HBO boss on ‘Veep’ season 3, futures of ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘True Blood’

Today, the boss behind HBO, otherwise known by us as the “you get what you pay for network,” had his moment in the sun at the Television Critics Association summer panel, and in the process we had an opportunity to learn some details on a few of the series that you have become accustomed to knowing, loving, and crying over (see the Red Wedding on “Game of Thrones” if you want to cry your face off) throughout the past few years.

In speaking of the fantasy, Michael Lombardo said that at the moment, there is really no timetable on how long the George R.R. Martin adaptation can last. Presumably, we do see it going until the book series is complete, though we do imagine that there will be challenges down the road in that the books may not be ready for the TV show, and it almost makes you wonder whether it would’ve been better to maybe release season 1 now or within a year. (Granted, we say that, but we’re so addicted to “Game of Thrones” that we’d sob if it was pried from our hands.)

As for some other shows…

-“True Blood” season 7 is not necessarily the last, as Lombardo praised new showrunner Brian Buckner and said that they are taking everything day by day. Personally, we can’t see this show lasting beyond a season 8, if it makes it that far.

–“Veep” season 3 will be about Selina Meyer running for President, which is something that in theory we find to be a rather hilarious concept. But if she wins the election, what does she go by then: “Pres”? Does that change the whole nature of the show in that she’s constantly being shafted by other people?

-The “Criminal Justice” pilot filmed by the late James Gandolfini could move forward, but with a new actor in the leading role.

-The “Enlightened” cancellation was spun to suggest that the story had reached its natural end, but let’s not kid ourselves. The brilliant show would be on the air of people actually watched.

Photo: HBO