Actually, that was the exact phrase Magnus actress Amanda Tapping used when Tweeting her reaction. “‘Bloody hell’ indeed” she posted, adding a message to the fans: “We love and adore you. Thank you for the love and support. Now to the long dark tea time of my soul.”
The news was far from unexpected. Ever since season four wrapped, there had been no news of the show being recommissioned, and Syfy had even given over the Sanctuary ’s studio space in Canada to another show. Viewing figures had been steadily dwindling over he years; though season four showed a slight improvement over a fairly disastrous second half of season three, overnights of just over a million were clearly not enough to keep the show viable.
In a statement, Mark Stern, President, Syfy Original Content and Co-Head, Universal Cable Productions, said: “We’re honoured to have been part of this incredible series. In addition to garnering unmatched devotion by fans worldwide, Sanctuary was a bona fide trailblazer, setting new standards with its highly innovative production techniques – including pioneering green screen and RED camera technology – and Emmy-nominated visual effects. It’s been an amazing ride and we look forward to our next project with Amanda Tapping, Martin Wood and Damian Kindler.”
In the statement, showrunners Damon Kindler and Martin Wood said: “We couldn’t be prouder of the four seasons we made on Sanctuary . We are very grateful for the opportunity and must acknowledge the wonderful work from our cast and crew, the support from our studio, the Beedie Group – who have been with us right from the start – the networks who worked so hard with us each week, and most of all the fans… we owe so much to the fans”
Other cast members weighed in on the news via Twitter, such as Robin Dunne (Will): “Thanks to our wonderful @SanctuarySeries fans for 4 years of love & support. You gave us a great life. See you on the next one. XO.”
Ryan Robbins (Henry), wrote: “Truly overwhelmed by all the wonderful #Sanctuary messages. You guys continue to be full of awesomeness. #bestfansever,”
Robert Lawrenson (Declan) tweeted, “A huge thank you to the phenomenal Sanctuary fans, cast, crew & producers for a wonderful run. Look back with pride and forward with spirit.”