While it hasn't garnered the popularity of other HBO shows like "Boardwalk Empire" or "Girls," or even the variety of semi-controversy and chatter of "The Newsroom," David Simon's "Treme" had lots of critical love, albeit a small, but devoted following. But it seems Simon's time down in New Orleans will be coming to end.
Simon and the show's co-creator Eric Overmyer have announced that HBO has given them the go ahead to produce a fourth, final and shorter season for the show. "HBO has offered us a lump sum to budget a conclusion to 'Tremé,' and we are trying to figure out how to stretch that amount in the best possible way. Right now, we are tentatively looking at anywhere between four and six hours of programming, depending on a variety of things," Simon explained to HitFix. "It's half a loaf, but it represents a sincere effort by Mike Lombardo and Richard Plepler to end the narrative properly. We'll do the best we can with the story arcs and try to conclude 'Tremé' in a resonant way."
It's a bummer for fans of the show, but they'll be heartened to know that though the actors had no contractual obligation to return for a half-season, everyone is on board to close it out right. "Treme" recently kicked off season 3, which runs weekly through to November 25th. No word yet on when season four will premiere, but Fall 2013 is probably a safe bet.