The secrecy around season six of Game of Thrones has just been stepped up a notch, as HBO have announced they won't be issuing any preview episodes of the show to press ahead of the premiere in what will be a first for the show, or indeed any major television series.
It doesn't come as too much of a surprise considering the controversy last year when the first four episodes leaked online meaning that there were spoilers running rife around the internet. Since then, HBO have switched to a more secure online screening system for press, but they are not taking any chances.
HBO programming president Michael Lombardo told EW; “We’re not sending out press copies this year, anywhere in the world. There will be no copies for review.
"It’s painful for Dan and David [when leaks happen],” Lombardo added. “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.”
As a media outlet who previously did receive preview screenings, yes, it's slightly disappointing, but it's definitely for the greater good of the show.... and it gives us even more hope that there is one very specific reason for all this secrecy.
He's coming back guys, we can feel it.
Game of Thrones season six will premiere on Sky Atlantic at 9pm on Monday April, 25th, while it will also simulcast with the States again this year, so you night owls can see it at 2am in the early hours of Monday morning too.
