'Reign' season 4 spoilers news: Upcoming installment shortest season to date; Is it series' last?

The fate of "Reign" season 4 seemed to be on shaky ground, as it took The CW some time before announcing its renewal and subsequent 2017 release. Now, it looks like fans have another cause for concern as the series is allegedly airing its shortest season to date.

"Reign" season 3 saw a significant drop in ratings, which is why it was initially speculated that it will not see a fourth installment. It was only in April that season 4 was confirmed, but it was subsequently announced that it will not be included in The CW's fall lineup. Instead, it will supposedly be included in the network's early 2017 roster.

Apparently, the delay was necessary so "Reign" season 4's premiere will not coincide with the release of "Game of Thrones" season 7, which is set to premiere summer of 2017.

Very little is known about the upcoming installment of the period drama that chronicles the life of Mary, Queen of Scots (Adelaide Kane). What is certain is that season 4 will see the introduction of new suitors, two of whom will eventually be Mary's second and third husbands.

In a recent report, though, Carter Matt said that season 4 will be the shortest of all seasons for "Reign," with only 16 episodes airing. Fans will recall that the maiden and sophomore seasons of the series comprised of 22 episodes while 18 episodes were ordered for season 3.

With this news, fear has once again gripped fans of the series, as they are assuming that season 4 is probably the series' last. However, the report should be taken with a grain of salt since the network hasn't released an official statement yet.

Moreover, despite the uncertainties that the series faced, and is still facing, its producers remain confident that it will see better days in The CW.

In the meantime, keep coming back for more updates on "Reign" season 4, which is set to premiere in 2017 on The CW.