Syfy confirmed it will not be bringing action series Sanctuary back for a fifth season.
The move was not a surprise, in that the show, starring Amanda Tapping (pictured, as her character, Helen Magnus) and executive produced by her, Damian Kindler and Martin Wood, was not part of the network's recently announced upfront slate for 2012-13. Tapping recently told the blog Gateworld that the producers had released the show's studio space in Vancouver because of the delay in ordering a new season, and that the show would not have been ready to return this fall even if Syfy had renewed it.
The show, about a worldwide network of havens dedicated to protecting "abnormal" creatures, started strongly when it debuted in 2008 and pioneered some innovative green-screen and camera effects. The audience diminished over the years though.
Tapping starred in Syfy's (originally Showtime's) series Stargate SG-1 and spinoff Stargate Atlantis, both of which have ended their run. Syfy also canceled spinoff Stargate Universe after two seasons. Wood and Kindler are also Stargate alumni.
In a statement, Mark Stern, President, Syfy Original Content and Co-Head, Universal Cable Productions, said: "We're honored to have been part of this incredible series. In addition to garnering unmatched devotion by fans worldwide, Sanctuary was a bona fide trailblazer, setting new standards with its highly innovative production techniques -- including pioneering green screen and RED camera technology -- and Emmy-nominated visual effects. It's been an amazing ride and we look forward to our next project with Amanda Tapping, Martin Wood and Damian Kindler."
In the statement, Kindler, Tapping and Wood said: "We couldn't be prouder of the four seasons we made on Sanctuary. We are very grateful for the opportunity and must acknowledge the wonderful work from our cast and crew, the support from our studio, the Beedie Group -- who have been with us right from the start, the networks who worked so hard with us each week, and most of all the fans...we owe so much to the fans.
"From Sanctuary, we also started our charitable foundation Sanctuary for Kids which has raised over $250,000 for children in crisis worldwide. We will be continuing our work with Sanctuary for Kids and are so thankful for the Sanctuary fans and their amazing support and generosity."
