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Killing Eve‘s end is in sight.
The previously announced fourth season of the AMC/BBC America drama starring Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer will be its last. Production on the eight-episode final season will begin in the summer in the U.K. and locations across Europe for a 2022 premiere on both cable networks. Additionally, AMC Networks is working closely with Killing Eve producers Sid Gentle Films to develop potential spinoff ideas that will explore the larger world of the show outside of Eve (Oh) and Villanelle (Comer).
Sources note that the decision to wrap the series after four seasons was based on the show’s creative and had nothing to do with the rich Amazon overall deal original showrunner and exec producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge inked in 2019. The Fleabag creator has a carve-out in her Amazon deal and remains involved in Killing Eve as an exec producer.
“Killing Eve exploded in popular culture and attracted a dedicated and committed fan base from its very first episode,” AMC Networks president of originals Dan McDermott said in a statement Tuesday. “Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s brilliant adaptation of the source material, the unforgettable characters given life by Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, and the entire cast, along with our partners at Sid Gentle Films, have delivered a one-of-a-kind roller-coaster ride that has taken our breath away. … We look forward to what is sure to be an unforgettable final season and to exploring potential extensions of this compelling universe.”
Laura Neal (Sex Education) takes over as head writer and showrunner for season four. The series has a tradition of tapping new women to oversee the series as a way of using Killing Eve to help foster the next generation of showrunners. Neal takes over for Suzanne Heathcote (season three), who replaced Emerald Fennell (season two), with the latter stepping in for Waller-Bridge (season one).
In its three previous seasons, Killing Eve — based on the Codename Villanelle novellas by Luke Jennings and financed/distributed by Endeavor Content — has helped elevate Comer as well as Fennell. The latter was nominated for three Oscars on Monday, earning directing, screenplay and best picture mentions for Promising Young Woman. Killing Eve became an immediate awards player when it launched in 2018. Comer and Oh have both been nominated for multiple Emmys, with the former taking home the prize in 2019. The series itself has picked up two Emmy nominations for best drama series. Oh also took home a SAG Award and Golden Globe for her part.
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“Killing Eve has been one of my greatest experiences and I look forward to diving back into Eve’s remarkable mind soon,” said Oh. Added Comer: “Killing Eve has been the most extraordinary journey and one that I will be forever grateful for. Thank you to all the fans who’ve supported us throughout and come along for the ride. Although all good things come to an end, it’s not over yet. We aim to make this one to remember!”
The news arrives as AMC Networks recently expanded its relationship Sally Woodward Gentle and her Sid Gentle Films, which produces Killing Eve. The network in February picked up Ragdoll, a six-part murder thriller starring Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars). “We have been unbelievably blessed to work with extraordinary human beings throughout the life of Killing Eve,” said Executive Producer Sally Woodward Gentle. “From the magical Phoebe, to the delectable Emerald, Suzanne and now Laura, headed by the super-powers of Sandra, Jodie, Fiona [Shaw] and Kim [Bodnia], and with brilliantly talented directors and crew. No one knew what an adventure we were embarking on and there’s so much more to come. Buckle up!”
Waller-Bridge, Fennell, Heathcote, Neal, Lee Morris, Gina Mingacci, Damon Thomas and Oh exec produce.
AMC, meanwhile, began airing the BBC America drama in its second season in 2019. The series was developed by former BBC America topper Sarah Barnett, who expanded her purview to include AMC. The move helped expand the audience for Killing Eve. (Barnett departed AMC Networks last year.)
With the conclusion of Killing Eve, AMC is now saying farewell to three of its signature scripted originals next year. Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul likely won’t return for its sixth and final season until next year, while The Walking Dead flagship series will wrap its run with its 11th season in late 2022. All three shows were among the hundreds of film and TV productions that were delayed by the pandemic. The fourth season of Killing Eve was announced in January 2020, ahead of the ahead of the third season’s spring return.
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