Fans of Designated Survivor rejoiced when Netflix snapped up the political thriller following its cancellation by ABC.
The series, starring Kiefer Sutherland as President Tom Kirkman, spent two seasons on the American broadcaster before it was dropped for the first time.
The news came as a surprise to viewers after its leading man exclusively told Digital Spy that he was optimistic about its return.
But Netflix eventually swooped in, releasing 10 fresh episodes.
Sven FrenzelABC
"The continuation of the show via Netflix is a win-win for all involved," said executive producer Mark Gordon.
But after just one season, Netflix has decided not to bring it back for chapter four.
"We are proud to have offered fans a third season of Designated Survivor, and will continue to carry all three seasons for years to come," said Netflix in a statement.
"We're especially thankful to star and executive producer Kiefer Sutherland, who brought passion, dedication and an unforgettable performance as President Kirkman.
Ian WatsonABC
Following its premiere, Designated Survivor was sitting pretty on Netflix's most-watched shows ranking and it was well-received by critics, so why did the streaming giant decide not to continue?
While we don't know how many people were tuning in to watch it (and that is a big deciding factor for any streaming service or broadcaster), Sutherland revealed during a conversation with Simon Mayo on Scala Radio that viewing figures weren't the central issue.
"I don't think [season 4] is going to happen. We had an amazing experience with Netflix and a kind of freedom that was wonderful. But the reality is, because the contracts were so complicated and different from network television to Netflix, they didn't book a lot of the actors who were on the show and they took other jobs. I don't blame them for a second for that.
"So I think doing a season four would be very complicated and difficult... I think it's time for all of us to go and find something new to do."
We should add that Netflix has neither confirmed nor denied those remarks about contracts.
Ben Mark Holzberg/ABC via Getty Images
According to Deadline, Netflix and studio Entertainment One (the season 3 distributor) only struck one-year deals with the cast, taking them to the end of season 3 and no further.
The publication also reported that Kal Penn, who played White House communications director Seth Wright, had already committed to other projects, including a new comedy series on NBC.
But there was appetite to continue.
Benjamin Charles Watson, who played White House digital officer Dontae Evans, previously told Digital Spythat he was hopeful it would return, and what he hoped future chapters of the series would tackle.
"I'm really, really optimistic [the show will be back]... I feel like we will get one.
"There are so many unanswered questions that need to be answered – even if we just get a fourth season to close everything that was left open in season three. I'm hoping! My optimism is high, but you never know."
Netflix
He added: "I'd want to have the ability to explore more ins and outs of the White House and how my character can grow within having a job at the White House. And also exploring more of LGBTQ issues and black issues in America.
"I want to explore a lot of those things. I think it's so vital because I don't see it being done much. I definitely want to tackle more of those issues."
Alas, it doesn't look like Watson will be getting his wish as yet another TV show bites the dust.
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