Game of Thrones novelist George R.R. Martin is unsure why the HBO show is ending already, when it could've gone onto 13 seasons or more. Having initially premiered in 2011, Game of Thrones became a smash hit for HBO and has received immense critical praise along with quite a loyal fandom.

The fantasy drama – created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss – is based on Martin's book series entitled A Song Of Fire And Ice. Although the series is based on the novels, they've deviated from the source material over the years, including cutting out several bits of content in order to maintain a consumable amount of seasons. Otherwise, the producers may fear overstaying their welcome on HBO. That is only one of the few reasons they are ending Game of Thrones after just eight seasons. But the franchise's original creator was hoping that it would go on for a bit longer.

Related: Game of Thrones' Maisie Williams Wraps Filming On Final Season

In an interview with Variety at the Emmys, Martin was unsure why Game of Thrones was ending after only eight seasons. He thought the HBO series could last 13 seasons or more but was hoping that it would at least reach season 10. Continuing, Martin discusses other projects that insinuate his relationship with HBO is not ending anytime soon. In addition to developing five highly-anticipated Game of Thrones prequels, Martin introduced the woman accompanying him on the red carpet: Nnedi Okorafor. Nnedi's novel, Who Fears Death, was picked up by HBO and Martin will act as the executive producer on that project.

Author George RR Martin

In spite of the news of the prequels, fan anticipation mainly surrounds the newest season of Game of Thrones, and, unfortunately, they might be waiting longer than they hoped. In an effort to keep the drama of Westeros constantly available, work on the prequels is happening simultaneously to the filming of the eighth season. According to a recent report, it may not be until May of 2019 that fans find out the fate of Tyrion, Cersei, and Jon Snow. Although, several seasons have started in April, the last season began in the summer of 2017, so it would not be surprising if the same applied to the newest season; fans may see a premiere during the summer of 2019.

Though Martin would've like to see his show press on beyond the number of seasons a TV show is generally allotted, it may perhaps be in HBO's best interest to leave fans wanting more. In the era of overabundant seasons and remakes, it can be refreshing to watch a story through to its natural conclusion; there can be a feeling of satisfaction in leaving those characters behind. Hopefully, the prequels don't sully the quality of the original show and only bring fans further into the fully fleshed out world that is George R.R. Martin's mind.

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Source: Variety