"The Strain," a series based on the popular novels by director Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, has been renewed for a fourth season despite the fact it was originally intended to only have three seasons. Additionally, the upcoming season will serve as the final season of the show.
According to Variety, FX Network president for programming Nick Grad explained that the decision to change the series from a three-season show to a four-season show was a creative collaboration between the producers, including del Toro, Hogan, and showrunner Carlton Cuse.
"We sincerely thank Carlton Cuse, Guillermo del Toro, Chuck Hogan and their creative team as well as the fantastic cast for three exciting seasons of 'The Strain.' Though we're sad to see it go, we fully support the way in which they are crafting the fourth season's dramatic conclusion," Grad stated.
Carlton Cuse also explained that during the writing process for season 3, he, along with del Toro and Hogan, realized that it was best to end the series with one more season. This would allow them to end the show on their terms and to tell the ending in the way they envisioned.
It is further noted that this means the season 3 finale, which has yet to be released, will not conclude the story, as what was previously believed, and that it will lead to the events that begin season 4. Cuse did state that the fourth season will have an exciting and climactic end, and the season 3 finale may lead directly to this.
Fans speculate this may mean the fourth season will see the Strigoi defeated and mankind cured, although this has yet to be proven on the show.
As of writing, season 3 has yet to conclude. The season 3 finale will air on Oct. 30, and no official premiere date has been announced for season 4. It is expected that season 4 will premiere in July or August 2017, based on the release pattern of previous seasons.
