The Vikings saga on History is coming to a close, but the cable channel may not be ready to leave that world just yet.
A rep for History confirms to The Hollywood Reporter that Vikings will end with its sixth season, which is set to debut later in 2019. The show is nearing the end of its fifth season; production on season six has already wrapped. The second half of season six is likely to air in 2020.
Creator Michael Hirst, History and producer MGM Television are also in early discussions for a series that would continue the story Vikings has told. If it goes forward, Hirst would co-create the new show with Jeb Stuart (Die Hard, The Fugitive).
Debuting in 2013, Vikings was History’s first ongoing scripted series and has been a strong performer throughout its run. The current season, which stretches back to November 2017, is averaging just under 2 million viewers and a 0.5 rating among adults 18-49 in same-day ratings. It typically doubles its audience (or comes very close to doing so) with a week of delayed viewing.
Hirst (The Tudors, Camelot), who has written every episode of Vikings, has had an endgame for the series in mind for some time. He and History decided that after six seasons and what will be 89 episodes that it would be appropriate to give fans of the show a definitive ending.
Hirst also has a first-look deal at MGM Television and is developing several series projects for the studio.
History, meanwhile, has season two of drama Knightfall and rookie Project Blue Book on its remaining scripted slate.
Deadline first reported the news.
