Showtime’s ‘Masters of Sex’ Not Returning for Season 5

Oh, and the anti-climax jokes that ensue. Showtime’s Masters of Sex once ranked as an early breakout for the network, but lost steam in its latter seasons, even as the most recent run returned some critical praise. Sadly, Masters & Johnson have officially closed up shop, as Showtime confirms Masters of Sex won’t return for Season 5.

The announcement comes only weeks after Showtime aired its fourth season finale, in which the central characters of Bill Masters (Michael Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) were left married, but far from a happy ending. That said, The Hollywood Reporter says “Sources say Showtime, producers and the cast decided that they have told a complete story and opted to not move forward with a fifth season.”

Guests for the fourth and final Masters of Sex included Danny Jacobs, real-life married couple Stephen Root and Romy Rosemont, Niecy Nash, David Walton, The Wire vet Andre Royo, Orange Is the New Black boss Alysia Reiner, and returning stars Beau Bridges and Sarah Silverman.

Hard to argue that Masters of Sex had reached a certain lull, but is it disappointing the series never quite reached the national exposure of its namesake?