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It’s taken this long for Game of Thrones to confirm a Season 7 premiere, and lips might finally now be loosening. Straight out of SXSW, Thrones bosses David Benioff and Dan Weiss confirm an even shorter episode order for the eighth and final season.

HBO seems to have bounced back from its string of disappointments with Westworld, but don’t expect True Detective to be granted another shot just yet. If it is, at least Season 1 star Matthew McConaughey is all-in to return for another round with creator Nic Pizzolatto.

Although his watch had since ended on the series, Game of Thrones fans no doubt remember the inimitable Peter Vaughan, actor behind the wise and enigmatic Maester Aemon. Word now comes that the actor has passed away at age 93, following a distinguished career that also includes the U.K.’s Porridge and Citizen Smith.

Even as “Battle of the Bastards” a few surprise returns caught our fancy, Game of Thrones fans would be hard-pressed to argue Season 6 had one unforgettable breakout. Now, the series’ best new additions is confirmed to return for Season 7, bringing us one step closer to crowning the true ruler of the seven kingdoms.

Green Day’s operatic American Idiot album naturally lent itself to a full-scale musical, but could it keep the same energy through a televised adaptation? We might find out, as Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong says HBO is in early stages of adapting the former Broadway musical.

As if the major casting of Jim Broadbent weren’t enough of a clue, Game of Thrones is finally ready to go before cameras for Season 7. Production has officially begun, but how long until those ever-telling set photos start popping up online? Should we get the #JonSnowStillLives ready?

Among the many Game of Thrones questions Season 6 tabled for the penultimate year, at least one fan-favorite character dropped off the map in what seemed very much like a suicide mission. Now, eagle-eyes in Belfast have likely confirmed said character’s return, while a surprising easter egg from Season 2 might help illuminate their path.

‘Game of Thrones’ is a show known for its spectacular visuals, especially when it comes to the eye-catching costumes. There’s stunning, detail-laden armor, there’s wispy, flowing gowns, there’s gorgeous, intricate robes, and a good amount of fur we’d kill for when that infamous winter finally arrives.

The sixth season of Game of Thrones made clearer than ever where author George R.R. Martin draws the line at confirming book twists spoiled by the HBO series, but that doesn’t mean the Game of Thrones creator signs off on every adaptational change. Showrunners reveal that Martin has at least a few disagreements with the HBO adjustments, even if he’s “a grown-up and a gentleman about it.”

Now that we’ve all swept up our jaws from the floor after Sunday’s “Battle of the Bastards,” Game of Thrones is already gearing up for its sixth season finale. “The Winds of Winter” are rising, even if Kings’ Landing seems anything but cold, with Cersei’s fiery trial and more looming in the first trailer.

Days from its premiere, Game of Thrones is still keeping a fairly tight lid on penultimate Season 6 installment “Battle of the Bastards,” to say nothing of its “Winds of Winter” finale. That said, the big battle might not be all this Sunday has to offer, as a leaked report suggests a major meeting will be taking place, perhaps forming the next great ship to rival Tormund and Brienne.

‘Game of Thrones’ has “No One” left to hid behind at this point in Season 6, mostly killing time before next week’s battle, but does Arya’s final showdown with The Waif come to a satisfying end? And what major fan theories seemingly bit the dust this week? Find out in our full review!