Treme returning for abridged fourth (and final) season

An HBO series will return for a fourth, final and shorter season.

Co-creators David Simon and Eric Overmyer told a crowd at a New Orleans screening of “Treme’s” season three opener that they fought hard for the short fourth season, though they did not specify how many episodes would be in the season.

Simon told the crowd HBO gave him “half a loaf,” but that they were going to take it.

Just like creator David Simon’s other HBO effort “The Wire,” the show struggled to find an audience, despite its initial critical acclaim. During its second season “Treme” had the dubious distinction of being the network’s lowest-rated drama, with less than 500,000 viewers for original airings.

Star Khandi Alexander told The Hollywood Reporter earlier this week she thought a deal for another season was about to be reached.

“David (Simon) has made it clear that he wants a conclusion, and it is my understanding that, as of today, we're very close to being able to have a conclusion - and I'm looking forward to that,” Alexander said. “I think often times it’s the audience that suffers when a show isn't given the opportunity to have a beginning, middle and end.”

Season three of “Treme” premieres tonight at 9 p.m.