'The Leftovers' Season 3 Air Date & News: S3 To Premiere April 2017? Why Delay Is Great For The Show

Speculations as to when "The Leftovers" Season 3 airs on HBO might finally be put to rest. An executive of the network has hinted that the series could take over the slot for "Game of Thrones," which usually begins its run around spring time. But while an April 2017 air date might be too long a wait for fans of "The Leftovers," there could be a silver lining to this delay.

HBO programming head Casey Bloys indicated that "The Leftovers" is likely to air Season 3 on the time schedule originally meant for "Game of Thrones." But since the latter show has moved up its filming dates, it won't be able to meet its April 2017 premiere.

"We had a slot in the spring where GOT was moving out of," Bloys told the press at the Television Critics Association panel, per Slash Film. He also confirmed that "The Leftovers" Season 3 will have eight episodes, as showrunner and series creator Damon Lindelof believes it's the "right number" to cap the final season. The cast and crew are already filming in Australia.

#TheLeftovers' third and final season will premiere in 2017https://t.co/lyIEp9Wy6d #TCA16 pic.twitter.com/qXauJoRuCb

— Michael Ausiello (@MichaelAusiello) July 30, 2016

"The Leftovers" Season 1 had its debut in June 2014, while Season 2 started in October 2015. Though an April 2017 premiere delays "The Leftovers" in a big way, the change in schedule could bring something great for the series. According to Indiewire, shows that premiere in April have the best advantage when it comes to awards and recognitions at the Emmys, the TV academy's most prestigious award-giving body.

The news outlet pointed out that some of the more recent shows that have won Best Drama and acting awards for its cast -- such as "Breaking Bad," "Mad Men" and even "Game of Thrones" -- air during the spring. At this time period, Emmy voters are usually more aware and are on the lookout for shows to consider in the nominations since Emmy ballots are handout out to its members in June.

Fans and critics alike have long hoped the show gets the recognition it deserves from the Emmys. With the shift in schedule, "The Leftovers" could finally become a strong contender for an award next year. The long wait should be worth it!