Warning: This post contains spoilers for Game of Thrones season 8.
HBO has officially dashed the hopes of the Game of Thrones fans who wanted an alternate version of the show’s eighth and final season.
While speaking at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Wednesday, HBO programming president Casey Bloys explained that the network never had any intention of caving to the fan petition requesting that HBO hire new writers to do season 8 over — despite the fact that it has been signed by nearly 1.7 million people.
“There are very few downsides to having a hugely popular show,” he said, according to Entertainment Weekly. “One I can think of is when you try to end it, many people have opinions on how to end it. I think that comes with the territory. The petition shows a lot of enthusiasm and passion for the show but it wasn’t something we seriously considered. I can’t imagine another network would.”
But while Game of Thrones‘ fans will never get to see Daenerys’ conquest of Westeros — and subsequent demise — play out any differently, they can at least still look forward to the Game of Thrones prequel that’s in the works.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Megan McCluskey at megan.mccluskey@time.com