'The Blacklist' season 4 release date, spinoff rumors: Next season to premiere later in 2016, dead character to make a comeback?

Crime drama series "The Blacklist" airs its season 3 finale this coming Thursday, but as early as now, fans are already raving about what happens in season 4.

"The Blacklist" is certainly one of the most-watched TV series to date, and it's unsurprising that it has been renewed for a fourth season.

Rumor has it that Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) will likely return for season 4 after her shocking death in episode 18. Since her death was not tackled in the previous episodes as they focused on hunting down the person behind her murder, fans are now speculating that she is actually not dead. Execs have yet to disclose details about the upcoming season, but creator Jon Bokenkamp gave a teaser, saying, "We've got a lot of story to tell."

As for the spinoff series, its plot was already established in the 22nd episode. Tom has been living his life unaware of his real identity, and Red finally revealed to him who his mother is. Bokenkamp recently caught up with Entertainment Weekly where he discussed the twist when Tom (Ryan Eggold) find out that his mother is Susan "Scottie" Hargrave (Famke Janssen). However, Red (James Spader) did not want Tom to let Scottie know that he is her son. "Tom's a little like Pinocchio; he's a boy who wants to be real," he explained. "He wants to love, but he's not equipped with that skill. This news, the promise of who he is, is exciting, but it's also a double-edged sword. On one hand, it presents him with potential answers about who he is. On the other hand, Scottie Hargrave is a dangerous woman, so he has to be careful about how he proceeds."

Meanwhile, the official synopsis for the finale titled "Alexander Kirk: Conclusion" reads:

"As Reddington (James Spader) and the task force close in on the person responsible for Liz's death, a shocking betrayal leaves them racing to save one of their own."

Catch the season 3 finale of "The Blacklist" this coming May 19, Thursday at 9 p.m. on NBC. The network has yet to announce a specific release date for the show's fourth season, but it will likely premiere around September or October.