Why HBO’s Decision to Cut Game of Thrones Short Still Haunts Fans: George R.R. Martin Speaks Out

The final season of Game of Thrones is often cited as one of the most disappointing endings in television history. From the rushed character arcs to the baffling decisions surrounding Daenerys Targaryen and Bran Stark, fans and critics alike were left unsatisfied by the show’s conclusion. But according to George R.R. Martin, the series didn’t have to end that way. In fact, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire himself had a suggestion that could have dramatically changed the trajectory of Game of Thrones—if only HBO had listened.

In a recent conversation with The Wall Street Journal, Martin revealed that he had asked HBO to extend the show beyond its eighth season, which was a mere six episodes compared to the usual 10. “I was saying it needs to be 10 seasons at least and maybe 12, 13,” Martin recalled, lamenting that his plea fell on deaf ears. Instead, the responsibility of condensing the intricate world of Westeros was handed over to showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who, despite their undeniable success with earlier seasons, opted for a much shorter and rushed conclusion.

This decision to condense the ending was one of the major reasons why the final season received so much backlash. The rapid decline of Daenerys Targaryen, once a fan favorite, and the surprising elevation of Bran Stark to the throne left viewers questioning the logic behind these choices. Had the show been given more time, it’s likely these character arcs could have been fleshed out more, offering a satisfying resolution to the epic story that had captivated audiences for nearly a decade.

But by the time the final season aired, Martin had long parted ways with the live-action adaptation. While the show’s final season was under production, Martin had already turned his attention back to the literary version of his world, notably the long-awaited The Winds of Winter, which, as fans are well aware, remains unfinished. This divide between the show and the source material became increasingly evident as Game of Thrones veered further away from Martin’s original narrative, leading to the rushed and unsatisfactory conclusion.

However, the failure of the Game of Thrones finale has not halted Martin’s influence over the franchise entirely. When HBO began working on House of the Dragon, a prequel set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, Martin was given more creative control. In a 2022 interview, he noted, “I had no contribution to the later seasons [of Game of Thrones] except, you know, inventing the world, the story, and all the characters. I believe I have more influence now than I did on the original show.”

This renewed influence was evident in the success of House of the Dragon, which managed to reignite interest in the Game of Thrones universe. The season 1 finale of House of the Dragon became the most-viewed season finale since Game of Thrones’ series conclusion, demonstrating that there is still a massive appetite for stories set in Westeros.

Despite the disappointment of Game of Thrones’ final season, HBO has shown its commitment to expanding the franchise further. Upcoming projects, such as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, are set to continue exploring the rich world Martin created, offering more content to tide fans over while they wait for a book that may never come. With House of the Dragon’s success, and additional seasons already in the works, it’s clear that the demand for Westeros stories remains strong—though fans will likely never forget the missed opportunity that could have been had HBO listened to Martin’s advice.

As the saga continues in new directions, one thing remains certain: fans are still waiting for the next chapter of Martin’s epic story, even as they grapple with the lingering bitterness of a rushed ending. Perhaps with more time, the conclusion of Game of Thrones could have lived up to the legacy of its earlier seasons, making the final chapter one of triumph instead of regret. But as it stands, the world of Westeros lives on, even if its most iconic ending remains a bitter taste in fans’ mouths.