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?
I think that as a “man” you don’t have the perspective of the value of this series to millions of women. These are two smart, savvy, funny, authentic women that not only have a great relationship but they are strong and great role models. Your wanting to “go out” on a high note is “your stuff” and has nothing to do with a great show. It not only gives us family relationships, issues between friends, family/work dynamics, mother/daughters, siblings, husbands, etc. This show offers us great work environments, science, law, style and ultimate entertainment. Pocket your ego and judgements of… Read more »
I have to say, I am VERY disappointed to see Rizzoli & Isles ending. I really enjoyed watching. These two ladies really clicked as partners in crime fighting!!!
The best show is taken off the network when it is still doing well? The public does not understand why the TV execs make these decisions. I will miss this show and will not be trying any other future original programming. What a shame
So it was successful because people, the audience, enjoyed it. Hum? They cancel other shows because viewing wasn’t high enough but this gets cancelled for being successful.
I am really upset about this cancellation. There is so much ‘junk’ in the new programming. I would like you to reconsider continuing this show. The actors and actresses on this program are outstanding!
one of the few good shows on TNT. Why cancel it? Do you want to lose viewers?
UPSET!! These two woman click, they have a chemistry that works! I LOVE this show!!! It empowers women, it is inspirational to the young, showing that women can accomplish great things. That they are brave and couragious, and not dependent. I WILL TRULY miss the show.
Kevin Reilly Needs to understand- the viewers don’t want “darker” programming. If we did, it’s out there. We want quality TV shows that combine drama & humor- THAT is reality, unlike so-called “reality TV.” TNT almost lost me when the cancelled Leverage, but I stayed for R&I. Now, I watch it & The Librarians. I will miss this show, & truly hope TNT gets their act together soon.
TOTALLY AGREE, Reality shows are nothing more that stupidity. Very sad that television has come to that kind of trash. And all the Sci-fi crap, shows like Rizzoli and Isles, help us to see the real life kind of hero.
Larger revamping of both TNT and TBS as networks with acclaimed original material???? Who praised this original material ???? Damn sure it wasn’t the public !!!!!!!!
I love Rizzoli & Isles and think TNT is foolish for cancelling such a great show. It seems that the chemistry between the actors was great. Angie & Sasha are strong female characters, and yet are so funny. This is the best show on TNT, after it is over I know I will not watch TNT anymore.
Well, looks like I won’t need to watch TNT anymore.
Really sorry to read TNT has cancelled one of the few good shows left for viewers that do not in any way shape or form like or watch “reality TV”. This show had it all, strong female characters (without making it seem as if TNT was “pandering” to prove a point), good story lines and great chemistry among all the characters. Too bad TNT cares more about being “with it” than quality programming. Looking for another channel…
Another good one canceled! I can’t believe that whoever is ‘running’ the picking of shows hasn’t figured out when they have a good show. Well, I won’t be watching that channel anymore. And for the members of the show, I am very sorry to see you go. I wish you all the very best!
One of the few shows that both my husband and I like to watch together – we both like it so that says something – not just for gals. Too bad, hard to find shows that we both like, sometimes I wonder how intelligent the people are when they make these decisions and put on new shows that haven’t been tried and won’t be successful at all.
I love Rizzoli and Isles, I cannot believe they are cancelling another show I enjoy and look forward to watching. I have pretty much reached the point of I don’t need a T V anymore. I hate reality shows and that’s pretty much all there is. So goodbye TNT and all the other stations that insist on cancelling good tv for bad.
I love rizzoli and isles is one of my favorite shows there is still so much they could do with the show. TNT always takes the good shows off. Maybe it has something to do with money instead of ratings, like everything else in Hollywood.