EXCLUSIVE: It’s déjà vu all over again. A year after AMC cancelled The Killing after two seasons, the network has done it again following the mystery drama’s third season. There had been some encouraging signs — The Killing‘s third season opened with an OK 1.8 million viewers and drew largely positive reaction from critics and fans. But it ended with 1.5 million for the season finale, up only slightly from the 1.4 million viewers of the second-season ender, and Season 3 overall was essentially flat with Season 2, whose ratings had triggered the series’ first cancellation. “We have made the difficult decision not to move forward with a fourth season of The Killing,” AMC said in a statement to Deadline. “We want to thank our great partners at Fox Television Studios, creator Veena Sud, an extraordinary cast and the dedicated fans who watched.”



In one of the few cancellation stories with a happy ending, The Killing producer Fox TV Studios kept the show alive after its axing by AMC last year, and the network eventually reversed its decision, ordering a third season, with Netflix stepping in as exclusive subscription streaming service to help offset the cost. FTVS again is expected to explore other options for the series, but another miracle resurrection appears unlikely. The Killing, based on the Danish series Forbrydelsen, was developed for U.S. television by Sud, who returned for the show’s third season, along with stars Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman. “Fox Television Studios is extremely proud of all three seasons of The Killing,” the studio said. “We’re especially gratified to have orchestrated a unique deal with AMC for Season 3 that included a bold partnership with Netflix. While we would have loved to produce a fourth season for AMC, FTVS is immensely grateful to everyone involved with this moving series: our brilliant cast, led by Mireille Enos, Joel Kinnaman and Season 3’s Peter Sarsgaard; our stellar executive producer, Veena Sud; a remarkable writing and producing team; and a tireless, dedicated crew. Most of all, FTVS thanks the terrific fans of The Killing, who communicated their appreciation for the show throughout its run.”