The hit Paramount Plus series Star Trek: Picard seems to have an end in sight, with its recently-premiered third season presumably intended to be the last. But things might not be cut and dry, as the Sir Patrick Stewart series might continue after this, depending on how it all plays out.

The Star Trek series, which stars Stewart in the triumphant reprisal of his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard (eventually promoted to Admiral), has earned some positive reviews over the years since its debut in January 2020. Many have noticed how the series has changed a few things about Picard since his original appearance on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but that hasn't stopped the series from resonating with fans. Whether it's from Stewart's always impeccable performances or the multitude of guest appearances from fellow Star Trek alums, Picard consistently draws in the crowds. So it should be no surprise that a continuation could be in the cards.

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Executive producer Alex Kurtzman recently spoke with reporters during the Television Critics Association press tour, and it turns out Picard's upcoming finale may not be set in stone quite yet. "When we started the series, Patrick and we all talked about really wanting it to just be three years, feeling like we could really tell a complete story with the season you're now seeing as our endpoint," he teased, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. "That being said, anything is possible. If a show blows the doors off the place, as we're certainly hoping it will, and we're very, very proud of season 3, who knows?"

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Aside from wondering whether Stewart would be willing to return after the Picard finale, it looks like Kurtzman isn't the only one considering the possibility. "It's up to the television gods. And by that I mean Paramount+ and Alex Kurtzman," said Picard showrunner Terry Matalas. "There's certainly a desire by me and many of the actors to continue some of these stories. I think the way this season ends, there's a tremendous opportunity. So I'd be lying to say that I don't have a thousand and one ideas ready to go. But you know the nature of television is mercurial. So we'll see."

A lot happened to Picard between Star Trek: The Next Generation and the 2020 series, so it makes sense that such a significant continuation would be planned meticulously. Ending after season 3 would likely be a satisfying conclusion, particularly given how that seemed to be the plan from the start. It's one thing to end a show unexpectedly. But if it was planned to conclude a certain way, the creators can tell a full and coherent story. It's difficult to imagine adding on to something like that.

Still, there's a reason many consider Picard the best captain across all of Star Trek. He's got popularity, meaning the viewers would continue showing up if Star Trek: Picard continues after season 3. Either way, fans must wait and see how things turn out.

Star Trek: Picard releases new episodes Thursdays on Paramount Plus.

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Source: Entertainment Weekly