"The Originals" Season 4 is already in production and there are rumors that this may be the final season of the series. The reason for the said rumors of cancelation is all about the show's ratings.
According to a report in The Christian Times, "The Originals" Season 4 might be the last for the series. It is reported that the show's ratings has not been enough to keep the series moving on. The upcoming season only has 13 episodes instead of the original plan of 22 episodes. This then may be a signal from CW to finalize the series.
It has also been reported that "The Originals" Season 4 has been moved to midseason instead of the original schedule of airing it in Fall. However, CW President Mark Pedowitz explains about the schedule change. He shares that the schedule for the series has been moved to put it on hold for a while. He stated that the network still believes in the series.
Jobs & Hire reports that despite of the schedule change and the rumors for "The Originals" Season 4 to be the last, Julie Plec still believes that it will still air for a couple of years. Plec is the creator of 'The Vampire Diaries' which is on its final season at this time.
Additionally, Plec also shares that there is one character in 'The Vampire Diaries' that may end up in "The Originals" Season 4. There are speculations that this character who will crossover to "The Originals" may be Caroline (Candice Accola).
In a report from Christian Today, "The Originals" Season 4 has been shortened so to focus mainly on the plot of the story. This is also one reason for the speculations of the season to be canceled. Meanwhile, a possibility of a crossover from The Vampire Diaries may happen once the season kicks in.
"The Originals" Season 4 airs in 2017.