While ‘The Originals’ season 4 has already been speculated to be the final installment for ‘The Vampire Diaries’ spinoff on The CW, a new deal between the network and Netflix has resulted to rumors that the show will still be renewed for upcoming seasons which will be aired on the online streaming service.

Network executives have reportedly expressed their optimism towards ‘The Originals’ renewal despite ‘The Vampire Diaries’ being cancelled after season 8. Fans have particularly been concerned after the show went through a cut in the order of its episodes, which is typically an indication that a series will be axed off air.

Still, ‘The Originals’ is deemed as one of the more popular shows on The CW; unless the official confirmation of the series’ cancellation is announced, fans could still look forward to the possibility of future installments.

Meanwhile, viewers of ‘The Originals’ have already came up with theories that the supposed villain in the upcoming season will be the worst antagonist that Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan) will have to deal with. With Klaus unable to survive the consequences, this may have been the circumstance behind The CW cutting off the series.

However, a new storyline may come up with which Klaus’ daughter, Hope (Summer Fontana), will take on a more active role in using her powers, giving the show a new and fresh turn.

Meanwhile, series creator Julie Plec dropped a number of ‘The Originals’ season 4 spoilers in an interview with Entertainment Weekly; she shared how the Mikaelson family will get to bond and get to know each other. Plec pointed out that Kol and Rebekah could have similar questions about their family.

“Rebekah, like her siblings, has gotten caught up into the unified family takedown and spent five years in an alternate reality and is now back once again with that same choice she always has: What is my life supposed to be outside this crazy family,” Plec explained.

Ratings for ‘The Originals’ have not been stable while ‘The Vampire Diaries’ have been said to be cancelled next year due to a successive plunge in ratings after actress Nina Dobrev’s exit.

Executive producer Julie Plec confirmed that she looks forward to the return of Dobrev’s character, Elena, on the series before the long-running series ends.

“It’s what she and I kind of agreed on when she decided to move on, and it’s what I’ve got in my head,” Plec explained. “Obviously things can change throughout time, if the show goes on longer than we expect it to, or if we all collectively decide it would be fun to bring her back earlier, and she wanted to. … I’m sticking with my side of the plan, which is to bring her back at the very end.”

It has been reported by Netflix Life that the two networks have reached an agreement about the series, although an official statement is yet to be issued. ‘The Originals’ season 4 episodes is up for Netflix streaming eight days after the season finale is aired.

‘The Originals’ season 4 premiere is set to air in early 2017 on The CW.