The 100 season 8 is unlikely to happen, but the franchise still has a bright future ahead with a prequel show. The 100, based on the books of the same name by Kass Morgan, ran for seven seasons over the course of six years, and it became one of The CW's most surprising endeavors. Rather than sticking to the network's tried-and-tested teen drama formula, The 100 moved beyond that and became a proper science fiction series with twists, turns, and new worlds to boot.
Things became more harrowing towards the end, with multiple storylines spanning multiple worlds coming together for one final confrontation. Considering how previous seasons ended - some characters being stuck in a bunker, others in space; a nuclear wave destroying the planet; Earth itself being rendered inhabitable again - there seem to be numerous ways The 100 could continue beyond season 7, but that's unfortunately not the case as the story has truly come to an end.
It was confirmed in 2019 that The 100 season 7 would be the show's last, which was fitting given that it ended with 100 episodes in total. And unlike other shows that are ultimately renewed for a brief, final season, The 100 season 7 is definitely the end of the series - right now. The 100 season 8 may not ever happen, but there's always a chance for a revival considering how commonplace the practice is nowadays, and The 100 has been a steady performer for the network. However, fans can now look forward to The 100's prequel series, which had a backdoor pilot in season 7.
The 100 season 7, episode 8, "Anaconda" was a flashback episode setting up the story of the proposed prequel, taking place 97 years prior to the events of season 1, where Cadogan, the founder of the cult Second Dawn, escaped to his bunker with his family. After an eventful hour that included revealing the grounders' origins and the story behind Becca's untimely death, "Anaconda" concluded with Cadogan's daughter, Callie, leaving the bunker with the Flame and 2,000 samples of Nightblood, thus laying the foundation for the grounders and their various cultures. It's believed that The 100 prequel series, which currently remains untitled, would continue where "Anaconda" left off, with Callie on the surface trying to save the human race while her brother, Reese, chases after her.
The setup has been established and the main players have been cast, so the only remaining hurdle is The CW giving The 100 prequel the greenlight. According to The 100 series creator Jason Rothenberg, the network hasn't made a decision yet, but it is still being actively discussed. Amidst the ongoing pandemic and The CW's slate being shuffled - with new shows being added to the docket as big hitters like Supergirl and Supernatural come to an end - the network is undoubtedly taking its time in determining the right course of action. Now that The 100 has ended and season 8 isn't coming, perhaps they'll make a decision on the prequel sooner rather than later so development can get underway.