It was not until Thursday (September 1) that the fate of Under the Dome was known. CBS announced that the serial adaptation of the Stephen King's novel with the same name will conclude on September 10 after three seasons. In the series finale, the impenetrable dome that fell on the small town of Chester's Mill will finally be lifted and all the answers to the mysteries surrounding it will be revealed.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter earlier in the summer, EP Neal Baer was still optimistic about the show's possible renewal. "I'd like to keep it going," said Baer. "Our intentions are to tell a great story every summer for as long as the audience wants to watch the citizens of Chester's Mill.
TV Guide reports that the cancellation was announced by CBS Entertainment Chairman Nina Tassler. "Two years ago, Under the Dome broke new ground in the summer and became an instant hit on CBS, as well as with viewers around the world," Nina said. "We're excited to present the final chapter in Chester's Mill as the story comes full circle, with the dome coming down as dramatically as it went up."
The sci-fi series debuted to 13.5 million viewers in 2013 and Season 1 itself averaged 11.19 million viewers. It wasn't able to live up to its early promise though as it can only muster to get 4.6 million viewers to tune in on its August 27 episode.
The ratings are only one of several problems that may have caused the show's cancellation. Under the Dome was initially intended to be a single-season limited series but due to its initial success it was extended indefinitely by CBS. Buddy TV says there were even talks that CBS wanted to keep the series going for as many as five seasons. The result was the series being stretched beyond recognition from the novel it was based on.
There is also the problem of maintaining viewers' interest once the dome goes down. Viewers might no longer tune in once the show's original premise is gone.
Under the Dome's cancellation may have disappointed fans everywhere but at least, they will be given a closure when the series finale airs on September 10.
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