In an interview tied to the Season 2 finale, Jenkins broke down his plans for a potential third season of the show, which he believed should be the show’s last.
“I love things in threes,” he said. “That first act, second act, third act structure is so satisfying when it is done well, and you don’t overstay your welcome. I think this world of the show is a big world, and if the third season is successful, we could go on in a different way. But I think for the story of Stede and Ed, that is a three-season story.”
Seems he had a plan and it was slated to end next season anyway.