MovieChat Forums > Orphan Black (2013) Discussion > Not happy only renewed for a final 5th S...

Not happy only renewed for a final 5th Season

posted 8 years ago by afutoran
51 replies | jump to latest

I'm very happy it got renewed for a fifth season. I'm not sure the creators/executive producers intended for only five because on After Black, it seemed liked they would have loved to have at least done 7 or 8. I think this is probably the most brilliant cable network shows, along with Mr. Robot, that each week you are so excited to see how out of the box story telling and character development they can push. The writers and actors are amazing. Tatiana is a freaking enigma, rock star! If they only do one more season I hope they get to do an Orphan Black Series. I think if the show was on HBO, Showtime, STARZ, Cinemax, USA, AMC, Netflix or
Hulu it would have gotten more seasons. I've watched TWD from the first episdode till that season's finale. The first 2 or 3 seasons were great but I kinda hate watch it now. Orphan Black has never disappointed me every season and I long for it when I have to wait for the next one. Because of on having 10-12 episodes a season it flies by so fast, making me want more. To make room for new shows when this one is already one of the best ones BBC America has ever Co-Produced/Distributed is really lame. I don't want the writers to have to rush lame tie ups to end the story and end up neglecting important details to this epic story! Again, I have nothing against a show leaving while it's on top but this show is like a growing and spawning organism in itself, creating many intriguing worlds and characters, not just the clones (even thought I love all of the sestras)!!

[–] TearTheStarsOutFromTheSky 8 years ago

I agree with everything you said. I'm annoyed right now because a terrible show like TWD continues while a great show like this dies. Ugh this totally sucks.

[–] Sammiboy94 8 years ago

The Walking Dead is the most successful drama series of all time. Its fantastic.

[–] Philip_90 8 years ago

The Walking Dead is the most successful drama series of all time.

TWD's is AMC's Game of Thrones. It keeps on going because it's successful regardless if it's good or not.

Its fantastic.

Season 1 and even 2, sure. Beyond the show started losing track of its quality.

[–] Cosima324 8 years ago

Agreed. I still watch because I just want to see how it plays out. But I'm by no means addicted to it like I am to Orphan Black.... it's ok, passes the time.

[–] Sleazy_E 8 years ago

Well that makes no sence. If GOT and TWD weren't any good, then people wouldnt watch them. GOT and TWD are brilliant shows and that's why people watch them. Sure they have their ups and downs like every other show but which show doesn't.

.../ `---____________|]
../_==o;;;;;;;;_____.:/
.. ), --.(_((_) /
..//(.)//
.//__//

[–] Klockard23 8 years ago

TWD is popular because people are simpletons and have bad tastes.

Don't get me wrong; It's a pretty good show, but not nearly as good as it's immense popularity indicates.

[–] vittoriaa 8 years ago

TWD is popular because people are simpletons and have bad tastes.

Agreed. Good ratings don't equal quality. Otherwise The Voice, The Bachelor and My 600lb life wouldn't be on tv.

"Queens Conquer"

[–] Firefly69 8 years ago

I love Orphan Black and The Walking Dead. I don't think I'm a simpleton. And bad and good taste is relative.

[–] MissMaryMagdalene 8 years ago

If GOT and TWD weren't any good, then people wouldnt watch them.

Okay, I'm sorry lots of people watch absolutely *beep* shows all the time. Look at all the Real Housewives.

If You Slept With Jesus Christ & are 100%Proud of it Copy This & Make it Your Sign.

[–] !!!deleted!!! (24459622) 8 years ago

TWD is the best series out there, why? It doesn't have Dragons, naked women, Danny the naked queen, no one in it *beep* all the time like Tyrion, it is not a joke series. It is a dark, violent drama, characters are always dirty, not much beauty, zombies which are every where are disgusting to look, still it has a lot of viewers and has a lot to offer. If you deny this, then you have no clue what movies and shows are.

This season of Orphan Black wasn't good, season 1 and 2 was good, it started to go down the hill, season 4 finale was god awful.

[–] chiaro_di_luna 8 years ago

Disagree completely. I thought season four was fantastic - the best since season one.

It's not always being fast or even accurate that counts. It's being willing.

[–] danzig138-668-939218 8 years ago

The Walking Dead is the most successful drama series of all time.

Hahahahahahahahahaaaa. No, it's not. It's not even close.

So many sub-par shows drag on for numerous years past their expiration date, it's really disappointing to lose great quality like OB well before it's time.

