Joseph Morgan (Photo : Getty Images/Frederick M. Brown)
"The Originals" season 4 will premiere much later than usual, and EP Julie Plec appeased fans by telling them that it's for the best.
According to TV Line, the Joseph Morgan starrer will release its first episode for season 4 sometime in the first quarter of 2017.
Immediately after the announcement, loyal viewers of The CW series expressed their concern over the delays.
While speaking with the publication, Plec explained that a much later premiere date also means that they will be able to buy more time for the Mikaelsons.
"When they shifted the air date, it actually gave us the freedom, weirdly, to shift the timeline in our favors so that we could have more time to pass in 'The Originals' between seasons than 'The Vampire Diaries.' So we get to add an extra couple of years on to our time lapse between seasons. It's actually a good thing. It's positive to not have to worry about being side by side," she said.
Meanwhile, Plec also talked about the upcoming premiere episode for "The Vampire Diaries" season 8 and confirmed that it will take place this October.
According to the exec, the central theme for season 8 will become much clearer the minute the network starts announcing the official titles for every episode.
Unfortunately, Plec already confirmed that Kai Parker won't return to The CW show this season.
"Every day in the writer's room, we're pitching Kai comeback ideas. Maybe one day we'll hit on a good one!" Plec said.
This suggests that there's still some hope left for the fans of the "90's loving Gemini witch" who played a crucial part in the lives of Bonnie (Kat Graham) and Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev).
Unfortunately, Plec didn't say anything about the return of the actress. There are rumors that Dobrev will be featured in the last ever episode of "The Vampire Diaries." With Ian Somerhalder, upcoming exit at the end of season 8, there are speculations suggesting that the upcoming installment will be the last for the franchise.
"The Vampire Diaries" season 8 will premiere on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.
