It has been confirmed that season 8 of "The Vampire Diaries" will be its final run, and rumors are rife that its spin-off show "The Originals" will also be cancelled after its fourth season.
According to a report by Parent Herald, there has been no confirmation for the cancellation of "The Originals," but the reduced episode order for season 4 and the show's declining ratings does not bode well for the series that has in its center the Mikaelson family of New Orleans.
Should a cancellation happen, though, the report hinted that it is possible that ABC could pick up the series.
Meanwhile, during the Television Critics Association panel, The CW President Mark Pedowitz has reportedly expressed hope that the show could be picked up for a fifth season and that it "could live very well on its own" past the end of "The Vampire Diaries."
As for the upcoming season, it is expected that "The Vampire Diaries" crossover could happen in season 4, hinting that a Klaroline reunion could be in the works. It has been rumored that Caroline (Candace Accola) would appear in the series to save Klaus (Joseph Morgan).
The series is expected to also feature a five year time jump upon its return, showing Klaus' daughter Hope as a little girl. There have also been rumors that she will be a powerful hybrid and that she will be the one to free her father from captivity.
Reports are rife that Hope will play a major role in the upcoming season as she will be the key to Klaus' redemption.
But before talks of redemption are explored, a new and powerful villain will be introduced in the upcoming season to wreak havoc on Klaus' home to settle an age-old grudge against the Mikaelsons. Actor Michael Narducci has been tapped to become season 4's next big bad villain and it will be interesting to see what he brings to the table.
"The Originals" season 4 is expected to premiere in January 2017.