So you want it to keep going on until it gets to the point where it sucks? That's stupid, and what would happen if they kept it going. Five seasons is a good run and honestly, more than the story needed. I'd rather see it go out on a higher note, than have the quality degrade because "More more more gimme more".

-----
WORDS MEAN THINGS! Also, before you come to bitch about a plot hole, rewatch the show/movie.

[–] Whatlarks 8 years ago

TWD is wildly successful by any reasonable measure. Meaning of comparables like genre, production values, audience share, revenue, and influence, the latter having multiple effects. For example, having a hit on the scale of TWD on its roster gives AMC so much economic leverage in negotiations with buyers, they can basically make whatever demand they want. It also allows that caster to take some risks with new shows they might not otherwise, which can benefit audiences.

"You must not judge what I know by what I find words for." - Marilynne Robinson

[–] !!!deleted!!! (24459622) 8 years ago

True words, IMDB might love and die for GOT and some sites like Yahoo and MSN, over-hype it but TWD has way larger viewer base, and when I check torrent downloads, again TWD tops all other shows.

[–] Whatlarks 8 years ago

The original quote mentioned "of all time." They didn't provide evidence, so it's hard to know what they mean. Regardless, looking in TV history to pick "the most successful show of all time" is dicey because much has changed by which one measures such things. Still, to say TWD is "not even close" doesn't sound reasonable. It sounds like the poster's taste has made TWD's enormous success hard to swallow.

I haven't watched TWD past a few eps in S1, as it's not my thing. But it attracts the best TV directors, such as Michelle MacLaren, who directed some of the most memorable Breaking Bad eps. I'm a big fan of hers. These people can end up signing on to projects that fail, but never to projects that don't care about a first-rate visual approach.

"You must not judge what I know by what I find words for." - Marilynne Robinson

[–] Klockard23 8 years ago

GOT wins because:

1. They generally do better in DVD/Blu-Ray sells. Look it up.
2. You have to pay to see Game Of Thrones on television, since HBO is premium. You don't have to pay extra to see TWD on cable.
3. Awards shows have recognized GOT is the superior show.

[–] Whatlarks 8 years ago

That's beside the point, which is simply that TWD is a wildly successful show, period. It doesn't have to "win" over any other show, by any criterion, to fit that description.

Specifically with regard to #2, by sheer volume of TV viewers you can't argue that GoT "wins." What subscription gives to that argument, it also takes away.

"You must not judge what I know by what I find words for." - Marilynne Robinson

[–] Klockard23 8 years ago

How so? It's on HBO because it has content that wouldn't be allowed on basic cable, that's not necessarily a point against it. You have to pay extra to see HBO, and it manages to draw an average 6-8 million views per episode even with a lesser audience. Incredible!

[–] !!!deleted!!! (24459622) 8 years ago

Most sites, social networks, tabloids, magazines continuously are over-hyping GOT, season 5 was the worst season of GOT won many EMMY awards, many factors are trying so hard to get attention and viewers for GOT, TWD just got attentions of many people even if that series is not pleasant to watch. I see GOT lots of under-age viewers for GOT, but mostly matures watch TWD. I am sorry but GOT is just over-hyped, not that it is bad but it can't beat TWD or Breaking Bad.

[–] Whatlarks 8 years ago

How so because of raw numbers. I've implied nothing about content. Your argument gives because GoT generates extraordinary numbers given its restrictive platform, and it also takes away because of that restrictive platform -- TWD has far higher numbers overall.

Again, the main point is that TWD is a huge success, period. It doesn't need to "win" and be top dog in order for that statement to be true.

"You must not judge what I know by what I find words for." - Marilynne Robinson

[–] Gg2RB 8 years ago

The Walking Dead is much much better than this redundant show......glad it's over after 5th season...can't stand another one.
Sorry...it's just my personal opinion and taste when it comes to TV series.....don't mean to offend anybody...I respect other people's opinion.....

[–] Ashado 8 years ago

Same. Super happy for the renewal but also super sad it will be the final season. So many sub-par shows drag on for numerous years past their expiration date, it's really disappointing to lose great quality like OB well before it's time. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that Netflix or someone will jump at the opportunity to pick up this gem before production closes it's doors for good.

[–] alucardvenom 8 years ago

Same. Super happy for the renewal but also super sad it will be the final season. So many sub-par shows drag on for numerous years past their expiration date, it's really disappointing to lose great quality like OB well before it's time. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that Netflix or someone will jump at the opportunity to pick up this gem before production closes it's doors for good.

Hmm, I am glad they are actually doing it. I hate when show goes on for too long, then it turns into big joke... aka Supernatural. It's Tumblerina-fest now. It should have ended with season 5 as intended.

