Miguel Sapochnik (Finch), the co-showrunner of the new hit Game Of Thrones spinoff series House Of The Dragon, is stepping down from his position with the series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The show’s co-creator and showrunner, Ryan Condal, will now serve as sole showrunner.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sapochnik is leaving the series “after pouring an exhausting three years of effort into the Game Of Thrones prequel.” Although he is exiting House Of The Dragon, Sapochnik has signed a first-look deal with HBO, who airs the series, to develop new projects and remain an executive producer for the remainder of the series, per The Hollywood Reporter.

In response to Sapochnik’s exit, the show is hiring Alan Taylor (The Many Saints Of Newark) as an executive producer and to direct multiple episodes for season two, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Sapochnik released a statement on his exit from the show.

“Working within the Thrones universe for the past few years has been an honor and a privilege, especially spending the last two with the amazing cast and crew of House of the Dragon,” Sapochnik said, per The Hollywood Reporter. “I am so proud of what we accomplished with season one and overjoyed by the enthusiastic reaction of our viewers. It was incredibly tough to decide to move on, but I know that it is the right choice for me, personally and professionally. As I do so, though, I am deeply comforted to know that Alan will be joining the series. He’s someone I’ve known and respected for a long time, and I believe this precious series could not be in safer hands. I am so glad to remain a part of the HBO and House of the Dragon family and, of course, I wish Ryan and his team success and all the best with season two and beyond.”

HBO also released a statement on Sapochnik’s departure.

“Miguel Sapochnik has done amazing work on the first season of House of the Dragon, establishing its signature look and feel. This series simply could not have come together the way it did without him. While we would have loved to have Miguel continue in the same role, we are thrilled to have his ongoing collaboration in this new creative capacity. Looking forward, we’ve had a decades-long relationship with Alan Taylor, and we are delighted to have him join Ryan and rest the talented team,” the network said, per The Hollywood Reporter.