HBO is taking "Game of Thrones" secrecy to a Faceless Men level this year. The premium cable network has decided not to provide the media (i.e. television critics) with advanced screeners for season six. Though this strategy is not unheard of, it is rare to deny access to an Emmy-winning series such as this.
This is a first for "Game of Thrones" as all previous seasons have made available a select amount of episodes for critics to review before the season premiere. Industry convention dictates that TV series, especially critically praised ones such as "Thrones," do this to help generate buzz and word of mouth in advance of a new season. But "Thrones" is holding off on that practice this year.
"We're not sending out press copies this year, anywhere in the world," HBO programming president Michael Lombardo said to Entertainment Weekly. "There will be no copies for review."
This decision may be the result of the TV show surpassing the narrative timeline of George R.R. Martin's novel series "A Song of Ice & Fire." For the first time in the show's run, book readers are not ahead of the curve anymore. Plus, HBO sent the first four hours of season five out to media last year and the content was leaked online ahead of the show's premiere, spoiling several crucial storylines. HBO has since altered its online screening system, but appear not to be taking any chances this year with the highest-rated series of all time. The timing is understandable as season five concluded with the cliffhanger of Jon Snow's (Kit Harington) murder. Fans are beyond eager to discover if/how he returns.
Showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss were the ones to argue for a screener-less lead up to season six. After some back and forth with the network, they got their wish.
"It's painful for Dan and David [when leaks happen]," Lombardo said. "When you have press copies, inevitably friends ask, 'Can I see your copy?' There are things that happen. We talked about the upsides and downsides. Some of the press are fans who might be disappointed, but they'll understand."
"Game of Thrones" won a record setting 12 Emmy awards last year, including Best Drama, making this move all the more significant. "Thrones" is one of the world's most popular series, with last season averaging 20.2 million viewers per episode when including all forms of viewing. Given the show's popularity and committed fan base, it can survive without and pre-premiere buzz.
"Game of Thrones" will return to HBO for a sixth season on April 24.
