Syfy Cancels 'The Expanse,' Which Is Now Looking for a New Home

"The Expanse" is ending after its current third season on Syfy.

Season 3 has a 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a loyal fan base. But apparently it doesn't have enough live same-day viewers.

According to Deadline, Syfy's decision to cancel "The Expanse" is linked to its contract with the show, which only gives it first-run linear rights in the U.S. That, Deadline explained, puts extra emphasis on live linear viewing -- watching the show the night it airs in its premiere timeslot -- as opposed to digital/streaming/on demand viewing. Since "The Expanse" is a very binge-able show that many fans caught up on through DVR, streaming, or later viewing, that put it at a disadvantage.

"The Expanse" ratings for Season 3 so far are just below Season 2 averages, and that was deemed enough to cut the cord on the ambitious sci-fi series.

Chris McCumber, president of Entertainment Networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment said in a statement that "Everyone at Syfy is a massive fan of the series and this was an incredibly difficult decision." He thanked the cast, crew, creatives, and loyal fans for "three brilliant seasons of television."

But "The Expanse" is not giving up on Season 4. The Powers That Be are actively seeking a new home.

Alcon Television Group finances and produces the show; co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson issued a statement on the cancellation:

"We are very disappointed the show will not be returning to Syfy. We respect Syfy's decision to end this partnership but given the commercial and critical success of the show, we fully plan to pursue other opportunities for this terrific an original IP."

Netflix seems like a solid fit for this, especially since sci-fi/fantasy just overtook comedy as Netflix subscribers' favorite genre. Netflix was reportedly looking to expand their sci-fi content to match demand -- so why not pick up "The Expanse"?

It's easier said than done, though, with complicated streaming licenses to consider. Nothing is ever simple anymore. If not Netflix, maybe Hulu or Amazon. Or maybe this is it. Not every show gets saved. It's a sad reality.

"The Expanse" Season 3 current airs Wednesdays on Syfy.

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