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 have watched this since day 1.. I am a huge fan and sorry to see it end. But I am so glad you ended it with tact and everyone being with who they were supposed to be with.. The show will be missed..
I was really sad watching last night knowing it was the end. I loved this show. I loved all the characters, especially Charolotte. She never held back when it came to speaking her mind. I wish they would reconsider.
Loved this show from day one. I think this show could go on forever as there are
so many interesting characters on Private Practice. The story lines could be endless.
Loved all the characters and it was well cast. How about do a spin off from it and call
it something else do get more viewers? In any case, this show was a keeper for me and
I wish it could go on some how some way!
Say it isn’t true! I looked forward to this show every week. I weep at last night’s episode, I just couldn’t believe that it was over. I had become so attached to each of the characters, that it will be hard to let go!
I’m sorry to see Private Practice end, it’s one of my favorite shows. What can we do to bring it back for season seven. It was good to see Naomi back I really missed her.
I enjoyed watching Private Practice each week. I started with Gray’s then PPand now Scandle. I’m a fan of each every week. I will miss PP because it was different from Gray’s but it could tie into it at times. Shonda is an awesome writer and creator. I often wonder how she does it all.
Sooo sad. Best show ever! Fabulous characters, especially Charlotte. I was stuneed to find out its cancelled. There wasn’t many ads on for it, like you see for lots of other shows.
You need to let people know. Big mistake . I will miss these people very much!
I am shocked that this series has come to an end. I am very sad. Many of my friends watched this show and stopped watching Greys Anatomy. There was never a boring season or show. The series with Amelia losing her boyfriend, then the baby born with no brain. So many sad shows. Now, we will never know how Cooper makes it as a stay at home daddy. What will be the outcome of Addison and Jake? I am devasted this series has come to an end. I truly hope there is a wake up call and it continues perhaps… Read more »
This is a show that I always looked forward to every week. I have followed it faithfully and I am going to miss it very much.It is a very good show !Please reconsider and keep it on. **Please do not cancel.**
I enjoyed watching this show all these years. Sad to see it go! I DVR Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice each week and have liked PP for quite some time even more. Great writing, characters, and subjects, Chandra and crew… my two favorites on tv. So much better than most other shows!
I am so sorry to see Private Practice ending. I really enjoyed the show and have friends that also have enjoyed it. It is much better than many things that are showing. I can see why perhaps there was a decline in audience – it wasn’t the show or players but it did get jerked around not being shown steadily at times. I wish there were some way that it could continue.
I am getting so sick of watching ABC and loving shows just to have them cancelled. Private Practice is one THE BEST SHOWS on tv today. What is wrong with you people. I am with Jean…how are they getting their ratings? I always dvr private practice and most of the shows I watch due to my work schedule. It sickens me to see it go. PLEASE RECONSIDER!!!!!
Can’t believe this show is being canceled!!! I look forward to this one each week! Gotta love Charlotte!!! LOL
I cant believe this show is ending. I look forward to it every week and have been a loyal watcher since the beginning! Im sorry Kate (Walsh) feels the need to go off the show, but it is good enough to go on without her. I am going to miss the characters (espicially Cooper and Charlotte). Why is it everytime something good comes along, it is taken off the air. Just PLEASE no more FOOD shows (like The Chew) to replace it!!! Please reconsider ABC.
spin-off with coop and the triplets!!!!