Say so long to Chester’s Mill.
CBS announced this week that the locally filmed television series, “Under the Dome,” will not be renewed for a fourth season.
That means the show, which recently wrapped on filming season three at Screen Gems/EUE Studios and around town, will be making its exit from Wilmington.
Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel of the same name, “Under the Dome” first aired in June 2013, launching a stellar first season in terms of ratings. In 2014, it was CBS’ most-watched program, with 11.3 million viewers and while numbers have dipped, it has maintained solid rankings throughout its third season.
In the weeks leading up to the announcement, reports and rumors swirled about whether “Under the Dome” would continue filming it Wilmington. The show did not apply for a grant under the N.C. Film Incentive program as it did last year, receiving $5 million of the $10 million statewide cap to film its third season.
“Two years ago, ‘Under the Dome’ broke new ground in the summer and became an instant hit on CBS, as well as with viewers around the world,” Nina Tassler, chairman of CBS Entertainment, said. “’Dome’s’ event storytelling and multi-platform business model paved the way for more original summer programming with the successful rollouts of ‘Extant’ and ‘Zoo.'”
Tassler said the Sept. 10 series finale will end with the dome finally being lifted from the fictional small town of Chester’s Mill. When that happens, “many questions about its origin and power will be answered, as two groups of residents engage in one final conflict that some won’t survive,” according to a release from CBS.
All three seasons of “Under the Dome” will continue to be available for unlimited streaming to fans and members of Amazon’s Prime Video.
Related story: ‘UTD’ cast: Southern hospitality, Britt’s Donuts among Wilmington highlights
Hilary Snow is a reporter at Port City Daily. Reach her at hilary.s@portcitydaily.com.
