HBO\u2019s most-watched series, the medieval fantasy drama Game of Thrones, is likely to continue through three more seasons, a network executive said on Thursday, as he defended the show\u2019s gritty violence.<\/p>\n
The sixth season is now being filmed.<\/p>\n
Executives have planned to run at least seven seasons and are discussing with the show\u2019s creators how much longer the show will extend beyond that, according to Michael Lombardo, president of HBO programming.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are feeling two more years after six,\u201d Lombardo said at a Television Critics Association meeting.<\/p>\n
Lombardo said he\u2019d like to have more beyond that and would also be open to a prequel to the story of the epic battle for the Iron Throne in the fictional kingdom of Westeros, based on George RR Martin\u2019s A Song of Ice and Fire books.<\/p>\n
This year, Game of Thrones hit 20 million viewers on average for its fifth season, which received 24 Emmy nominations including a best drama nod. The series also generated controversy for a brutal rape scene and burning of a child.<\/p>\n
Lombardo defended its graphic depictions as part of the story and said he supported show the show\u2019s creators, Dan Weiss and David Benioff.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis show has had violence as part of its many threads from first episode,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are no two showrunners more careful about not overstepping what they think the line is.\u201c<\/p>\n
The fifth season also ended by killing off one of its lead characters and fan favourite, Jon Snow, but viewers have been speculating that the character will return \u2013 not that Lombardo was giving away anything on Thursday.<\/p>\n