Series creator Shonda Rhimes has announced that the current season of Private Practice will be the show’s last. The medical drama, a spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy, has been declining in the ratings for some time.
ABC only ordered 13 episodes for the current sixth season and star Kate Walsh had said she was planning to leave at that time. The network declined to say that the show was ending, likely wanting to wait and see how the ratings did this season. They have not been good.
Back in July, Rhimes told THR, “I’ve been told I’m not allowed to approach this as the final season, that the network does not believe that approaching it as the final season is the way they want to go.”
Tonight, Rhimes broke the news to fans:
I’m sad to say that Private Practice’s run will end after episode 613 this season. There was a lot of discussion and debate but, in the end, the guys at the network and the studio and I all decided that Private Practice was reaching its finish line. Creatively, we are all extremely proud of the show and especially proud of this season — which you will all soon discover is a creative renaissance. I can’t wait for you to see it.
It’s heartbreaking to end. Truly. I feel so lucky to write for these characters and tell these stories and I truly feel this show has taught me so much as a writer. And there’s a family here, of crew and cast, people who have bonded over these past five and a half seasons. It’s rare for a show to go for more than 100 episodes and we are incredibly proud to have been such a show. And we’re grateful to all of you for spending time with us for an hour every week for the last 6 years. It’s meant the world.
Thank you.
Presumably this decision was made in time for Rhimes, the cast and crew to be able to wrap up the show’s storylines in a satisfying way. Word is that many of the remaining episodes will be told from the point of view of individual characters. Addison’s will air on November 13th.
The final episode is expected to air in February and ABC has said they plan to heavily market the finale.
What do you think? Are you sorry that Private Practice is ending this season or did it go on too long? What will you miss about it?
I’m a late viewer to PP and I love. It’s got better with each series
Now – what will I watch
Noooo I don’t want it to end!!! I’m not gonna have anything to watch because the next episode of greys anatomy isn’t coming out until March.
I really miss private practice it was one of my favorite shows also Army Wives wish they both were back on Very Sad when I found out. Don’t think I missed an episode of either one
I think they should put the show back on is a very great show. we need to protest ABC let them have a seven season…please
This is a true pity. I always looked forward to another download fom iTunes to accompny me through a nice glass of wine. Unlike some may think the show is/was awesome and the characters and cast even better. This show had the potential of a long like ala Grey’s Anatomy. So sorry to know it is over…
I was so sad when this show ended. It was one of my favoirte shows. It had a much better story than Greys Anatomy. I do watch it but Private Practice was the best. It kept your interest from week to week, when I traveled, I always taped it to watch later. Very sad to see it go.
It is one of the best series I have watched in a long time. I will miss it terribly and wish that somehow it can continue. Everything about the show was perfect, the script was so beautifully done and the cast were amazing. Thanks for a very beautiful show. God bless all the people involved in creating the show.
I have watched this show from the start and loved it. The finale this season was great. I was glad to see Naomi back. I missed her. It’s a shame for it to end. It was really good. Why do they always do this to good running shows and put junk on instead? Soooo sad!!!!
I’m so sad it’s ending. I looked forward to my favorite show every week. loved the characters so much. so disappointed. I’m wishing somehow it will be back. 🙁