Starz Cancels 'Counterpart' Ahead of Season 2 Finale

Starz is ready to move on from "Counterpart."

The show's creator, Justin Marks, announced that he had "sad news" via Twitter on Monday. He revealed that the premium network had decided not to move forward with a third season of the sci-fi thriller series starring J.K. Simmons.

Hey #counterpart fans, a bit of sad news… Starz has decided not to pick up our show for a 3rd season...

— Justin Marks (@Justin_Marks_) February 11, 2019

Starz had originally given the show a two-season pickup, and with its second season nearing its end, it was time to make a decision. The network evidently decided to pull the plug, but it praised Marks and the cast and crew for "[delivering] a beautifully executed series," per The Hollywood Reporter. Ultimately, the show hasn't had the viewership the premium network wanted to see. It's been getting fewer than 500,000 total viewers in the live+3 window, according to THR.

It may not be the end of the road for "Counterpart," though. Marks tweeted his hope that the studio behind the show, MRC, "can find a way to keep the dream alive." Fans, of course, liked this idea and began letting networks and streamers know they want more.

Thank you for making this wonderful show. I hope somehow it gets a chance to live on or be reborn. In this universe.

— Jason Snell (@jsnell) February 11, 2019

Any chance @netflix could pick it up?

Also, what was up with marketing this year? I didn't even realize there was a second season yet?

— Noah Gabor (@noah_gabor) February 11, 2019

Hey @netflix, @PrimeVideo or @hulu, please pick up @Counterpart_STZ! The show is amazing, and the story really needs to continue.

— Tami (@Redhead_Tam) February 11, 2019

This sucks, but I'll follow the show to any new home it eventually finds.

Btw, is there any chance that you guys can continue #Counterpart in a different format (book, comic, audiobook, etc) if the worst happens?

This show has such a fantastic story!

— Joan Harris (@factandfictions) February 11, 2019

Note to all networks and venues: I’ll follow this show anywhere, so will my friends, please think about it.

— snʘʘks (@banthenazisjack) February 11, 2019

For now, there's the Season 2 finale, which is set to air Sunday, Feb. 17.

[via: Justin Marks/Twitter; THR]