Three more series of Game of Thrones and a possible prequel, says HBO

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White Walker in Game of ThronesImage source, Sky Atlantic

There could be three more series of Game of Thrones, including the sixth which is being filmed at the moment.

HBO bosses say they'd planned to run the show for seven seasons but it could now have eight in total plus a prequel.

The show's creators are talking about how much longer the show will last, said Michael Lombardo, president of HBO programming.

"They are feeling two more years after six," Lombardo said at a Television Critics Association meeting.

Image source, Sky Atlantic

The HBO boss also said he'd be open to a prequel to the story of the battle for the Iron Throne in the fictional kingdom of Westeros.

The show is based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire books.

It's thought the sixth book in his series, Winds of Winter, will be released next year but the show has already caught up with the books and the fifth novel A Dance of Dragons.

Image source, Sky Atlantic
Image caption,

One scene featured Sansa Stark being raped by her new husband Ramsay Bolton

This year, Game of Thrones hit 20 million viewers on average for its fifth season in America and received 24 Emmy nominations, including in the best drama category.

The season five finale was watched by almost 1.7 million people on Sky Atlantic in the UK.

The show's been criticised this year for its violent content.

There was controversy for a brutal rape scene and the burning of a child.

Image source, Sky Atlantic
Image caption,

Stannis and Selyse Baratheon's only child Shireen was burned alive after advice from Melisandre, the red woman

Image source, Sky Atlantic

Lombardo defended the graphic scenes as part of the story and said he supported show creators Dan Weiss and David Benioff.

"This show has had violence as part of its many threads from first episode," he said.

"There are no two show runners more careful about not overstepping what they think the line is."

Image source, Sky Atlantic
Image caption,

Myrcella Baratheon dies on her way home from Dorne after being poisoned by Ellaria Sand

Image source, Sky Atlantic
Image caption,

Cersei Lannister was forced to perform a nude walk of shame through the streets of King's Landing

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 - not that Lombardo was giving away anything on that front.

"Everything I've seen, heard and read, Jon Snow is dead," he said.

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