LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- USA has pulled the plug on its original series "The 4400" after four seasons.

Series creator/executive producer Scott Peters confirmed the news in a posting to the USA Network forum yesterday:

"It's with great sadness that I pass along to you the information I've just received -- The 4400 has been cancelled. We've had a great time bringing you this story and submersing you in the lives of all these incredible characters. Thank you especially to the folks on the board here whose tireless devotion to the show is nothing short of remarkable. Shout out to Bubba, by the way! I love your posts, man.

I just spoke to Joel and we had a great talk about what we all accomplished and how much we'll miss our family that is our crew and our cast... and our fans. But at least we got to go out with a bang! I had an awesome time directing the last episode. I think I got to make almost every single cast member cry (on camera). How much fun was that?!

So let me raise my metaphorical glass to you all and thank you for being so loyal and so dedicated. I wish we could go on forever, but the party has come to an end. Be well and on behalf of all of us at The 4400 -- thank you, it's been a pleasure."

Click here to read the complete post.

Last week the studio ordered all sets, wardrobe and props to be sold off, an early indicator of the show's demise.

"4400" averaged 1,424,000 viewers in USA's target 25-54 demographic last summer, well shy of its other original series "The Starter Wife" (2,343,000), "Burn Notice" (2,334,000), "WWE Raw" (2,273,000), "Monk" (2,253,000) and "Psych" (2,197,000).

It did however rank above fellow Sunday entry "The Dead Zone" (1,385,000) which likewise is not expected to return.