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‘Castle’ Season 9: Nathan Fillion’s Confirmed Return, But Will The Show Be Renewed?

By Merry Strong
Published on: 10:54 PST, May 6, 2016

Castle fans rejoice! Nathan Fillion is returning to Season 9 of the uber-popular ABC series. According to Deadline, he just sealed the deal with the network. That being said, probably one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is what will he do without his beloved Beckett?

There’s still the chance Castle won’t be renewed. ABC has until the end of today to make the decision. Sadly, if the show isn’t renewed, the final episode will air May 16.

The good news is this. All signs point to the fact that Season 9 will be a reality. However, there’s some speculation of a shorter-than-usual, 13-episode season, which will cost less to produce and license. According to TVLine, Fox used the same shorter season strategy for the final season of Bones, and it was deemed quite successful.

Money seems to be the issue these days, at least on the Castle home front. You may or may not be aware of the fact that Stana Katic and Tamala Jones were recently let go due to so-called “budgetary reasons.” On the other hand, both Jon Huertas and Seamus Dever are said to be making a return, along with Fillion.

You may be wondering why ABC is waiting until the very last minute to make the decision as to whether or not Castle will be returning for another season. Apparently, it has to do with contract talks taking longer than usual to finalize and the fact the network is in the middle of screening new pilots.

Some believe it might have to do with the backlash the network’s received for letting Beckett go. At this point, is it possible the ABC execs will ask Katic to come back? Stranger things have happened in TV land. So, only time will tell.

When Beckett’s exit was announced in April, saying fans were shocked is an understatement. At the time, Nathan Fillion released a statement about his Castle co-star.

“I wish her well and have no doubt she will succeed in everything she pursues. She will be missed.”

Stana Katic also released a statement, expressing gratitude to both the network and her many fans.

“Rather than distract from what was an amazing experience, I would just like to say that I’m very grateful to ABC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a much-beloved show. Thank you to the fans.”

Castle is considered a legacy show, raking in big bucks for both ABC and Disney. Sources indicate the plot for Season 9 of Castle is already in place. The writers are simply waiting for the go-ahead to add the finishing touches.

In a separate TVLine report, the final Season 8 episode of Castle plays out with Richard and Kate preparing to take down LokSat. Of course, a twist of fate puts both of their lives in danger.

Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley, Castle showrunners, indicated that two different endings were filmed, in regard to Season 8’s final episode. One will air if the show gets picked up for another season. The other, with a “proper closure,” will air if Castle gets cancelled.

Are you looking forward to Season 9 of Castle and the return of Nathan Fillion? Or are you going to cross the show off your “must-watch” list because of recent events? Please take a minute to leave your Castle-related comments below.

[Photo by Kevin Winter/Staff Getty Images]

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