HBO takes extreme measure to stop “Game of Thrones” piracy

PanARMENIAN.Net - No more early view of "Game of Thrones". In its latest effort to stop piracy, the pay cable channel has decided not to send press any episodes of the show's upcoming season 6 in advance, either on DVD or via online screening, which is contrary to industry convention, AceShowbiz reports.

"We're not sending out press copies this year, anywhere in the world," HBO programming president Michael Lombardo confirms this to EW. "There will be no copies for review."

Lombardo explains the move, "It's painful for Dan (Weiss) and David (Benioff) [when leaks happen]. 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."

The hit medieval drama series has set record as the most pirated TV show for the past few years. Last year, the first four episodes of the fifth season were available for illegal download on piracy networks in full, a day before the season premiere on HBO.

"Game of Thrones" returns with the new season beginning April 24 on HBO.