'Black Sails' season 4 release date news 2016: Last season to arrive 2017

The popular Starz series "Black Sails" has garnered a loyal following in the last three seasons it has aired. Unfortunately for fans, the next installment of the show, "Black Sails" season 4, has been announced to be its last run.

Though eager followers of the series may lament this fact, there are some who believe that it is just as well that the "Black Sails" creators are appraised of this fact so as to have the opportunity to bring the last season of the show toward an end at their own terms.

Quite commonly, shows are brought to an end abruptly, canceled without so much as a by-your-leave. It has often resulted in these shows ending in a haphazard manner, earning the reputation of having gone downhill on its last run when it had so highly soared on its first.

The pirate series may be on its last leg, but the creators intend to take its last ten episodes on the path toward "a more natural handoff to "Treasure Island."

The series told the story of Captain James Flint (Toby Stephens), who had the reputation as the most feared pirate in his time. This was roughly two decades before the events in "Treasure Island" took place. The show dedicated itself to telling the story of who Flint was and how Long John Silver came to be the only man that Flint feared of all.

Jonathan E. Steinberg, co-creator and executive producer for "Black Sails," shared, "While it was a difficult decision for us to make this season our last, we simply couldn't imagine anything beyond it that would make for a better ending to the story ..."

Steinberg pointed out that they have been given an uncommonly free rein over the years they have made the show and could not be more grateful to the network and the people at Starz for the support and confidence they have shown. He also gave thanks to his cast and crew.

In the meantime, "Black Sails" season 4 has been teased to return with war being waged in the West Indies. A rising death toll is expected as the shores of New Providence Island will turn awash with blood.

No definite date has been announced for its return, but "Black Sails" season 4 is expected sometime in 2017.