'Game of Thrones' is set to end after its eighth series, which will see the former 10-part seasons shortened, according to co-creators David Benioff an Daniel Weiss.

The American fantasy drama's co-creators David Benioff and Daniel Weiss are reportedly ''looking'' to cut the highly popular HBO programme after two more shortened series.

Speaking to 'The Hollywood Reporter' about the future of the show, which stars Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington, David said: ''I think we're down to our final 13 episodes after this season. We're heading into the final lap. ''That's the guess, though nothing is yet set in stone, but that's what we're looking at.''

It's believed season seven will be made up of seven episodes, while the final will conclude on the sixth - in comparison to its previous 10-episode run - to allow the creative team to focus more on the plot this time around.

Meanwhile the HBO president, Michael Lombardo, is hopeful the hit show will be extended. He said: ''That's my understanding from them right now, those have been the conversations we've had. Because where these narratives go, it feels like another two years to them.

As a television executive, as a fan, do I wish they said another six years? I do. I'm always an optimist, and I do believe we will figure this out. We're still in conversations.'' 'Game of Thrones' series six will hit screens on April 24.