After four seasons, NBC has officially canceled their once uber-popular series "Heroes" following speculation over its future.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network had been contemplating whether to bring the series back limited amount of episodes to wrap up the story line.

Hopes were lost, however, with the announcement Friday (May 14).

Sources told THR that the door is still open to possibly conclude the show with a special or movie.

"Heroes" debuted in 2006 to critical acclaim, quickly becoming one of the biggest series on television. It even spawned its own a spin-off (which was ultimately scrapped), online components, books and merchandising.
However, after its first season, its writers struggled to keep the show's twisting narrative on track. For example, characters were killed off and resurrected with regularity. Narrative threads were started, then abandoned. Sometimes things were just a bit all over the place.

Some blamed it on creator/exec producer Tim Kring's busy schedule. Others say "Heroes" just didn't live up to level of season one.

Many of our staff were fans of the show, and as viewers we are sad to see it go. Hopefully something can be done to, at least, give the series the ending it deserves.

NBC picked up several new shows in its place, including superhero drama "The Cape," and "The Event.

Update: Several reports are indicating that NBC is talking about possibly giving "Heroes" fans one last goodbye. While nothing's final yet, NBC Entertainment president Angela Bromstad says she plans to speak with creator Tim Kring soon about filming some sort of goodbye to end the series, which ended its fourth season in February.

The most likely scenario, she says, is a two-hour movie, and not a miniseries or 13-episode series order -- the two other options being discusses on the Internet since news of its cancellation broke. If they do come to an agreement, it would likely air in 2011.