‘Salem’ To End After 3 Seasons On WGN America

[Koby]

The current third season of WGN America’s supernatural drama Salem will be its last. The network has opted not to order a fourth season of the series, which reimagines the infamous 17th century witch trials in a world where witches are real, but they are not who or what they seem to be. Salem‘s storyline will wrap with the conclusion of the 10-episode third season in early 2017 as the season finale will serve as series finale. That is something Salem creators Brannon Braga and Adam Simon are prepared for.

 

“We knew this would be the third and final season and were able to craft an exciting climax to Mary’s transformational saga,” they said.

Produced by Fox 21 Television Studios, Salem was a game changer for WGN America when it debuted in 2014 as the network’s first original scripted series. Salem was a breakout, drawing 1.5 million viewers for its premiere to become WGNA’s highest rated telecast in more seven years at a time when the network only covered 62% of the country and was a single-feed channel. That debut Live+same day viewership is yet to be matched by a WGNA scripted series. After the big start, Salem‘s ratings tapered off pretty quickly. In its current third season, the series has averaged between 200,000 and 300,000 viewers in L+SD.

“Salem is a fantastic show that greatly contributed to our successful launch into original programming,” said Matt Cherniss, president and general manager, WGN America and Tribune Studios.  “We thank Brannon, Adam, our talented cast and our partners at Fox 21, for entrusting us with their unique and remarkable vision for the world of Salem.  We also thank the fans for their loyal support of the show.”

Salem stars Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel, Ashley Madekwe, Tamzin Merchant, Elise Eberle, Iddo Goldberg, Joe Doyle, and Oliver Bell, with Marilyn Manson guest-starring in Season 3.

“We are grateful to WGN America and Fox 21 for being terrific partners and giving us free reign to create a satisfying conclusion—one we believe respects our love of storytelling and the show’s passionate fans,” Braga and Simon said. “It was a magical experience to create Salem and we want to thank every producer, writer, director, actor and crew member, for all they have done to help us bring the world of Salem to life.”

[Beast in Beauty]

Good concept, bad execution

[adog68]

I didn't think it would last this long. I quit this show early on.