I know what you mean, the seventh series is likely to be only 8 episodes.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a1371...be-halved.html
and also, the Americans are thinking of making their own version...
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/a14...ss-for-us.html
Although, it is HBO so if they do it then I expect to be pretty good.