Boardwalk Empire's fifth season will be its last

Despite receiving widespread critical acclaim, HBO has announced that Boardwalk Empire will conclude in its fifth season.

15:15 10 January 2014

American TV network HBO has confirmed on Thursday that period crime drama Boardwalk Empire’s fifth season, which is scheduled to air at the end of this year, will be its last. The announcement was made at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California.

President of Programming at HBO Michael Lombardo said: “It has been an incredible honor to bring this powerful and groundbreaking series to our subscribers. Terry Winter has created one for the ages.”

Meanwhile, series creator Terence Winter promises viewers a “powerful and exciting conclusion.”

He explained: 'We’re thrilled to get the go-ahead for a fifth season of Boardwalk Empire. After much discussion with my creative team and HBO, we’ve decided to wrap up the series after such a great run and look forward to bringing it to a powerful and exciting conclusion.'

The series which took inspiration from the Nelson Johnson authored book Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, And Corruption of Atlantic City about historical criminal figure Enoch L. Johnson, had its pilot episode directed by Academy Award winner Martin Scorsese who also serves as a producer. Boardwalk Empire received many awards and nominations which including a winning Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Drama in 2011.