'Mr. Robot' to end run after upcoming fourth season

Mr. Robot's fourth season on USA will be its last, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The final season will feature an extended run of 12 episodes instead of eight before bowing out.

The striking hacker drama starring Rami Malek debuted in 2015, when it floored critics and audiences with a fresh, addictive take on the hacker trope with a twist of psychological thrill.

Malek's breakout performance earned him an Emmy and a lifetime spot on the list of actors now inseparable from their iconic television roles.

Creator Sam Esmail originally considered doing a fifth season – back when Season 4 was supposed to be shorter – but ultimately chose to condense the story.

"When I first created the world of Mr. Robot, I thought it would be a niche television series with a small, cult following. Over the past three years, it has become so much more, and I am continually humbled by the show’s recognition and by the amazing cast and crew that work tirelessly to help bring my vision to life," Esmail told THR.

"Since day one, I’ve been building toward one conclusion — and in breaking the next season of Mr. Robot, I have decided that conclusion is finally here. Everyone on the creative team, including the amazing people at USA and UCP, didn't want to say goodbye, but we ultimately have too much respect for Elliot's journey to extend past its inevitable ending. Therefore, season four will serve as the final chapter of the Mr. Robot story. To fans of the show: thank you for the past three years, and I can't wait to share this exciting final season with you."

The fourth and final season of Mr. Robot will air in 2019.