But Game of Thrones is not the first long-running TV drama to disappoint with its ending. After six seasons and 119 episodes, the ending of Lost was universally panned.
Sturges also warns of “multiple ending syndrome”, where TV shows limp on and spend too much time on their conclusions.
But the upset proves that TV endings are not just about wrapping up a story – they’re about leaving a legacy.
Game of Thrones is so utterly unique, though, because it is built for the ending – who deserves and who will get the Throne?”