The Expanse cancelled: Syfy drops 100% Rotten Tomatoes-rated sci-fi

Syfy network has decided not to renew critically-acclaimed sci-fi series The Expanse for a fourth season, leaving the future of the show in the balance.

The last episode of season 3 is due to air in July, following an "incredibly difficult decision" not to pick up a season 4.

“The Expanse transported us across the solar system for three brilliant seasons of television,” said Chris McCumber, President of Entertainment Networks for parent company NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.

“Everyone at Syfy is a massive fan of the series, and this was an incredibly difficult decision. We want to sincerely thank The Expanse’s amazing cast, crew and all the dedicated creatives who helped bring James S.A. Corey’s story to life. And to the series’ loyal fans, we thank you most of all.”

The Expanse had been lauded as a return to smart sci-fi television, and season 3 currently holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (following 95% for season 2 and 76% for season 1). Its ratings were solid but not exemplary.

This may not be the end of the show, however, as its producer Alcon plans to shop it around to other networks.

“We are very disappointed the show will not be returning to Syfy,” said Alcon Entertainment co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson.

“We respect Syfy’s decision to end this partnership but given the commercial and critical success of the show, we fully plan to pursue other opportunities for this terrific and original IP.”

(via Deadline)