There seems to be a disconnect lately between HBO, which wants Game of Thrones to last just seven seasons, and George R.R. Martin, who seems to think the show could last years and years, devoting a couple seasons each to Feast For Crows and Dance With Dragons. But where did Martin get this impression? Maybe from HBO.
Lately, HBO programming president Michael Lombardo has been quoted as saying that seven seasons seems like the right length for the show. But back in 2011, when the show was new, Lombardo told the same reporter, EW's James Hibberd: "I hope it lasts for 20 years. I promise you we won't stop it before it's ready to stop."
To which HBO co-president Richard Plepler added, "We told [author George R.R. Martin] we'd go as long as he keeps writing."
(I came across these quotes earlier today, while researching comparisons between Game of Thrones and Deadwood, which HBO cancelled early.)
Of course, a lot has probably changed since 2011 — the show's budget per season has gone up, for one thing. For another, the writers have gotten better at anticipating events in the later books, most notably with Theon Greyjoy, and have probably shaped up their plan for the next couple of seasons accordingly. Still, you can see where Martin might have gotten the idea that the show could run and run. [EW]