Z Nation canceled by Syfy; season 5 finale to be series finale
In a new post on Twitter (see below), executive producer David Michael Latt confirmed that the upcoming season 5 finale of Z Nation airing on Friday (entitled “The End of Everything”) will also serve as the series finale. The production team was first informed of the news a little bit earlier this week.
The obvious reaction to have to this news is sadness, as it is anytime that a show comes to a close. Yet, with Z Nation there is quite a bit still to celebrate, most notable that the show managed to make it to season 5 in the first place. Syfy over the years has become notorious for canceling shows before their time, whether it be Alphas, Dark Matter, or more recently The Expanse. The fact that this show got to tell as many stories as it did is remarkable, and there is also a new series coming within the same world (albeit set a little earlier) in Black Summer. There is still something to look forward to if you are a Z Nation fan beyond just what you’re seeing on the upcoming finale.
As for why Syfy is moving forward from Z Nation, the reasoning is often complicated. Yet, we do know that the fifth season is down around 20% in live viewers and in the 18-49 demographic versus season 4. It had done a nice job over the years keeping viewers in a difficult Friday timeslot, but some of that ratings luck has seemingly run out. (Of course, the majority of Z Nation viewers at this point are probably watching via some other means, whether it be streaming or on their DVR.)
What’s coming in the finale?
Just in case you are curious about that, let’s start by sharing here the short synopsis for what’s ahead:
The gang breaks into Altura in an attempt to bring Pandora and Estes to justice, when Cooper reappears, shocking Warren.
Given the episode title for the finale, you have to think that on some level, the producers were prepared for this to be the end in the event Syfy made this decision. (Note that the promo from last night refers to the finale as the season finale rather than the series finale, but don’t get any false hope based on that. It was probably made before the final decision was rendered.)
What do you want to see on the Z Nation finale, and do you have a reaction to the cancellation? Would you want to see some other service pick the series up? Be sure to share right now in the attached comments. (Photo: Syfy.)