Despite securing a solid following and satisfactory ratings, it appears that "Penny Dreadful" will not be returning for a fourth season. Along with the death of Eva Green's tortured character was the end of the series altogether.
It was reported that "Penny Dreadful" creator John Logan is no longer interested in creating "Penny Dreadful" Season 4, a decision that is supported by Showtime president David Nevins. Speaking to TV Line, Logan explained that "Penny Dreadful" is all about Vanessa Ives and her struggle, and that the end of her story is also the end of that of others.
"I was planning a third season, I realized, 'Oh, I see exactly where this is heading. She's going to have that moment, and the only way she can truly have it is at the moment of her death,'" Logan said. He added that although he initially pictured the series to be a six or seven-year show, going into season 3 he knew that it was going to be the show's final season.
As to how the show's main muse reacted to the ending, Logan said Green was accepting of how "Penny Dreadful" was ending.
"I'm going to miss Vanessa. It's going to be hard to kind of leave her behind," Green said, as quoted by E! News. "To be able to play such a beautiful character is a gift for an actor and I've been so lucky."
However, a lot of the shows fans are still clamoring for more of the Showtime drama, and rumors are swirling that a spinoff series may be up for negotiation. While both Nevins and Logan agree that it would be difficult to proceed with "Penny Dreadful" without Vanessa, as the show revolves around her story, a "Penny Dreadful" spinoff series could center on a new character.
In the last few episodes of "Penny Dreadful" Season 3, all eyes were on Catriona (Perdita Weeks), who seemed to have been groomed to become Vanessa's successor. It is possible that a "Penny Dreadful" spinoff series could focus on her or expand on Mr. Lyle's journey to Egypt.
"Penny Dreadful" aired 27 episodes throughout its three-season run.