Recently, we reported that TNT had cancelled Rizzoli & Isles. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, TNT chief Kevin Reilly discussed why he’s ending the popular procedural.
Rizzoli & Isles is currently in the middle of its sixth season and will end after a short seventh season this summer.
Speaking the Hollywood Reporter at the TCA winter press tour, Reilly said he pulled the plug on Rizzoli & Isles because the series has run its course:
If I came in and said, year two of Rizzoli & Isles, we’re pulling the plug on it, I would have probably gotten some [feedback]. They have not said no to me on anything and I don’t think they would have said no, but I think they would have gone like, ‘Really?! You want to do that?’ And, honestly, that would have been a stupid move. I’ve got a show that people love, that’s performed really well, why would I do that? Coming to the end of a seven-year run, it’s an easier decision. Everybody involved, from producers to talent, are like, ‘It’s been a good run. We’re going to be one of a couple cable shows that has made it to that 100-plus [episode] number. There have been very few cable shows that have made that many episodes. So let’s go out when we’re strong and not limp.'”
For years, Rizzoli & Isles has been one of TNT’s flagship series, bringing in good ratings and an average of around four million viewers per episode in season six so far. The series’ cancellation seems to be part of Reilly’s larger revamping of both TNT and TBS as networks with acclaimed original material.
Rizzoli & Isles is just the latest dumpee for TNT. In December, three of the network’s dramas were cancelled—Legends, Public Morals, and Agent X.
What do you think? Are you a fan of Rizzoli & Isles? Do you think it’s time the series end?
…lets see. The number of stories I watch that continue its story-line each week…0, nada. It’s like the shows that after each commercial feel it necessary to tell you what you saw before the last commercial and end up with a 10 minute story-line spread over an hour. Also include the number I watch that base there story-line on battles between it’s own characters… about half. The number of shoes I watch that have the same main characters but new stories every week, 100%. Reilly is to close to what is successful he no longer understands what makes a good… Read more »
I think Kevin Reilly is a clueless suit that has no clue what viewers want to watch…
TNT’s new boss Kevin Reilly favors edgier fare and stories that develop over time, as opposed to those with individual stories that begin and end each week. It looks like I will be watching less and less of TNT as I hate the very thing that they are developing. I watch my TV to be entertained by good stories that conclude on a weekly basis. Good luck TNT you had me watching and now it seems you’ve lost me.
I only watch Three Show on TNT- Rizzoli & Isles, Major Crimes (because it was a spinoff of The Closer) and the Librarians. I love Witchblade. I want shows with Strong Women in charge. Why would you do this. Bull Hockey that its had a good run. It is a good Show, great writing,great acting. I am not happy about this.
This is one of the best shows on TV!!! What kind of station pulls the plug on a popular series?? It has not “run it’s course”!
No!!!!! Why do they always have to cancel the good shows, but keep rubbish like ‘reality’ shows full of attention seeking morons??
I am getting very tried of cable networks cancelling good shows and those that haven’t been given a chance to build a fan base. I wish they won’t cancelled Rizzoli & Isles it. I have been watching it form day one. Enough already!!!
I couldn’t agree more, especially with TNT. They did the same with Saving Grace, starring Holly Hunter. Pulled the plug after only 5 yrs I believe even though the show was a hit! To quote you, “Enough already!!!”
I love Rizzoli and Isles. I cannot get this channel where I live, but I buy the DVD’s as soon as they are available.
I love the show. I cannot get this channel with our TV coverage, but I purchase the DVD’s as soon as they come available. Please carry on.
There is absolutely no reason to suppose that this show would suddenly go “limp” after being consistently enjoyable! Ridiculous rationalization.
A truly stupid move on the part of TNT. What are you thinking? Do you really want to cancel one of your highest rated, most beloved programs and replace it with a raunchy, talk show clone “staring” Samantha Bee… This ranks with history’s truly bad ideas… Custer and the Indians, The Titanic and icebergs, The Hindenburg and hydrogen, Kevin Reilly and programming.
i liked the show so i am bummed too many ****** obnoxious shows on tv these days
BAD DECISION TAKING RIZZOLI AND ISLES OFF TV. HOPEFULLY SOMEONE WILL PICK IT UP AND KEEP IT GOING. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. LOVE THIS SHOW. DID SOMEONE GET BUMPED ON HEAD, LOST THEIR MIND? ONLY EXPLANATION.
I hope they keep Rizzoli and Isles and I like the show. It is good
Rizzoli&Isles is one of the main reasons to watch TNT. Unless the actors want out to pursue other opportunities, I really hope this decision is reconsidered.