TNT's "The Last Ship" could be on its final journey. A star hinted that the show would likely not get a renewal after season 5.
Cast member Travis Van Winkle (Lt. Danny Green) allegedly posted his sentimental message indicating the show's cancellation on Instagram. He thanked the cast and crew of “The Last Ship,” as well as stated that there will be no more filming of new episodes come November.
Travis Van Winkle, however, deleted his original message according to TV Line. At that time he posted the message, the network still had no official announcement on the show's fate.
Two-season renewal
TNT renewed "The Last Ship" for two seasons in mid-2016, and since then, the production has been going back-to-back for seasons 4 and 5. The network stated to clarify its stand amid the cancellation rumor from Travis Van Winkle’s post.
"We greenlit the fifth with the idea that it could be the final season. However, it’s far too early to make that determination," the statement read. "The Last Ship" season 4 is still running this season, while season 5 won't air until the summer of 2018.
Ratings and expectations
Ratings for "The Last Ship" average around 1.5 million to 1.8 million weekly after its August debut. The show usually runs in the summer but season 4 moved schedules to accommodate lead star Eric Dane's personal issues.
But its four remaining episodes for this season will be up against the new fall TV lineup, which might dent its numbers lower.
“The Last Ship” debuted in 2014 as the most-watched cable show of the summer with 7.4 million viewers. Succeeding seasons, however, haven’t matched those numbers since then.
Meanwhile, co-star Jocko Sims (Carlton Burk) told Syfy Wire that there will still be plenty more to look forward to in “The Last Ship” season 5 next summer.
The production went all out and pushed the limit to the storytelling.
"From what I've seen so far I can say without any hesitation that Season 5 will be the best season of The Last Ship yet," he said. "It's unfortunate that we'll have to wait at least a year from now to see it."
"The Last Ship" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. EST on TNT.
Eric Dane plays Commander Tom Chandler of the USS Nathan James. Aside from him and Travis Van Winkle, the series also stars Adam Baldwin (XO Mike Slattery), Charles Parnell (CMC Jeter), Marissa Neitling (Lt. Kara Foster), Christina Elmore (Lt. Alisha Granderson) and Jocko Sims (Lt. Carlton Burk).
