Well my Person of Interest peeps, things aren’t looking good for the series as we approach the 2015-2016 season. At the CBS Upfronts this morning, it was finally confirmed that while the show has been renewed for season 5, it is, indeed, a shortened season. In fact, the series isn’t even on the network’s Fall schedule, which means it will be deferred until sometime in 2016.  While they really couldn’t say yet how many episodes will be ordered for the abbreviated season, I can’t imagine it being more than 13 given the show’s late start after the New Year.

Now, on to the big question — will season 5 be the last? When CBS President Nina Tassler was asked this question, her response was “We’re having those conversations with the team right now. Jonah Nolan and Greg Plageman came in and pitched really terrific ideas for the new season. And you know, we have to see. It’s always been a very smart, creative show. We don’t know yet whether or not it’s going to be the end or not. If it is, we’ll have a great ending.” While this is not a definite kiss-off, the tone suggests they are likely heading towards a decision of using the short season to wrap things up for the series. Sigh.

Not very encouraging news, I know, but we will have to wait and see what happens. CBS actually has several options to choose from in terms of what to do with the series. Of course, they can simply end it, making season 5 officially its last. However, they also may opt to make Person of Interest a summer show with 13 episodes. This is something that CBS decided to do with the drama Unforgettable 3 years ago. This show was actually canceled after only the 1st season, but then CBS reneged on that decision and made it part of their summer line-up. Unforgettable was once again canceled by CBS after season 3, but has recently been acquired by A&E, with season 4 expected to air sometime next year.

Bottom line — it is best to just stay calm for the time being.  It’s not over yet, and even if this all ends with a cancellation, I have total confidence in Nolan and Plageman to deliver a mind-blowing final season that none of us will forget anytime soon.