Congratulations Clockblockers, your helicopter-campaign money did not go to waste!
NBC and studio Sony Pictures Television have struck a deal to produce a two-hour “Timeless” series finale, set to air this holiday season. Yes, the broadcaster saw all the online backlash to the globetrotting drama’s axing and is looking to give you closure after canceling it (again) last month.
“While we wish we could’ve made another dozen seasons of ‘Timeless,’ this is the next best thing,” co-creators Shawn Ryan and Eric Kripke said Tuesday. “We’re thrilled to take the Lifeboat out for one last spin and bring closure to our story. The studio, network, cast and crew are all doing this for one reason only: the fans. Because they deserve it. Because the fans made this happen and we thank them for their passion, support and helicopters. So? You guys want to get Rufus back or what?”
Ryan and Kripke say audiences can expect to see the “Timeless” they know and love on the two-part episode — which will air over the course of one night — along with a focus on the unsung and underrepresented people of history, and, most importantly, one final emotional story for the Time Team aka Rufus (Malcolm Barrett), Wyatt (Matt Lanter), and Lucy (Abigail Spencer). There’s no word yet on exactly when during the holidays the series finale will land.
“Timeless” — which had been in limbo while awaiting a renewal decision for months after wrapping Season 2 — was canceled for the second time by NBC in June. Self-professed “Clockblockers” suffered through the series getting the axe for the first time last spring after just one season, though that decision was quickly reversed by NBC after a huge wave of support from viewers via social media.
And while NBC didn’t turn back time on its second cancellation decision, the follow through with the two-part series closer is a bit of a pleasant surprise, after Ryan said earlier this month he thought plans for a possible Season 3 on another platform and/or a finale flick weren’t looking good, as actor deals expired.
“We’re excited to tell one final chapter to this incredible story,” said Lisa Katz, co-president, Scripted Programming, NBC Entertainment. “A huge thank you to all – our cast, crew, producers and partners at Sony – who have worked so very hard, and to the fans who kept us on our toes and made sure we did our very best week after week.”
The series stars Spencer, Lanter, Barrett, Goran Višnjić, Paterson Joseph, Sakina Jaffrey and Claudia Doumit.
Ryan and Kripke are the creators, writers and executive produce alongside co-showrunners Tom Smuts and Arika Lisanne Mittman. Don Kurt, Greg Beeman, John Davis, John Fox and Marney Hochman also executive produce.
“Timeless” is a production of Sony Pictures Television, Davis Entertainment, MiddKid Productions and Kripke Enterprises.