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While earlier reports talked about ABC planning to end "Lost" after two more seasons, it appears the endgame for the series that redefined heavily arced dramas is a bit more complicated than that.

"Lost" will have just 48 episodes remaining after the third season ends in a couple weeks, but while such a number would normally be split up over two seasons, the network plans to air just 16 episodes per season for three seasons, Variety reported, according to the Mania Web site.

"I always said that we would allow the series to grow and give viewers the most compelling hour possible," said Steve McPherson, president of ABC Entertainment. "And, due to the unique nature of the series, we knew it would require an end date to keep the integrity and strength of the show consistent throughout, and to give the audience the payoff they deserve."

Producers for the show had been pushing to have the show end on their schedule, while ABC -- despite eroding ratings -- wanted to do what they could to keep the show on the air as long as possible. By breaking up the show into shorter seasons, both the network and the showrunners apparently reached a compromise that will allow the story to be told the way the producers intended, while still allowing ABC to get six seasons out of the drama.

"I think for story-based shows like 'Lost,' as opposed to franchise-based shows like 'ER' or 'CSI,' the audience wants to know when the story is going to be over," said executive producer Carlton Cuse. "When J.K. Rowling announced there would be seven Harry Potter books, it gave the readers a clear sense of exactly what their investment would be. We want our audience to do the same."

E! Online continues to hint that the "Lost" season finale will be a "game changer" for the series, and will be one of the show's most shocking moments yet.

"Lost" airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. There is no word whether next season will begin in January as previously reported, or if the show will move into a different time slot.

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