The Untold Story Behind Person of Interest's Sudden Cancellation

Summary

Person of Interest season 6 could have further explored the battle with Samaritan and the concept of "backups" of the main characters in the Machine.

The cast was taken aback by the unexpected cancellation of the show, as they were not prepared for its conclusion, despite the demanding shooting schedule.

Following the conclusion of the series, the main cast members have continued to stay engaged in the entertainment industry, undertaking diverse projects in both film and television.

Following the cancellation of Person of Interest after the fifth season due to CBS no longer profiting from the series, there were potential plans for the story of season 6. The action-thriller show centered around an artificial intelligence called The Machine, capable of predicting future murders. The creator, Harold Finch (played by Michael Emerson), received "numbers" from The Machine, identifying individuals who could be either victims or perpetrators of crimes. The main characters discreetly investigated each case. Unfortunately, Person of Interest was canceled after five seasons. The final season, consisting of only 13 episodes, tied up loose ends and resolved conflicts between the main characters and their primary antagonist, Samaritan.

In the series finale, Samaritan was ultimately defeated, and one of the show's main leads, John Reese (played by Jim Caviezel), sacrificed himself to save Finch. Finch achieved a satisfying outcome in the end. Additionally, in a surprising twist, the Machine made a return in the closing moments, hinting at Shaw (portrayed by Sarah Shahi) potentially following in Reese's footsteps. The announcement that Person of Interest would conclude after season 5 came shortly after the premiere. The awareness of the writers and producers regarding the potential end allowed them to create a fitting conclusion for the series. However, fans still wonder why it had to end there, as season 6 of Person of Interest was not an entirely improbable possibility.

Why Person of Interest Was Canceled After Season 5

Person of Interest proved to be a major success for CBS, attracting an impressive viewership of over 10 million in its initial three seasons. However, ratings gradually declined in season 4, averaging around 8-10 million viewers. Despite these numbers, the decision to end the show came as a surprise to its dedicated fanbase. Les Moonves, the CEO of CBS at the time, shed light on the situation during various interviews.

The show, which was owned by Warner Bros., played a crucial role in generating profits, as Moonves emphasized. Unfortunately, CBS did not benefit as much as they had hoped, as a significant portion of the advertising revenue went to Warner Bros. If CBS had full ownership of Person of Interest, they would have had control over the revenue, potentially leading to the continuation of the series beyond season 6. However, due to the diminished profitability for CBS, the network ultimately decided to cancel the show.

What Person of Interest Season 6's Story Could've Been About

If Person of Interest had a sixth season, the events in season 5 would not have been condensed into a 13-episode arc, according to showrunner Greg Plageman. The storyline involving Elias and the battle against the evil A.I. Samaritan could have been extended, and it's possible that some events from season 5 would have been saved for season 6.

Another storyline that could have unfolded in season 6 relates to Plageman's comments about the idea of "backups" of the main characters living on in the Machine. This concept was mentioned by Root in season 5, suggesting that death was not the end. Given the opportunity, they might have explored this idea further, potentially leading to some unusual quests in future seasons.

The Person Of Interest Cast Weren’t All Ready To See It End

TV cancelations often come as a surprise, leaving little time for writers to wrap up storylines. This was the case for the cast of Person of Interest during its fifth season. Michael Emerson, in an interview with Celebrity Cafe in 2016, revealed that the cast only found out about the cancelation moments before it became public knowledge. Emerson explained that the news was unveiled when the show was not included in the CBS Upfront presentation after season 4. The Upfronts allow networks to showcase their upcoming shows and entice advertisers to invest in commercial time.

Although the cast eventually learned that a fifth season was granted, Emerson admitted that he was not mentally prepared for the show to end, despite the demanding schedule of filming the episodes. He also shared that while shooting the final season, he did not perceive it as leading toward a definite conclusion.

Emerson expressed his "surprise" during the shooting process as he continually anticipated the pace to slow down. However, the final season astoundingly packed an abundance of conflict and action within those 13 episodes, making the concluding stretch relentless. Although Michael Emerson was immensely proud of the dedication poured into the series, working on the fifth season of Person of Interest swiftly flew by, leaving him yearning for a sixth season.

What The Person Of Interest Cast Has Done Since It Ended

Following the cancellation of Person of Interest in 2016, the primary ensemble has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry. Each member has embarked on a range of diverse ventures. For instance, Kevin Chapman has graced numerous television projects including The Punisher, The Equalizer, and NCIS.

Jim Caviezel, renowned for his portrayal of Jesus in the iconic film "The Passion of the Christ," is set to reprise his role in the long-awaited sequel, "The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection." Alongside this role, Caviezel has showcased his versatility in projects such as the western film "The Ballad of Lefty Brown," narrating the documentary "Onyx: Kings of the Grail," and tackling a challenging role in the controversial drama "Sound of Freedom."

Following his successful stint on the television series "LOST," Michael Emerson chose to take on fewer roles with long-term commitments. However, he did make notable appearances in select projects. This includes a story arc on the CW's "Arrow" and another on "Mozart in the Jungle." Emerson also lent his voice to a character in the video game "Crucible" before returning to star in the television series "Evil." Additionally, in 2023, he showcased his vocal talents by voicing the character Braniac in the animated series "My Adventures With Superman."

The relationship between Root and Shaw became a significant source of emotional connection for fans of Person of Interest in later seasons. Both Amy Acker and Sarah Shahi have expressed a deep love for their respective roles. However, they have since moved on to various other projects since the conclusion of Person of Interest. Acker has taken on leading roles in shows such as The Gifted, God Friended Me, All Rise, 9-1-1: Lonestar, and The Watchful Eye, establishing herself as a prominent figure in television. Shahi, on the other hand, starred in a pilot for a modernized version of Nancy Drew, though it did not end up being picked up. She has since found success in projects such as Chicago Fire, The Rookie, Sex/Life, and the DC film Black Adam. Additionally, Shahi made an appearance in the Amazon movie Red, White, & Royal Blue.

While the cast of Person of Interest may have desired a return for a sixth season, they have managed to keep themselves incredibly busy since the show's end. In an era filled with reboots, sequels, and prequels, there remains a possibility of some form of reunion in the future.

Sources: IGN, Celebrity Cafe, YouTube