While we might all be counting down for the long-awaited return of Orange Is The New Black, House of Cards, Game of Thrones and Stranger Things this year, it appears we'll be saying – or rather singing – 'so long, farewell auf wiedersehen, adieu,' to some of our most beloved television shows, for now at least.
In the wise words of Dr. Seuss: 'Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.'
Alternatively, prepare to lose your sh*t because according to Entertainment Weekly, six of the best popular series over recent years aren't returning to their networks/streaming platforms this year and, suffice to say, we're not impressed.
The reasons for this sad, sad news varies between shows, but the publication reports several showrunners are holding back their series because they're either taking the time to create even better storylines , or are waiting in some kind of metaphorical television show traffic jam, while other seasons clog up their airspace.
I mean, it's just selfish if you ask us but, whatever.
Hold on to your remote controls, people. This news is about to hurt like a Westworld-esque gunshot wound to the chest – brief, not exactly life-threatening but, oh so painful.
Here's what you're going to miss out on:
1. Fleabag
Despite winning this year's 'Best Female Comedy Performance' at the television BAFTAs, Phoebe Waller-Bridge's hit BBC Three comedy series, Fleabag, is going on a break following it's award-winning six episodes last year.
A London-based drama that sees its protagonist, Fleabag, endure a stream of pathetic boyfriends, a failing cafe, the recent death of her best friend, an annoying guinea pig and b*tch of step-mother,
Fleabag is as dark as it is sidesplittingly hilarious.
2. Westworld
HBO's amusement park for the rich and artificially intelligent hosts is closing shop this year until 2018, as EW reports showrunners Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy are hoping to write 10 episodes before season two goes into production.
That means we'll have to wait even longer to find out what Evan Rachel Wood's character Dolares has up her lace-trimmed sleeves with her fellow-robots.
3. American Crime Story
Starring everyone from John Travolta, Cuba Gooding Jr and Sarah Paulson in its hit series about the O.J. Simpson murder trial, the second season of this hit show is set to return next year, focussing on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
'It's taken us time to get material we're happy with,' FX CEO John Landgraf told the publication.
However, if the thought of waiting another year for more of Ryan Murphy's anthology series is too much, on the plus side, EW reports the series is returning for not one but two seasons next year, one of which revolves around the murder of Gianni Versace, with Penelope Cruz playing Donatella Versace.
Now, you're talking.
4. Jessica Jones
While we might have Wonder Woman gracing our screens this year, representing the badass, powerful female superheroines we've waited so long for, it sounds like we won't be getting any new episodes from Netflix's crime-fighting series, Jessica Jones, anytime soon.
*Sigh*
5. Luke Cage and Daredevil
On that note, we can also say 'see you later' to Netflix's other crime-fighting dramas, Luke Cage and Daredevil, for another year.
However, Luke Cage and his co-star Jessica Jones will reportedly return for The Defenders, a limited-series that combines characters from previous Marvel programmes, so all is not lost.
6. Atlanta
Donald Glover might have scooped two Golden Globes for his work on FX show Atlanta earlier this year but, unfortunately for Glover fans, it sounds like he might be putting his up-coming Han Solo prequel – in which he stars as Lando Calrissian – at the top of his agenda in 2017.
FX executive Eric Schrier told EW: 'It's an amazing opportunity for him, we try to be as accommodating to the talent as we can.'
Priorities, priorities, Don!
However, we suppose we can let Glover off the hook, you know, seeing as he's going to play Simba in Disney's live-action remake of the Lion KingLion King.
The wait continues.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