[–] lukas-ingel 8 years ago

I couldn't agree more.
It's like we are only a little more than halfway through the story, and with the writers' creativity they could easily go on.
I don't know who decided that season 5 would be its last season and for what reason, because as you said, it seems like they all would be so happy to continue it in a longer path (which I think they could). I even think I remember them talking in one of those behind the scenes videos about wanting to have the show to go on "forever," so what makes them want to stop it right after they said it?
The finale made it possible for them to go in so many new directions. Can't believe they miss such a great opportunity, just as the fanbase starts growing even more.

I pray, Netflix, pick it up after season 5.

[–] Whatlarks 8 years ago

I don't know who decided that season 5 would be its last season

John Fawcett said he and Manson decided it. From an interview in April 2015, just after renewal to S4:

"The series is mapped to a large degree, in that there is always room to move and work organically, but we are working towards a five season story... We will arrive at some kind of end destination by the end of season five.

"I think we want to wrap this story up by the end of season five... And then if there are still a lot of fans and a lot of desire to see this show after that, I think there would be some reinvention necessary or some kind of new spin. I don't know what that is or could be. I'm not really thinking about that right now, I'm just thinking about trying to get this story told in five seasons."

just as the fanbase starts growing even more.

Link? The stats I've seen show S4 as the lowest rated, suggesting a reason apart from the creative to wrap it up in S5. Fawcett mentioned in that quote "if there are still a lot of fans," but the data shows an overall decline.

"You must not judge what I know by what I find words for." - Marilynne Robinson

[–] lukas-ingel 8 years ago

I don't have a link, because it's just something I think. I started watching when season 3 was around, so I don't exactly know how many were here in the prior seasons, but it seems its popularity has risen since there are way more comments about it on social medias than when I started watching it, and more people talk about it at least in my country Denmark, so it's coming around a lot.

[–] Whatlarks 8 years ago

In the US and Canada the overall stats show a fairly steady decline from S1.

Perhaps core fans have grown more passionate, so there has been an increase in them sharing that passion with one another on social media.

"You must not judge what I know by what I find words for." - Marilynne Robinson

[–] billebrooks 8 years ago

It is impossible to measure a show's popularity these days because of Amazon and Netflix. 40 years ago, Nielsen told the whole story.

[–] Whatlarks 8 years ago

That's not really true. The performance of a show on a TV channel as measured by Nielsen over time is a pretty good indicator of its popularity. It's irrational to dismiss the fact of a show's numbers steadily declining over 4 years. Certainly BBCA took this fact into account. If OB had grown in popularity, let alone at least maintained S1 popularity, the decision to end with S5 might not have happened.

"You must not judge what I know by what I find words for." - Marilynne Robinson

[–] Cosima324 8 years ago

The decision to end was based on the show runners wanting it to be only 5 seasons. I haven't seen any indications in interviews that they based the 5 season model off of popularity or viewership. What I have seen time and again is the admission that they had the 5 season model. BBC America, as far as it has been reported, was not in on the decision to end OB.

With regards to viewership, does anyone know- are the numbers represented indicative of Nielsen in addition to the viewings from On Demand, Netflix (DVD rentals since they don't stream) and Amazon Prime? Or is it just Nielsen live viewing rates? I'm just curious because I don't know this answer.

[–] Whatlarks 8 years ago

When Fawcett said "if there are still a lot of fans and a lot of desire to see this show after that..." he was referring to their willingness to continue beyond 5 if the numbers and interest were significant enough. It seems reasonable to conclude, based on his criterion, that the data shut the door on that willingness to continue. That doesn't mean they aren't satisfied to make it to 5.

"You must not judge what I know by what I find words for." - Marilynne Robinson

[–] billebrooks 8 years ago

A decline in Nielsen ratings probably does indicate a similar decline in other kinds of viewing. However, that doesn't mean much if 95% of viewers are not watching the show live. Even if the numbers are going down...what if the decline means 8 million are watching instead of 10 million? Other shows' ratings have the same problem. You've got piracy viewings as well, especially worldwide, although there have been attempts to measure piracy ratings. That leaves Netflix and Amazon Prime as the worst unknowns when trying to measure a show's total popularity. You just never know how big the bubble is anymore, on any show.

So, if you are measuring declines, you can get different decline rates for different shows. OB has at least been proven to be watched at a higher percentage than other shows on DVR. I'm talking 90%, the highest on TV. You could be getting similar results with Amazon, Netflix, etc.

