Conceived by Jonathan E. Steinberg alongside Robert Levine, ‘Black Sails’ is an American adventure historical TV series that is established on New Providence Island and penned to be a prequel to R.L. Stevenson’s novel titled “Treasure Island” published in 1883. Developed for Starz, the series was launched on YouTube for free and on several other streaming services and video-on-demand platforms on January 18, 2014. The release on cable TV came after a week on January 25, 2014. Steinberg also serves as an executive producer along with Michael Bay, Brad Fuller, and Andrew Form. The series’ co-executive directors are Michael Angeli, Doris Egan, and also including Levine. The show highlights the pirates and their treasure-seeking schemes as they fend off the British government which tries to crush them.
There’s is no denying that ‘Black Sails’ is a top-rated series and ever since its debut fans have been craving more seasons. The show’s compelling storyline, performance, and outstanding visual effects are what captivated the audience. The series has so far produced four seasons in total and fans can’t help but wonder whether or not a fifth series will happen. To find out, read the article till the end.
What might have happened in Season 5 of Black Sails?
At Skeleton Island, Jack and his crew of pirates made landfall. From Roger’s attack, they were attempting to protect the populace. Some of them survived on the island, while others perished. In contrast, Jack and his team were pursuing Rogers and Eurydice. The former was ready to end the conflict, so Rogers was given one last fight. Eurydice was taken by using specific cunning methods. Silver and Flint sailed back to Skeleton Island in the interim. The two were eagerly looking for the treasure that was inside of it. In addition, Jack had returned to Philadelphia so that he could speak with Marion Guthrie. Flint, though, departed for Savannah.
The narrative became closer to “Treasure Land” as additional seasons were available on Starz. At first, it was intended to directly adapt the plot of the book. However, the notion of making a prequel attracted a lot of attention. Few people anticipated that Luke Arnold would take center stage in season 5. However, there was a greater chance that season 5 would result in a spin-off. Most of the primary characters had happy endings, thus, a spin-off would have been anticipated. The following season might have centered on Mary Read if it weren’t for it.
What is the show about?
According to Starz’s official synopsis, it reads:
“Hundreds of British soldiers lie dead in a forest… the Royal Navy sails back to England… the West Indies are no a war zone, and the shores of New Providence Island have never been bloodier. With the help of Eleanor Guthrie, Woodes Rogers transforms Nassau into a fortress, as Captain Flint amasses a fleet of unprecedented strength, hoping to strike the final blow and reshape the world forever.”
Will there be a Season 5 of Black Sails?
Sadly, the fifth season of Black Sails won’t happen because Starz has officially discontinued the show after season 4.
On July 20, 2016, Starz declared that the series’ fourth season would be its final season; the season was launched on January 29, 2017, and ended on April 2, 2017.
Fans had very high expectations that a fifth season would return, but to their disappointment, the series has ended. ‘Black Sails’ won’t have another comeback in the future.
Black Sails Season 5 Release Date
As mentioned above, the series has come to an end after the fourth season and as much as fans were saddened to learn the news, it wasn’t much of a surprise because they already saw it coming that this was going to occur at some point of time.
However, fans are hopeful for spin-offs based on the ending in the fourth season as it leaves scope to take the story further but at the same time, it all depends on the show makers. Overall, the lead characters get their proper endings but the finale does leave a door open and somewhat a sign indicating that the show can still proceed with more new adventures. In the final moments, we saw Mary Read, a real-life pirate onboard the ship join Anne Bonny and Jack Rackham. So yes, there are many possibilities for a continuation and although a fifth season of ‘Black Sails’ will no longer happen, we can always look forward to the story resuming in some form.
The Cast & Characters of Black Sails
- Toby Stephens portrays James McGraw/Flint
- Hannah New plays Eleanor Guthrie
- Luke Arnold plays “Long” John Silver
- Jessica Parker Kennedy illustrates Max
- Tom Hopper plays William “Billy Bones” Manderly
- Zach McGowan illustrates Charles Vane
- Toby Schmitz plays Jack Rackham
- Clara Paget acted as Anne Bonny
- Mark Ryan depicts Hal Gates
- Hakeem Kae-Kazim illustrated Mr. Scott
- Sean Cameron Michael in the role of Richard Guthrie
- Louise Barnes in the character of Miranda Hamilton/Barlow
- Rupert Penry-Jones plays Lord Thomas Hamilton
- Luke Roberts in the role of Woodes Rogers
- Ray Stevenson plays Edward Teach
- David Wilmot illustrates Israel Hands
- Harriet Walter plays Marion Guthrie
Black Sails Season 5 Plot
We know that a fifth season won’t happen since the fourth season was the last. The story made it very clear as in the last moments, we witnessed central storylines being provided reasonable closure and major characters being killed off. The show gets nearer to Treasure Island, with the treasures untouched, new characters were also introduced in the show and some of the episodes were a reference to the novel.
So there you go, a fifth season won’t be happening as Starz officially declared that the fourth season was the last.
Black Sails Season 5 is not happening!
(updated July 2023)
The series was officially canceled after the fourth season. Hence, there won’t be a fifth season of Black Sails in the future.
“It’s a rare privilege in television to be given the kind of creative freedom we’ve enjoyed on this show over the last four years,” explained series showrunner Jonathan E. Steinberg. “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 nor a more natural handoff to Treasure Island. We’d like to thank Chris, Carmi and everyone at Starz for all their faith and support, and to our astounding cast and crew for joining us on this ride.”
Carmi Zlotnik of Starz Managing Director also noted: “Jon Steinberg and Robert Levine, along with their crew and the phenomenal cast, have delivered a spectacular take on the most legendary pirate story in literature, and this final season will bring us to the shores of Treasure Island as was always intended. Black Sails has been a tremendous success; from the loyal fan following and strong viewership numbers to awards recognition and the skill of our world-class production in Cape Town, we could not be more proud of this very special series.”
Black Sails aired its last episode on April 2, 2017. The fourth season was the last season of the series.
FAQs about Black Sails
1. Is there a season 5 of Black Sails?
No. The series Black Sails has been cancelled and so there won’t be a season 5.
2. Will there be a season 6 of Black Sails?
Black Sails season 6 won’t happen. The makers have cancelled the series.
3. Has Black Sails ended?
Yes. Black Sails has ended.
4. Any Black Sails spin-off?
As of yet, there are no updates about any Black Sails spin-off series.
5. Black Sails season 5 trailer?
There won’t be a trailer of Black Sails season 5 as the series has been cancelled.
6. What is Black Sails IMDb rating?
Black Sails has received an imdb rating of 8.2 out of 10. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has secured an 81% tomatometer rating.
7. How many seasons of Black Sails are there?
There are only four seasons of Black Sails.