Fans are going to have to wait longer than usual to get more Homeland, but the silver lining is that more is almost definitely coming. Showtime announced today that the political thriller series won’t return for season 6 until January 2017. Softening the blow, however, were assurances from the premium network’s CEO, David Nevins, that a deal to renew Homeland for seasons 7 and 8 is near, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Although sources tell THR that the show typically begins production in the spring, it is slated to start in the summer this year. Apparently, the decision is intended to give showrunner and co-creator Alex Gansa and Homeland‘s writers more time going into the upcoming season. That being the case, it’s hard to complain; presumably, the show will be even better for not having been rushed.
The Homeland Twitter account reminded fans of at least one big question that will be answered when the long wait is over: Will Quinn (played by Rupert Friend) survive after his harrowing experience in season 5?
#Homeland returns this January!
…will Quinn? pic.twitter.com/Ifw0b53Mc9— Homeland (@SHO_Homeland) June 1, 2016
As for the more distant future, Showtime is in final negotiations with Fox 21 Televisions Studios, according to Nevins. The fact that he shared the news shows his confidence that talks will conclude favorably. He even spoke of the possibility of more Homeland beyond season 8.
“Just because I’m not thinking that far ahead doesn’t mean Alex Gansa and his team aren’t,” he said. “It’s changing itself pretty dramatically each season. I think more than most, this show has an open-ended expiration date.”
Meanwhile, Showtime has released premiere dates of the shows that will be back in the fall. Masters of Sex is set to kick off its fourth season on September 11, while Shameless season 7 will begin October 2. The Affair season 3 will come later, premiering on November 20.
