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 completely agree with the previous opinion from Kathe Newsome. We watch all the same shows , due to being law enforcement family. What is wrong with you Mr. Reilly? Look how long the other shows have been on. I am not just disappointed, I am mad at you and your excutIves. We love this show and don’t want to see it canceled.
I love the show & really disappointed in their decision. I come from a police family & can relate. Now the only good shows left are very few- Major Crimes, NCIS, NCIS LA, Blue Bloods & Hawaii 50. No comedies except Last man standing. Amazing how dumb these executives are & their paid for that.
I hate that execs take off great shows and put on stupid crap. That show has everything from comedy to drama. Great acting. Please keep it on.
I am not at all happy with TNT decision to cancel Rizzoli& Isles. The clean witty banter between the characters is refreshing and absent of overt profanity and nudity. There are too many dark tv series out there. Yes it deals with murder and crime however, it explores the facts from many points of view, adding compassion and family values at the same time. The newer programs are glamorizing the illegal drug trade or yet another fake reality show. I am not sure what “it dealt like it was time” really means. Cancelling Rizzoli& Isles and Castle are poor decisions… Read more »
I love the show, I think its a mistake to cancel and a ridiculous reason!
I also agree with everyone that TNT is making a big mistake taking this number 1 show off the air. They have great ratings, this Kevin person thinks he is so smart to end it now. He will be very surprised when he does not have the following anymore. I know I will not be watching TNT when it ends. I am still hoping another station will pick it up. Love this show and the whole cast.
I have to agree with EVERY word Steve said. There is a reason this show is getting great ratings and hasn’t “gone limp”. I think TNT is going limp if they think it is smart to take good shows (that obviously have a following) off the air and leave us with trash. At the risk of sounding like a rerun from the other viewers……I’ll have one less reason to watch anything on TNT.
My husband & I are extremely unhappy about this show being cancelled. It is one of the few shows where there is little nudity, sex & cussing, just a great, heart warming & funny show.
What a stupid reason to cancel a popular show. ‘Because we don’t want to limp out…’. It’s still a strong show now, so cancelleing when it diminishes makes sense, but not now. And all of the reasons to he gave to NOT have cancelled it in Season 2, still apply.
Just another ego wanting to put ‘his’ mark on the network. He doesn’t care, he’ll still get his golden parachute after he leaves people with crap to watch.
‘Hey, this isn’t broke, let’s fix it….’. Genius.
I think ending it now sucks I lookfodwad to watching one of the few quality shows on tv today
This is a very confusing move! A top show cancelled? One of few reasons I watch TNT channel.. so.. easier to see letting go of cable .. especially TNT .. Need to rethink this decision.. hope another venue picks the show up!!
Why do you cancel a great series & keep the boring ones,This show is why me & my family & all our friends tune into TNT. Guess we”ll find another channel thats smart enough to keep a great show. Your getting ready to lose alot of veiwers.
Is this this the same guy that canceled Castle? He has absolutely no idea of a good show if it hit him in the head..What a dummy. Maybe a good network like FOX of USA will pick it up. There is becoming less and less reason to even watch TNT..Thinking right now to block it !!
I am totally bummed about there cancelling this show! It has characters that you care about. I have enjoyed each and every episode and I have watched all of them! I’d love to have the CEO reconsider!
Terrible I can’t believe they are doing it! It’s tragic