Timeless Lives! NBC Revives Cancelled Drama With ‘Two-Part Finale’
Timeless has miraculously cheated death for a second time. One month after cancelling the cult drama (again), NBC announced Tuesday that it has ordered a two-part finale that will give “closure to the globetrotting series.” The Peacock net did not specify an air date beyond confirming that the two-hour event will premiere during the holidays.
“While we wish we could’ve made another dozen seasons of Timeless, this is the next best thing,” said executive producers Shawn Ryan and Eric Kripke in a joint statement. “We’re thrilled to take the Lifeboat out for one last spin and bring closure to our story. The studio, network, cast and crew are all doing this for one reason only: the fans. Because they deserve it. Because the fans made this happen and we thank them for their passion, support and helicopters. So? You guys want to get Rufus back or what?”
Per NBC, the entire cast — including Abigail Spencer, Matt Lanter, Malcolm Barrett, Goran Višnjić, Paterson Joseph, Sakina Jaffrey and Claudia Doumit — are on board for the finale.
NBC floated the possibility of producing a wrap-up movie in late June when it announced that Timeless would not be returning for a third season, but the odds of the project snagging a green light — given the logistics and financial hurdles — were considered remote. Earlier this month, Ryan seemed to hammer the last nail in the series’ coffin when he tweeted that efforts to find Timeless a new home “have sadly failed,” adding that a finale movie was similarly looking unlikely, “While Sony will continue to look at any and all options, actor deals have expired and it appears there will be no Season 3 or beyond.”
Timeless of course made headlines last year when it was axed after its freshman season — and then uncancelled just three days later by NBC. Following a year-long hiatus, the 10-episode second season premiered last March in its new Sundays-at-10 time slot to less-than-stellar ratings.
The Season 2 finale, which aired May 13, ended with a doozy of a cliffhanger: Future versions of Lucy and Wyatt arrived in the present-day bunker with a potential plan to save their dead teammate Rufus.
“We’re excited to tell one final chapter to this incredible story,” said Lisa Katz, Co-President, Scripted Programming, NBC Entertainment. “A huge thank you to all – our cast, crew, producers and partners at Sony – who have worked so very hard, and to the fans who kept us on our toes and made sure we did our very best week after week.”
Ok, we’ll I’m happy for that at least. This show so improved in the second season and I wish it had gotten another season, but I’m happy they will at least wrap it up for us.
does this mean we get a season finale?
YAY! Thanks, NBC!
Fantastic!
Come on guy’s bring back the 3 season please
I’ll certainly take it! Better than always wondering what was going to happen next.
I would have loved another four seasons, but I’ll take this wrap up movie!!
When is it or what date and channel
Part 1 of the finale already happened on 12/20/18
I’d have preferred a season 3, but I’ll take what I can get!
This is a good thing… My guess is during the holiday hiatus for their regular shows insteads of repeats.. The tiny fanbase we are will get some closure I suppose..
Yes!
I’m with everyone else, wish it could have had more seasons, but at least the pretty huge twist/cliffhanger can be resolved.
Yay! I seriously gave up hope that this would happen. All I want is for Rufus to be saved, and I’ll be happy. (Though the answers to a few dozen questions I have couldn’t hurt.)
While not perfect news (#RenewTimeless), I’ll take it. I really loved this show. Maybe if it had a better time slot, or more promotion, it would have done better. Alas … I’ll take the movie.
I’m with you Jennifer and all the others who are devoted fans of Timeless. At least this is something, some closure for the fans. I still would love to have additional seasons. Wonder if Netflix and Amazon are listening?
Let us pray
No doubt!! Come on Netflix!!
I loved this series … was learning some history too. I certainly hope Netflix or amazon continues the show.
Yeah me too. I loved this series. It gets me everytime.
WAHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES!! While additional seasons would have been ideal, I am THRILLED that this show will get a proper conclusion. Now is the time for everyone who thought about checking it out, to binge it.
I’ve never watched the show but kudos to NBC for treating it’s fan base right. I wish every network would do this to give cancelled shows closure.
Are you listening to this CBS…I need closure for 2 Broke Girls, I really wanted to see Cher as Max’s mom. Give the fans closure networks.
Closure to Two broke Girls should have occurred in episode. It was possibly the most brainless show on TV.
Rich, if you never watched the show, try to watch it before the movie comes out and you and millions of other people will realize what a great history show this was and what a great cast of actors that seemed like they been together for years.
This is FANTASTIC news. Thank you NBC. Was it the helicopter? The tireless TIMELESS fans? No Matter…Thank you!!!!
Once again I wonder How and why a family show gets canceled. Once again I wonder how a show that educates its viewers, gets canceled. We need MULTIPLE seasons, not a wrap-up movie. Yes, I will watch but this bitter pill of mine is one I refuse to digest…
I am with you Bradley. Not only was the show entertaining, but there was a history lesson each week. I would have much rather seen the show renewed, but will take what i can get. Seems like every show on tv that i get hooked on, gets cancelled after only a season or two.
Yes. Our house agrees with you. We all looked forward to this show and already own the first two seasons which is not something we usually do, buy tv series. Cancelling the show feels like maybe Rittenhouse is behind it! Hmm. I cant believe Netflix didnt pick it up. They usually clean up when you Network execs make a bad choice.
Rittenhouse is totally behind this!
We totally agree. Every time we fall in love with a series, it gets cancelled after 1 or 2 seasons. I am disappointed that Netflix or Hulu didn’t pick this up.
I am happy about this movie even though I would have preferred a season 3.
Since Sony owns Timeless, Sony should continue the series on it’s one Crackle streaming service!! (Just saying)
Yes this is the best news!!!!
This is amazing news! I was not optimistic anything more would happen after the finale so I am thrilled we are getting this at least.
I’d rather have it picked up by a different channel and renewed. It was such a great creative show and entertained every time. I really liked the concept of the whole show with time travel and history. Thanks Timeless.
Wow I’m shocked! I guess this is better than nothing.
Have to give props to NBC on this. They didn’t have to do this.
Such great news!! I wanted closure to the story and now we all will get one!😄
I personally didn’t like the show that much but I’m thrilled for the fans. I wish more networks did this. I understand money and scheduling come into play but actually allowing a show to have a proper ending is always the way to go. It can put a lot of trust in people to watch future shows on the network.
Thank You NBC
It’s not like there was much more story to tell anyway. Bring Rufus back and put a bullet in Emma and (censored)’s head, you can do that in 1.5-2 hours movie.