:

“It’s going to be the greatest thing that’s ever aired on TV. It’s going to be unbelievable. It’s going to f— up a lot of people.”

Are you happy to finally have confirmation of ‘Game of Thrones” return?

Source: Entertainment Weekly