The 100's Journey
The 100 gained a massive following throughout its seven-season run on the CW, captivating audiences with its post-apocalyptic narrative and compelling characters. The series takes place nearly 100 years after a nuclear war destroyed all civilizations on Earth, and the space station housing humanity's survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth to assess the planet's viability. Under the leadership of Clarke Griffin and Bellamy Blake, the group fights for survival and attempts to establish communication with their ship.
The cast of The 100 in a promo photo.
The show's premise was spun into seven seasons of deep plot and character development, resulting in 100 episodes that kept viewers hooked with its intriguing storyline. Unlike many TV shows, The 100 was fortunate to end on its own terms, avoiding the fate of being canceled due to declining ratings or overstaying its welcome. However, the decision to conclude The 100 with its seventh season raised questions about the show's potential and the impact of its finality.
Clarke and her friendslook upset in a warehouse in The 100
The 100 final season left a lasting impression, but it also sparked discussions about the reasons behind its conclusion and the potential for a season 8. Showrunner Jason Rothenberg's vision and the reception of the series finale shed light on the complex dynamics of ending a beloved show.
Clarke looks confused in The 100
Why The 100 Season 7 Was The Last One
In May 2020, Rothenberg revealed that The 100 season 7 marked the right time to conclude the series. He emphasized the importance of not overstaying the show's welcome and expressed his satisfaction with ending the story of the characters after seven seasons. Rothenberg's decision to end The 100 aligned with his original vision for the series, allowing him to create a series finale that honored the show's core themes and messages.
Clarke holding a gun on Russell in The 100
The series finale provided a satisfying conclusion for most characters, answering lingering questions about humanity's survival and delivering fitting endings to character arcs. While The 100 season 7 was polarizing, the final season's ending resonated with the show's overarching message of humanity's potential for improvement, despite its messy nature. Rothenberg's ability to culminate the series as he had envisioned highlighted the significance of ending a story on a meaningful note.
Bellamy in his new Disciple wear in The 100 season 7
The Impact of The 100's Conclusion
While The 100's final season provided closure for the characters and the narrative, the decision to end the series before season 8 raised concerns about missed opportunities and unresolved storylines. The introduction of extraterrestrial life and higher beings in season 7 left audiences grappling with major plot developments that could have been better explored over multiple seasons. However, the abrupt conclusion led to mixed reactions, prompting discussions about the potential drawbacks of ending the show when it still had untapped narrative potential.
Charlotte and Wells in the forest in The 100
The cast of The 100 transitioned to new projects after the series finale, showcasing the diverse careers of the talented actors. From Eliza Taylor's appearances in sci-fi series to Bob Morley's role in the TV series Limbo, the cast members continued to make their mark in the entertainment industry. Additionally, the planned prequel to The 100 faced its own challenges, ultimately getting scrapped and leaving fans curious about the future of the franchise.
Echo, Octavia, and Diyoza on Bardo in The 100
