Why Was Power Book V Canceled? What Happened To The Rashad Tate Spinoff

Starz canceled Power Book 5: Influence, which led many to wonder what happened to the planned Rashad Tate spinoff. Created by Courtney A. Kemp, in collaboration with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Power is a six-season crime drama that became one of cable's most-watched shows. Power positioned itself as a critical and commercial success. The show was so well-received that it spawned a media franchise. Within the Power universe, there are three spinoffs: Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Power Book IV: Force. Unfortunately, the planned Power Book V isn't joining them.

Although Power ended in 2020, Power Book III: Raising Kanan is still airing. Moreover, Starz still has faith in the franchise. While the spinoffs help flesh out the Power universe, the parent show centers on James St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), a smooth-talking-yet-ruthless drug dealer who tries to balance his involvement in the criminal world with his newfound desire to own and run a nightclub. Known by the alias "Ghost," St. Patrick weathers shifting economic alliances, all while trying to keep his family intact. In later seasons, politician Rashad Tate (Larenz Tate) becomes one of Ghost's obstacles.

Power Book II: Ghost May Explain Why Power Book V: Influence Isn't Happening

Starz announced the cancellation of Power Book 5: Influence in 2022, though Kathryn Busby, the network's then-president of original programming, gave no reason. From the outside, the decision is baffling. Aside from the Starz mega-hit Outlander, all four Power shows and spinoffs are some of the network's most popular, well-reviewed, and most-watched offerings.

While some of the spinoffs are ongoing, it seems logical to find in-universe replacements for Power installments that have ended, especially one that centers on an established Power universe character, like Rashad Tate. Power Book III: Raising Kanan finished its third season in February 2024, with two more seasons coming.

The reason Starz canceled Power Book 5 might stem from Power Book II: Ghost. Driven and ruthless politician Rashad Tate, who first cropped up in later seasons of the parent show, appears as a council member in many Power Book II: Ghost episodes. Although Influence was set to focus more on Rashad's story, the character's involvement in Ghost is perhaps enough to close out his arc satisfyingly. It might serve the Power universe better to stick with a pre-existing installment instead of following through with a new series.

Will There Be More Power Spinoffs?

Show Title	Years	Seasons
Power	2014–2020	6
Power Book II: Ghost	2020–2024	4
Power Book III: Raising Kanan	2021–present	5
Power Book IV: Force	2022–2026	3

While Starz canceled Power Book 5: Influence, a fifth series will still be coming to the network. The new spinoff is called Power Book: Origins, and it will go back in time to tell the story of Ghost and Tommy's origins. There is no word on whether it will keep the numbering system and call it "Power Book 5." The new series will show how James St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick) came to power alongside his childhood friend, Tommy (Joseph Sikora).

It is unclear how far back in time the new series will go, but it will most likely deal with James becoming the massively successful cocaine distributor known on the streets as "Ghost." However, Kathryn Busby, the Starz programming president, said this would be a way to celebrate the popularity of the drama series (via Variety). According to CEO Jeff Hirsch, Starz can keep costs down by creating these new Power spinoff shows with fresh cast members (via Deadline).

"As we approach the 10-year anniversary of Power it is incredible to witness the enormous connection our fans have with the Power universe. We can't wait to see how 'Origins' will further evolve this dynamic franchise while bringing fresh, gripping, and expansive storytelling to our audience."

This fifth series will run alongside Power Book II: Ghost, which will release its fourth season in 2024, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which is currently filming its fourth season, and Power Book IV: Force, which is shooting its third season right now as well. In the end, the Power world continues, just not in the way Power 5 was supposed to tell the story.

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  Joseph Sikora

  Tommy Egan

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  Omari Hardwick

  James 'Ghost' St. Patrick

Power, released in 2014, follows a successful New York entrepreneur who covertly leads a drug empire catering to wealthy elites. As he seeks to leave the criminal world behind and protect his family, he navigates the precarious balance between his dual identities.