The 100 is zeroing in on an early 2016 return.

Fans of The CW's post-apocalyptic drama originally expected the series to return this fall but were disappointed to find out the third season was pushed to the spring. Filming began in mid-July, and series creator Jason Rothenberg recently updated viewers regarding the impending premiere.

"[The 100 will return] mid-season," Rothenberg said on Thursday. "Beginning Jan or Feb... maybe March, but I hope not and doubt it."

Rothenberg is currently working on his cut for the season 3 premiere, which will pick up "a couple of months" after the Mount Weather massacre. When fans last saw the Sky People, they were settling the remaining 100 into Camp Jaha as Clarke took her leave of the Arkers (see video below).

So, what should fans expect from season 3? Blood and death are a given, and despite the extra-long hiatus, the series writers are trying to keep expectations in line.

"It's hard to manage expectations over a long break. Don't know what things you want but so far S3 is pretty amazing," writer Shawna Benson told a fan on Friday, adding, "all our characters have great stories this year!"

What are your hopes for season 3? Sound off in the comments below!

Tags: The 100 television the cw