The reason for Tyrant Season 4 cancellation has been explained. Speaking to THR, Fox 21 president Bert Salke said the political thriller’s demise was always on the cards going into Season 3 and that it ultimately boiled down to numbers:
“We knew after the second year and were really aware that for a show we felt so strongly about — and the fan base felt so strongly about — that the numbers weren’t commensurate with the base for the show. Nobody was more aware than the FX people and John wanted to get in front of it.”
Salke noted that Landgraf gave the series an opportunity to continue telling its story and, should it end, provide a satisfying conclusion to its small but loyal viewership — but if the numbers grew, the drama would likely live on. To that end, Landgraf would provide regular weekly ratings updates to Salke, Gordon and Keyser.
Chris, Howard and the studio went in with very open eyes and hoping for the best. We were getting behind it the same way we do every year and preparing for any number of outcomes. There were no surprises.”
The studio, Chris and Howard all felt the show was better creatively than it had ever been. But as the year went on and the numbers weren’t bumping up, we were aware of where these last episodes were going to go and had to make a satisfying ending and make sure we left things — if indeed it would leave FX, which John would decide — open for opportunities if need be.”
With with the studio “actively engaged” in finding Tyrant a new home, Salke is optimistic the drama will resurrect at a streaming service, with Hulu appearing the most likely outcome:
“Conversations are ongoing and they are meaningful because we’re invested in the show. When this happens, it’s more likely than not that when a show dies on cable or broadcast, the studio walks away. In the old days, that’s all you had. Now you talk about it but the truth is you don’t jump in unless you really have a passion for the show and believe there’s life and an audience left for the show. We believe that.”
Will Tyrant reign again? Stay tuned as we continue to watch the cancellation escape hatch for a Tyrant Season 4 revival…
Linda Magathan says
PLEASE renew Tyrant ! Would love a season 4. One of the best shows I have watched.
Lin says
Please produce season 4 and then 5! This is a great series.