The seventh season of Game of Thrones will likely debut later than its typical April start date, according to the UFC Unfiltered podcast via Variety.  The delay is due to the need to shoot exteriors with winter backdrops, according to showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, as it’s no longer "winter is coming" in Westeros, it’s arrived.

The pair had previously revealed that the last two seasons of the hit HBO series would have fewer episodes, probably seven and six, respectively (see "Final Two 'Game of Thrones' Seasons Could Be Shorter").

This is going to put quite a strain on the hardcore fans who have become accustomed to a certain amount of the show every year.