[–] Whatlarks 8 years ago

The ratings decline hasn't been just for "live."

"Higher percentage" than what?

"You must not judge what I know by what I find words for." - Marilynne Robinson

[–] Isee-stupid-people 8 years ago

how do you know that 95% do not watch live? Nielson ratings, your own? or pulled that one out? If you record do you know for a fact that you do not show up on ratings? please? that's just pulling stuff out.

either case that a crazy number...you say if to cover yourself...but why not say 99.9%? crazy. Same thing for 8 vs 10 million...not even close. A whole list of excuses...pirated downloads...etc...like downloads didn't exist for S1 and S2.

the show been going downhill in term of writing. Its being written by children who didn't watch season 1 and 2, and for that the ratings have suffered. They are lucky to be renewed for S5...S4 has been atrocious

[–] billebrooks 8 years ago

I just now saw this post. Orphan Black has had some crazy DVR numbers, but I may have misinterpreted them.

Adding in Amazon Prime viewings which are not rated is a problem, but I just have to guess at them. Obviously there are not zero people watching on AP, but no one knows how many there are.
http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2016/05/02/cable-live-7-ratings-april-11-17-2016/
http://www.cinemablend.com/television/Orphan-Black-Ratings-Actually-Weren-t-Bad-Advertised-63714.html
http://www.ew.com/article/2014/04/25/orphan-black-ratings-set-dvr-record
http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/bbc-americas-orphan-black-pads-ratings-with-seasons-biggest-time-shift-lift-1201164120/

[–] guitarfile 8 years ago

From the BBCA website .... Orphan Black ... behind the scenes of episode 410 :

I was shocked to see Manson pitching the season finale to BBCA. Even after 39 episides they have to kow tow their creative ideas to the execs at BBCA. That clearly indicates that BBCA has the final say about the episode's storyline. Why would they want the final say before it aired? Obviously, to be sure it was "good" enough to be enticing for viewers to come back and view next season and not lose interest. I believe BBCA was very much involved in the seaon 5 ending decision and in fact many other creative decisions.

[–] Whatlarks 8 years ago

That's pretty well standard procedure. It's only reasonable the broadcaster would need to know, and need to give the okay, since they're taking the financial risk.

"You must not judge what I know by what I find words for." - Marilynne Robinson

[–] lynxx55 8 years ago

Sorry to disagree, afutoran, but I think five seasons would be just right to wind up the series. Actually, four seasons would have been fine if they skipped the Castor digre1ssion.

It's only fanboys who want shows to go on forever -- Batman 17, Return of the Grandson of Wolverine, Star Wars Episode 25, etc. "More, more! Feed me, feed me!"

All shows end, no exceptions. Let's have a good, solid final season.

[–] Utpe 8 years ago

Same here, I think five seasons seems to be a perfect time to wrap up a show before it becomes stale and the writers start taking it in directions that people may not necessarily agree with.

One example of a series that ended on a high note was Breaking Bad (2008). Imagine if it would have ran for ten seasons, it possibly could have been a disaster.

Here's a good article that has been around for several years that pretty much sums up what happens with T.V. shows that stay on past their prime: http://www.cracked.com/article_18696_the-lifespan-every-tv-show-ever-5Bcomic5D.html

[–] aquaphx 8 years ago

I agree too..
well.. idk.. it's okay to make it longer as long as it's interesting.
i'm on marathon from the first season, i just feel this fourth season seems like just milking. It would rather have a short wonderful series than a long with ups and downs.

[–] fede_4488 8 years ago

Judging by the quality of the writing, I think it's good news season 5 will be the last

If I don't reply, you're most likely on my ignore list

[–] billqs 8 years ago

I love the show but I can understand from a business end why they decided to end at Season 5. The creators set up a 5 year arc and the show hasn't really shown the ability to carry a night ratings-wise for BBCAmerica and/or Space.

I think creatively they could've gone on. I think the only mediocre season was Season 2, and Season 4 I would rank up there with the first season. Not to mention, this has to be a beast for TM to film, she's in almost every scene of every episode, playing up to 13 different people.

Maybe they'll roll it out on Saturday nights again with the new Season of Doctor Who. The show did really well in that spot.

You know, just once I'd like to meet an alien menace that wasn't immune to bullets!

[–] Philip_90 8 years ago

Wait.. Season 5 is the final season?! 

I was hoping at least for two more seasons after Season 4 but it's always better to end before it gets shoddy (TWD).

[–] BigBadDolemite 8 years ago

I'm glad this isn't going to go on forever. 5 seasons are plenty.