With two weeks to go before the network upfronts, we have some long-awaited and sad news regarding the fate of CW’s Gilmore Girls.

The CW has released a joint statement from the network and Warner Bros. Television that says “Announcing the final season of Gilmore Girls is truly a sad moment for everyone at The CW and Warner Bros. Television. This series helped define a network and created a fantastic, storybook world featuring some of television’s most memorable, lovable characters. We thank Amy Sherman-Palladino, Dan Palladino, Dave Rosenthal, the amazing cast led by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel as well as the producers, writers and crew for giving us this delightful gem for the past seven years. We would also like to thank the critics and Gilmore fans for their passionate support and promise to give this series the send off it deserves.”

Rumors have gone back and forth for months on whether an agreement could be reached with key cast members so that Gilmore Girls could return for another season. There was even a rumor earlier today that negotiations had stalled and it looked unlikely that they would resume. It appears that rumor was true.

Once sure that the series was not returning, CW likely wanted to announce the news immediately so that viewers would be more likely to tune in to watch the final two episodes.

Will the series finale on May 15th be a fulfilling way to close the series? Does this ensure that CW’s Veronica Mars will be renewed? Stay tuned!