Since its debut in 2017, Ozark has consistently found ways to keep protagonists Marty (Jason Bateman) and Wendy (Laura Linney) Byrde embroiled in unending conundrums. Ozark season four sees Marty and Wendy plunge deeper into mortal peril as they fruitlessly scramble to extricate themselves from their money-laundering arrangement with the Navarro cartel.With the Byrde's predicament becoming alarmingly inescapable towards the end of part one, fans were thrilled when the second installment of Ozark’s supersized fourth season was finally made available for streaming. However, this excitement was quickly tarnished by the stark realization that the highly anticipated seven episodes would mark the end of the Ozark saga. Here’s why Ozark will not be returning for a fifth season.SPOILER ALERT! This article contains details from 'Ozark' season 4.
8 ‘Ozark’ Fans Should Not Expect A Fifth Season
Ozark fans have had a stellar time watching Marty and Wendy Byrde thrust deeper into the perilous world of the Navarro cartel for the past five years. However, it appears that season four is the end of the road for these beloved protagonists.
While announcing plans to deliver a supersized fourth season back in 2020, Ozark showrunner Chris Mundy hinted at a possible ending saying, "We’re so happy Netflix recognized the importance of giving Ozark more time to end the Byrdes’ saga right."
7 Why ‘Ozark’ Fans Are Clamoring For A Fifth Season
Ozark’s finale episode features the tragic death of Ruth Langmore (Julia Garner) at the hands of Camila Elizondro. This unexpected ending left fans in disbelief, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment.
Showrunner Chris Mundy justified the controversial creative choice in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly saying, "In some ways it makes her (Ruth) a more memorable character, just because she had this end, and hopefully at least her last moment was brave and on her own terms.”
6 Why ‘Ozark’ Ended On A Cliffhanger
Ruth Langmore’s anticlimactic death in Ozark’s finale episode might have left fans with the notion that a fifth season is in the offing.
However, according to Chris Mundy, a cataclysmic death was the most authentic way to conclude the character’s journey on the show. "It just became pretty clear... that this is what would happen to that character in that place in that situation, having done what she did in (season 4) episode 8.”
5 Why Netflix Decided To End ‘Ozark’
Ozark has been one of Netflix’s most successful shows, with part one of season four garnering record-breaking streaming numbers. It seems unwise that the streamer would even consider ending such a popular show.
In an interview with The Daily Beast, Chris Mundy speculated on Netflix’s mystifying decision saying, "My gut feeling is that they have an appreciation for letting things run the right amount of time for them, and creatively.”
4 ‘Ozark’ Showrunner Chris Mundy Was Hoping For Five Seasons
In his interview with The Daily Beast, Chris Mundy disclosed that he initially thought the show would run for five seasons. The showrunner confessed that he had pitched the idea of doing five seasons to Netflix. “I’ve been talking to them [Netflix] about trying to end it in five [seasons], and they weren’t sure if they wanted to do four or five.” Ultimately, the streamer landed on the idea of doing a supersized fourth and final season.
3 Ending ‘Ozark’ In Season Four Made Sense From A Creative Standpoint
Netflix’s idea to conclude the Ozark saga was primarily informed by corporate considerations. However, Chris Mundy believes that this decision was also prudent from a creative perspective.
Speaking to The Daily Beast, the showrunner confessed, “Creatively, we didn’t think it would go past five. Knowing where we wanted to end it—at least emotionally; we didn’t know all the mechanics of it—it felt like somewhere in that four-five season range was kind of perfect."
2 Jason Bateman’s Thoughts On ‘Ozark’ Ending
Ozark star Jason Bateman is also seemingly on board with the idea of concluding the show at season four. Speaking to Collider, Bateman reasoned that protagonists Marty and Wendy would most likely end up dead or in jail if the show kept going for much longer.
The star later added, "The alternative is to flatten out that pitch so that you don't end up jumping the shark, but then you start stalling just for additional episodes and seasons."
1 Julia Garner’s Thoughts On ‘Ozark’ Ending
Julia Garner’s character Ruth Langmore gradually evolved from Marty Byrde’s money laundering protégé into a ruthless businesswoman. Despite her character’s untimely demise in Ozark’s finale episode, Garner concurs with the decision to conclude the show in the fourth season.
In a recent interview with Time, the star clarified why a fifth season would be imprudent saying, “I feel like ending on a high note like this is probably the smartest move. You don’t ever want to be the last person leaving the party.”
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