In a surprising turn of events, Starz has decided to cancel its acclaimed historical drama series, "The Serpent Queen," after just two seasons. However, fans of the show need not despair, as there are silver linings amid this disappointment.

Deadline confirms that the cast’s options have been picked up, including standout Samantha Morton, who plays the cunning Catherine de Medici. This means the actors will receive payments for the unproduced Season 3 episodes without having to film them, a reassuring outcome for the talented ensemble.

As a treat for fans, an exciting spinoff series focusing on the formidable Queen Elizabeth I is already in development. The same creative team behind "The Serpent Queen," including writer and executive producer Justin Haythe and executive producer Erwin Stoff, is involved in this new endeavor. Minnie Driver, who made a notable guest appearance as Elizabeth in Season 2, is expected to reprise her role, which promises to bring continuity and depth to the story.

"The Serpent Queen" concluded its second season just over a month ago, with its storytelling journey reaching a climax during the infamous St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre. Despite the unfortunate cancellation, critics lauded the series, evidenced by its sparkling 100% score and an impressive 7.6/10 average rating on Rotten Tomatoes from numerous reviews.

While the two-year hiatus between seasons contributed to declining viewership, the show's strong critical reception highlights a dedicated fanbase eager for more rich historical narratives. With the forthcoming spinoff, fans can continue to revel in the intrigue and drama that characterized "The Serpent Queen."

Stay tuned for more updates on the Elizabeth I spinoff and other upcoming projects from Starz that may just surprise us!