This time, magic is gone for good. According to TV Insider, The Magicians will end after this fifth and current season on Syfy. There are varying reports on whether this was a cancellation, planned ending or mutual parting of ways.
A statement released by Syfy said, “The Magicians has been a part of our Syfy family for five fantastic seasons. As we near the end of this journey, we want to thank John McNamara, Sera Gamble, Henry Alonso Myers, Lev Grossman, and our entire brilliant cast, crew, writers and directors for their beautiful creation. But most of all, we thank the fans for their tremendous support and passion. Because of you, magic will be in our hearts forever.”
The report does suggest that the Season 5 finale was written as a series finale all along. In an interview with showrunners John McNamara and Sera Gamble, they also mentioned that Season 5 was actually the first time they knew well in advance that they would be coming back. For what it’s worth, they also talked about “making a run at other platforms” for the show, but that it didn’t come to pass.
So, is there hope? Hard to say before seeing the Season 5 finale. It could be that the series just ends perfectly and that there is no need to force a continuation. From a show that had so many moments, ranging from hilarious to heartbreaking, The Magicians was a special show that will stand the test of time on streaming platforms. It is also the show that I credit as the birth of the modern Syfy network. When the network was floundering, and frankly not being taken seriously, The Magicians was the first show to really succeed and grab people’s attention in my opinion.
Here’s the other part to this…the finale is set to air on April 1st. You can understand being skeptical, under the circumstances. So we won’t write the end to those books at the Library just yet.
Photo Credit: NBCUniversal