Why FX’s Fargo may not be renewed for season 4

FX chief John Landgraf says that there are currently no plans for Fargo season 4.

Fargo has been one of FX’s most critically acclaimed shows for the past few years since debuting in 2014. The anthology series’ current self-contained story follows the Stussy brothers (played by Ewan McGregor) and their escalating feud, resulting in a double murder in the season opener, which is later investigated by Gloria Burgle (Carrie Coon), a police chief from a neighboring county who was related to one of the victims.

However, the latest iteration has been plagued by lower ratings and mixed reactions from viewers and critics alike. The slower and less complex unfolding of the storyline has led some to wonder whether the show has been hurt by creator Noah Hawley’s involvement in the network’s Marvel series, Legion, which premiered to rave reviews earlier this year.

FX president John Landgraf has confirmed that Hawley’s focus isn’t on developing a new season of Fargo, calling into question the possibility of a season 4. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the network chief indicated that the series may end with the current third season, which he acknowledged has been “thematically different.”

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"“There may never be another Fargo. Unless Noah has an idea for Fargo that he thinks he can make as good as the prior three. I think once people get to the end of this [season] they will find that it is thematically different. It’s really about the moment we live in now.”"

Based on the Coen brothers’ movie of the same name, Fargo has amassed 16 Emmy nominations over its first two seasons, including a win for Outstanding Limited Series in 2014. It is likely to receive several more nods in the category later this year thanks to stellar performances from McGregor, Coon, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and David Thewlis.

There are only four episodes left in season 3, which concludes on June 21. The remaining episodes will deal with the fallout from the death of one of the show’s main characters last week, as Gloria continues to investigate the death of her stepfather and Maurice LeFay, Nikki tries to survive, and V.M. Varga continues with his brutal agenda.

Next: Fargo season 3, episode 6: Who died in ‘The Lord of No Mercy’?

Fargo season 3 continues Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.