Penny Dreadful has been cancelled after three seasons, the show’s official Youtube account, which has posted two videos proclaiming “The End” and thanking “Dreadfuls for three wonderful years,” has confirmed:
The cancellation of Penny Dreadful comes despite previous plans for Season 4.
Further confirming the show’s demise, Showtime president David Nevins told THR:
“John has decided the show really, at its core, has always been Vanessa Ives. John has said three seasons is enough and I think it’s really interesting that we live in this world where the every show can have its own rhythm and create its own destiny. This is a case of your creator says this is the best thing for the show and eventually you just say OK, do it, just do it well.”
As there was no advance warning that Season 3 was going to be the last in the series, Penny Dreadful has to be marked down as a victory for the reaper and a ‘cancellation’ (though the network and Logan insist no prior announcement was made to avoid spoilers).
RIP.
Gary Ryckewaert says
The last 2 episodes were definitely a series ending tone which saddens me. I was very sad at how they left Vanessa…..all the pain and suffering and all her friends fighting for her…..it was a downer. The one thing that nags at me is that she did not know who Dracula was, it made no sense. She was so insightful, aware and almost psychic for the whole series, she picked up on all the paranormal goings on and then all of a sudden she lost those gifts.? This show is one of the best series ever made in my opinion and should have been a huge hit and won all sorts of awards. I do have to say that as a series finale it was magnificent as well, but I am very upset it got cancelled. It was the only must see show I had left.
Gabe says
what a waste. all that development for nothing. brilliant, tragic characters serving no real purpose in the end. that show wasn’t just about vanessa ives, the creators probably got wind of it getting cancelled so they truncated the show. no way could you set all that up for an ending like that. honestly its an insult for them to pretend thats how the show was going to end all along, and now we’re supposed to buy it like a bunch of idiots. they should’ve fought their way to the end and accepted its fate with a little integrity, even if it was left with a major cliffhanger. that would at least leave it open for a possible renewal on showtime or for another network to purchase the show. thats what deadwood did and its still arguably one of the best shows ever made, and guess what?.. its now getting a movie. worth the wait if you ask me. I’m tired of getting shafted by television. lost, true blood, the killing… these shows had strong starts and mega potential but they all ended like sh*t. its lazy writing from guys that wanna send you (the viewer) on a wild goose chase when the whole time they’re just grasping at straws. they treat the audience like they’re idiots, i swear. this show was supposed to be different though, that’s why I’m so bothered by this. this show was destined to be something huge, something with substance and conviction. but they just ended it and now it will never be a show again.
Susan says
I agree with you completely…It said Season finale. NOT SERIES FINALE! I am so pissed that when I saw Ives getting bit and all her friends going after Dracula it was like the Magnificent 7 and the only thing left was the end! How terrible. Could have built up Dr. Jekyll; so much left out. SICK OF CANCELLATIONS OF GOOD SHOWS!
Me says
I agree. They didn’t do anything with the Brona and Dorian story. What was the purpose of all that? It ended suddenly and they’re definitely lying about knowing it would end this season. Too much was left undone.
Kathy says
It smacks of a spin-off to me.
Carli Rardin says
I have to totally agree with u! I loved penny dreadful,lost,the killing,and true blood and the endings all sucked! I’m so disappointed! The only show that I have left is the leftovers! And I’m sure that will dissapoint as well
Daz says
This show should never have been cancelled it’s too good in its prime the best series on TV up there with game of thrones. Just another show canceled and not replaced typical
Sharina says
Wow. I am totally dumbfounded. This show was one of the best I have ever seen. I was glued to the screen. Now its being cancelled. Why? Has a reason been given? I hope that some how some way it can come back. Forever loving Penny Dreadful. My heart goes out to the cast and crew. Thank you for such a wonderful viewing experience. I will miss you terribly.
Frank Ruhl Peterson says
Sharina, I feel as you do; I’m beyond dumbfounded. I have never written a comment on a site such as this, but this sudden, inexplicable, and completely unfathomable cancellation of Penny Dreadful, merits nothing short of a tidal-wave of outrage, especially after the comments made by the producers following the close of season 2. To paraphrase, I believe it was Mr. Logan (correct me if I’m wrong) who stated that they had “barely scratched the surface of the show’s potential,” in regards to the many possible directions it might take. He then tacitly alluded to many future seasons, in order to allow the show’s frightening exploration of a vast array of darkly convoluted themes, directed by various creatures of the macabre. This was, without any doubt, the finest production drama available on any channel currently. It is such a shame that this shooting star is to be extinguished so soon. It is said that, “Only the good die young.” So very, very true
Karen says
I agree. First, the show was not specifically about Vanessa Ives. Yes, her storyline was key, but I mean really, how many shows of “Saving Vanessa” can we watch? The other characters had depth and storylines of their own. I specifically remember the producers saying there were many more seasons of storytelling to come, so I don’t want to hear that this was “planned” to be three seasons. It just doesn’t make any sense. You have this fantastic storytelling with wonderful, richly developed characters, and your third season is a hole-filled mess that makes no sense by definition of characters? And why build up NEW characters if there is no continuation of the story? I am hoping to see a spin off on Showtime or on another network.
Lisa says
What a letdown of a really great show. I think the writing is brilliant and touches viewers on so many levels, even with all the fastasy, monsters, etc. But to end it with no warning feels like an injustice to loyal viewers. Another excellently written show bites the dust. Back to live theater & reading novels for escapism & entertainment.
Rita says
I agree. Yet another wonderful Showtime series ended prematurely. I should have known better than to get sucked into Penny Dreadful after The Borgias was abruptly ended. I don’t think I will be watching another Showtime series any time soon.
Karen says
Sadly Rita, I agree…I have already cancelled Showtime. Should they produce a spin off of the series, I will subscribe again
Johann says
This was such a beautifully crafted series, and to my mind filled a genre unlike any other currently on television. Production, costumes and attention to detail was exquisitely executed and penny Dreadful
was a shining jewel in the crown.
martin elliott says
every time u get into a show and really get excited for the next episodes well what a surprise cancelled if i had known this i would not have watched i am so pissed off about this whats wrong with these people that make the chooses to continue with reality show and cancel well written and acted show it might be more expensive for shit programs but why o why cancel brilliant shows i don’t even want to watch the last 2 episodes some one must pick up the show and make series that are quality get a grip
Darkflame says
Saw it coming, shows that get under 1 million viewers per episode are always doomed for cancellation, it was a superb show, fantastic in every way but doesn’t appeal to the masses who watch Big Bang Theory and other shows i consider crap that get 10+ million viewers per episode.
As for the show the last 2 episodes were so rushed, it was such a shame as it could of ended a lot better but at least this ending was memorable and it certainly isn’t the worst ending of a show i’ve ever seen (Dexter still holds that award)
Mz T says
Somehow I figured this travesty would happen. They cancel every single show I love to watch. I’m about done with TV period. Why can’t they cancel the shows I hate ? Those are the ones that get season after season. This show had great potential but as usual they eff it up.
Christina says
PLEASE RECONSIDER cancelling Penny Dreadful!!! It’s been a show for people who actually have a brain cell and want an intelligent show where there are things like characters who are muti layerd, and plots that aren’t from standard “cookie cutters”. The show was NOT about one solitary character…it wasn’t called “The Vanessa Ives Story”… It was called Penny Dreadful. That conjures up storytelling of different bents and characters. Why not continue to follow Lily, or John or come up with a new story all together. The acting was top notch…the storylines were captivating…and the sets and backgrounds were delicious. There are just so many directions to go!!!
amanda J says
I agree there should at least one more season to tie up loose ends