Why Was The Sinner Season 5 Canceled?

of Why Was The Sinner Season 5 Canceled? Pratik Handore
December 1, 2021
Image Credit: Michael Tompkins/USA Network

‘The Sinner’ revolves around seasoned detective Harry Ambrose, who solves various tantalizing and disturbing criminal cases with a keen focus on the psychology of the suspects. The first season of the procedural show is based on Petra Hammesfahr’s novel of the same name and developed for television by Derek Simonds. The subsequent seasons follow original storylines making the series an anthology.

The series first premiered in 2017 and garnered positive reviews from critics along with solid ratings. But despite that, season 4 generated lower viewership ratings in comparison to its predecessors. With the fourth season wrapping up Harry’s latest case, we are sure viewers must be wondering whether the ace detective will return to our screens with a new mystery to solve. So, allow us to share everything we know about ‘The Sinner’ season 5!

The Sinner Season 5: Why Did it Get Canceled?

‘The Sinner’ season 4 premiered on October 13, 2021, on USA Network, with the season finale landing on December 1, 2021. The fourth installment contains eight episodes with a running time of 40–54 minutes each.

With regard to the renewal of a fifth season, we have some disheartening news for fans. On November 17, 2021, a couple of weeks ahead of the show’s season 4 finale, it was reported that ‘The Sinner’ had been canceled by the USA Network. Thus, in retrospect, the fourth season’s finale also serves as the series finale. However, at the time of cancellation, the network shared no specific reason behind the decision.

‘The Sinner’ is among the last original scripted shows currently airing on the USA Network, with the cable channel shifting its strategy to producing more reality shows. It has been widely speculated that the series was canceled in accordance with the network’s new content development policy. However, the show’s diminishing viewership numbers could have also been a cause of concern for the channel.

Those wondering whether the show’s cancellation had any dramatic effect on its ending need not worry as creator and executive producer Derek Simonds assured fans that the ending of season 4 is intended to wrap up the story arc of Detective Harry Ambrose.

“It’s been a huge pleasure and a privilege to be able to tell the kind of stories we have on The Sinner these past four seasons. UCP and USA have been ideal partners and continually supportive of our creative goals, and I’m so pleased to complete Harry Ambrose’s dramatic series-long arc as we intended in this final season,” Derek Simonds said in a statement. He also expressed his gratitude to lead star Bill Pullman (‘Halston‘), who portrays Harry Ambrose, and the rest of the show’s cast and crew. Therefore, as things stand, ‘The Sinner’ season 5 is officially cancelled.

Simonds’ statement confirms that Harry has retired from police work and our screens. And although this seems like the end of the road for ‘The Sinner,’ it is always possible that the series could find a new life at a different home, either in this iteration or in a new form. After all, back in October 2021, Simonds did say, “If the show were renewed, and it kept going, we’ve talked about continuing Harry Ambrose, we’ve also talked about refreshing the show completely with a new lead detective that could create another multi season journey in the show.” Moreover, the series enjoys a decent number of viewers on streaming platforms, but no formal announcement has been made yet.

Read More: Where Was The Sinner Season 4 Filmed?

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