Even as Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain was eagerly anticipated for a live-action adaptation, few would argue that the FX series has lost some steam in its second and third years. Prior reports from del Toro capped the series around five seasons, but FX will officially eradicate the infection after four next year.

Just over the wire, FX confirms both renewal and cancellation for The Strain, airing its final season in the summer of 2017. The series is currently airing its third season, while showrunner Carlton Cuse offered of the early end:

It is a true joy to work at FX where creative intentions always comes first. Our original plan was for the series to last three years. Once we began telling that story it expanded to be more. After finishing the writing on season three, Guillermo, Chuck and I looked at our remaining story and felt the best version could be told in one more season. We have a fantastic plan for an exciting and climatic season four. We are deeply grateful to FX for supporting our vision and for allowing us to end the show on our own timetable.

It isn’t terribly surprising, as for a series with the attached pedigree of Guillermo del Toro, Corey Stoll or even David Bradley, The Strain has often felt at odds with FX’s more Emmy-winning lineup. We’ll see if Season 4 (or 3) can stick the landing, but is The Strain best left going out on its own(ish) terms?

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