HBO has canceled Westworld before the fifth season begins

Season 5 was supposed to be the series' last season

Westworld is coming to an end one season earlier than expected. The sci-fi mystery series was canceled by HBO on Friday, just a few months after the completion of its fourth season. According to co-creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, the initial intention for the series was to convey the complete tale in five seasons.

Westworld debuted in 2016 and quickly became a sensation, enthralling fans with its multi-layered mysteries and blend of futuristic and wild west settings. After leaving the Westworld section of its android-filled theme park behind, the series’ popularity dropped precipitously in the third season. Finally, the series’ fourth season, which concluded in August, failed even more to gain traction with viewers.

This move follows a slew of layoffs at HBO’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. In recent months, the firm has canceled a number of series and movies as it retools its brand to be more focused on theatrical blockbusters and long-running franchises. During an earnings call on Thursday, the business revealed poor financial results for the quarter, although CEO David Zaslav reaffirmed his commitment to franchise filmmaking, including plans for new entries in series such as Harry Potter.