The American historical drama TV series “Reign” has been renewed for Season 4 by The CW despite not-so-good ratings during its recently concluded Season 3.
It’s a new lease on life on the show, which features compelling historical storylines but seems unable to bring in the viewers to really appreciate it.
There are reports, however, saying that Season 4 might be the last for “Reign” especially in light of the decision of the network and the producers to move its airing early next year instead of its usual fall release date.
It turns out however that the decision to delay the airing date of “Reign” Season 4 has nothing to do with the plan of the network or the producers to make it the last year for the show but more of strategy.
Apparently, when The CW learned that “Game of Thrones” Season 7 will be releasing on HBO in the summer of next year, they have decided to push back the airing of “Reign” Season 4 so that its mid-season break could happen while the popular show is having its seventh season run on air.
Previously, the network planned to air Season 4 of “Reign” in the fall of this year, take a spring break, and resume airing in May. But it seems it will depend now on the official airing dates of “Game of Thrones” Season 7 because pitting it against the latter would mean further disaster in the ratings department, notes the Parent Herald.
Wants to get its bearings back
Critics believe that Season 4 of “Reign” could be a make or break for the show. It could be its last if the ratings remain mediocre but it could also lead to a Season 5 if its ratings pick up.
Many fans of “Reign” believe that the TV series could get its bearings back in the ratings game especially if it does not have a collision course towards a powerhouse show like “Game of Thrones.”
In fact, they pointed out that the reason why Season 3 of “Reign” got poor ratings is because its second half was aired at the time when HBO was airing the Season 6 of “Game of Thrones.”
On the part of The CW, delaying the release date of “Reign” would also be a good programming strategy as it still has potential TV shows that are doing well in the ratings including the superhero TV series based on DC Comics as well as “The 100,” “iZombie,” and “The Originals” among a few more.
Deferring the air date of “Reign” could be a blessing in disguise for the show as it will have a better opportunity to redeem itself and finally make a go for a possible fifth season.
‘Reign’ on Netflix
Meanwhile, Season 3 of “Reign” is about to be aired on Netflix because of a licensing deal that has been worked on between Netflix and The CW.
While the plan was to have Season 3 of “Reign” streamed on Netflix about eight days after it ended on The CW, the deal has not taken effect yet, reports Blasting News.
But the good news is that when “Reign” Season 4 ends, it shall be available to Netflix some eight days later, which means that that the deal would make up for the shortcoming in the agreement for Season 3.
As far as possible storylines for Season 4 is concerned, the Season 3 finale of “Reign” showed Queen Mary, played by Adelaide Kane, grieving over Francis, played by Toby Regbo, which also motivated her to bring peace and prosperity to Scotland.
It also showed Lola, played by Anna Popplewell, plotting with Queen Mary to assassinate Queen Elizabeth, played by Rachel Skarsten, and Lola getting caught and being beheaded.
Incidentally, actor Adam Croasdell is set to make an appearance in at least three episodes of “Reign” where he is set to take on the role of Bothwell, the third husband of Queen Mary.