After three seasons, "Penny Dreadful" will be exiting Showtime permanently. Season 3 showcased a shocking ending for the fans of the psychological thriller, followed by a confirmation by the creators that the show has been canceled.
Fans of "Penny Dreadful" were surprised at the end of the episode when the caption "The End" appeared, suddenly confirming that they have seen the last of Vanessa Ives (Eva Green). The show creators shared some details on why they kept the announcement of the end under wraps until the final moment.
Creator John Logan told Entertainment Weekly that he knew well before Showtime president David Nevins about the surprise ending. He explained that "Penny Dreadful" is about a woman's journey of faith. She is a deeply religious woman who loses her God and then finds him again. The story was going to result to Vanessa sacrificing herself and reuniting with God.
Nevins shared to Variety how Logan convinced him that it was the right ending and the right time to end "Penny Dreadful." Logan apparently knew two years ago that three seasons would be enough to finish the show. Vanessa had to die at the end of the show to provide her with closure. Logan added that he loved the character deeply and the show should not continue after her death. To let it continue after Vanessa's death would be an act of bad faith.
Nevins and Logan wanted to keep the show's end a secret so as not to make everything a huge spoiler. The show's fans always admired the vigor and surprises delivered in the episodes. To provide a shocking series finale was a way of giving absolute respect to their highly emotional viewers.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that Showtime previously announced the end of two other series, namely comedy "House of Lies" and "Episodes." The show creators explained that they talked about a number of possibilities after the show.
As regards a spinoff, Nevins only said that anything is possible at any time. They will definitely miss Penny Dreadful, but they still have a strong core and have more great upcoming projects with Logan involved. "Penny Dreadful" was Logan's first TV series. He shared how he learned how to bring in young writers to delegate and provide support.
Nevins said that there are a lot of options that will replace the slot of "Penny Dreadful" next year on Showtime. More updates and details are expected soon.
