Quite surprisingly, HBO is canceling one of its most popular series after four seasons – even though the season 5 finale was already decided. Fans are disappointed and try to save the series.
The sci-fi series “Westworld” has been running since 2016, the fourth season started in June 2022. Contrary to previous announcements and expectations, this will probably also be the last season. Fans of the innovative series are furious and fighting for a proper ending.
“Westworld” surprisingly canceled
With its unusual mix of science fiction and western, “Westworld” was able to achieve many successes. This formula is based on the 1973 film of the same name. The HBO series is about a theme park in which androids, so-called “hosts”, are programmed to grant visitors their wishes. However, as the androids begin to develop an awareness of their situation and a range of emotions, chaos ensues.
Building on this basic constellation, which is actually not new, the team around successful director and screenwriter JJ Abrams (including “Star Trek”, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” created a series that delighted critics and viewers alike. With a total of 54 Emmy nominations the production is considered one of the most successful at the broadcaster HBO.
However, the ratings have recently dropped enormously. While the first two seasons of “Westworld” held a consistently high level, the numbers for seasons three and four went down significantly. This – as well as the currently difficult financial circumstances for the network – should now also be the reason for the premature end of the prestige project.
The cut can also be clearly identified in terms of content. After season two, the protagonists mostly leave the Wild West theme park and the setting changes fundamentally. This is also reflected in the ratings at Rotten Tomatoes, for example. The series is still very well rated there with an average of 80 out of 100 percent. However, that score went from an initial 87 percent to now 76 percent for season four.
Fans are fighting for a fifth season
The end of the series is still bitter for many. It was already clear that the creators of “Westworld” wanted to complete the fifth season. Co-creator Jonathan Nolan said in an interview just a few weeks ago that he hoped HBO would give them the opportunity for a final fifth season. The concept was designed for this scope from the outset. HBO has already commented on the cancellation of the popular series:
For the past four seasons, Lisa and [Jonathan] taking viewers on a mind-boggling odyssey, raising the bar at every step. We are them, along with their immensely talented cast, the producers and crew, and all of our partners […] much indebted. It was exciting to accompany her on this journey.
HBO to The Hollywood Reporter
However, fans of “Westworld” do not want to be satisfied with that. Under the hashtag #savewestworld, quite a loud protest is forming in the social networks. In fact, it wouldn’t be the first time a strong fan reaction has saved a series. Prominent examples are “Lucifer” or “Sense8”.
Above all, many are disappointed that they don’t get a real ending. A shortened fifth season or a film that at least closes the plot accordingly would also be conceivable.