'12 Monkeys' renewed for a fourth and final season at Syfy

March 16 (UPI) -- Syfy says it has renewed its drama 12 Monkeys for a fourth and final season.

Thursday's pick-up announcement arrives ahead of the show's Season 3 premiere May 19.

"Universal Cable Productions and Syfy have given us the opportunity to tell an ambitious, emotional story with a beginning, middle and an end -- if not always in that order. I couldn't be more grateful for their faith and support. Like our fans who may want to turn their clocks ahead to see what we've got in store, I only wish I could turn mine back to relive this incredible experience over again," co-developer, show-runner and executive producer Terry Matalas said in a statement.

"12 Monkeys has a dedicated and enthusiastic fan-base thanks to the epic storytelling by Terry Matalas, and the stellar cast and crew," added Jeff Wachtel, president and chief content officer at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. "We are thrilled to be able to offer fans an opportunity to binge the third season as a reward for their lasting support, and we couldn't be more excited to see where Terry takes us with the final chapter of this fabulous story in the fourth season."

Season 3 "will continue the journey of James Cole [played by Aaron Stanford,] a man sent back in time to eradicate the source of a deadly plague, and his partner, brilliant virologist Dr. Cassandra Railly [played by Amanda Schull,]" a synopsis said.

The show's ensemble also includes Kirk Acevedo, Emily Hampshire, Barbara Sukowa and Todd Stashwick.