TNT has decided The Last Ship will be launching its last season with Season 5. News of the cancellation comes before Season 5 has even premiered. While the network had previously denied plans to end the series with its fifth season, TNT head honcho Kevin Reilly confirmed the news. Don't worry though. There are some bittersweet details about the final season that should land on the sweeter side of things for fans taking in the bitter news.
Unlike many series that have met their demise with a cliffhanger ending hanging in the balance, Deadline has confirmed that The Last Ship will end without one. Welcome news to fans of the series, who want closure from a five-season investment that will have spanned over 50 episodes upon its completion. With so many series going out with cliffhangers that may or may not be resolved, The Last Ship's decision to avoid that path should be a relief to wary fans.
Based on the report, it sounds as though the cast and crew will not be shocked by the news of The Last Ship's cancellation. The bright side is that those involved did not anticipate there being a sixth season, so Season 5 should have been written and produced with that in mind. For those wondering why the show is being cancelled, the report mentions diminishing ratings, which are always a key factor when a network is considering how to decide what is renewed.
Putting in five seasons is an impressive feat. A summer show, The Last Ship has been a beacon for those seeking out new entertainment during what has historically been a less active one for new television. Eric Dane's role on The Last Ship marked his first television series since leaving his popular role as Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on Grey's Anatomy. Fans of the actor will have to wait and see what he appears in next. The series' cancellation will certainly put him in demand.
TNT has not announced a premiere date for the fifth and final season of The Last Ship. It is expected to arrive sometime this summer, which is when its previous seasons have usually bowed. With no cliffhanger in store, fans should find the final season to be rather smooth sailing. The series is one of the few that is unlikely to go out seeking an extension of life, following news of its cancellation. The Last Ship will hopefully cruise off screens with a resolved storyline and pleased fans.
The Last Ship is not the first cancellation of the season, and it will probably not be the last. To keep up to date with the latest shows that have been cancelled and renewed, check out our 2018 network TV rundown. If you are wondering what other shows summer has in store, we have everything you need with our summer premiere schedule.
