The FX vampire series The Strain will return for a Season 4 in Summer 2017, but it’ll be the last go-around for the show. The network announced today that it has renewed The Strain for a fourth and final season, with creators Carlton Cuse, Guillermo del Toro, and Chuck Hogan bringing the thriller to a dramatic conclusion. The series originated as an adaptation of the book trilogy by del Toro and Hogan, which revolves around a vampire outbreak in New York City and the fallout that ensues. Del Toro directed the pilot and has remained involved in the series throughout as Cuse took on showrunner duties.
Speaking on the news of the show’s impending conclusion, Cuse had this to say:
“It is a true joy to work at FX where creative intentions always comes first. Our original plan was for the series to last three years. Once we began telling that story it expanded to be more. After finishing the writing on season three, Guillermo, Chuck and I looked at our remaining story and felt the best version could be told in one more season. We have a fantastic plan for an exciting and climatic season four. We are deeply grateful to FX for supporting our vision and for allowing us to end the show on our own timetable.”
The Strain got off to a strong enough start, with a colorful visual palette set by del Toro and some really intriguing vampire designs. However, ever since even the first few episodes of Season 1, it’s a show that’s felt like it’s spinning its wheels. Plot points drone on for many episodes without too much forward movement, finally reaching their inevitable conclusion while the rest of the time is filled out by character moments—which is normally fine, but the characters of The Strain have proved divisive and somewhat lacking in personality.
Way back in 2014 Cuse and Del Toro said the maximum number of seasons The Strain would run was five, so they’re certainly keeping their word. Season 3 (with a reduced episode order) is currently in the midst of airing on FX, and it’ll be interesting to see what kind of conclusion the show barrels towards in its final season next summer. Will del Toro get back in the director’s chair one last time? I suppose we’ll find out.
What say you, The Strain fans? How do you feel about the show overall? Is a four-season cap a swell idea? Sound off in the comments below.
