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 like it. I also like Castle and it’s been cancelled. That was a blow and, now this….a knockout! I’m heartbroken!! Please reconsider!!!!
Dumb move to cancel R & I. It has been one of your better shows. It, Major Crimes & Last ship are great. Will there be a spinoff like major crimes? The only one’s I enjoy. Don’t care for Murder in the First. Please stay out of the zombie type garbage. It’s everywhere! Stay with what you have done best. Wish you would get rid of Grimm. Oh yes, please please no reality shows. They are stupid, not real and disrespect your audience.
I think it is a stupid and premature decsion to end a successful series that has a large fan base. Rarely was a a weak eposide written and produced; I can only think of three episodes out of six seasons. What series can make such a claim…? This is just another mistake TNT has made. Do they plan on replacing it with another mindless, empty reality show? TNT, my faith in your ability to produce interesting, creative programming is deminishing at a rapid rate. As Tammy M states, hopefully another network will recognize the true value of this series, writers,… Read more »
Dumb ass move. One of the only moral cable TV shows left.
Very pissed,
Christopher Harrelson
I don’t believe the show has “run it’s course”! The writers have been exceptional; I think there are more murders and mysteries they could imagine. I am very disappointed the show is being ended.
Love the show. Even watch the reruns. Hate for it to be cancelled
I agree, this is the only TNT show I’ve watched, so, won’t be tuning into this channel anymore. And, I don’t believe their explanation at all. Who cancels a successful show, which means money? Major Crimes is a similar show, certainly ran it’s course by now, but is still on. They probably want to put on some stupid, CHEAP reality show instead. Lord forbid programming is geared toward people who actually use their brains. You did make a mistake cancelling. Bye TNT.
Why Why Why cancel a show that’s doing great I love Rizzoli and Isles its clean and fun for family. Sasha and Angie and the other cast does a great job. Hopefully another net work well pick it up and continue on with the show
I love Rizzoli and Isles it’s a great show why do you cancel a show that’s working hopfully another net work will realize it’s potential and pick it up and continue it
I feel as though there are more murders to be solved. In addition, I have invested a lot of time in making the cast members and the characters they play part of my entertainment life. I would have liked at least two more seasons or at least the occasional two hour special of Rizzoli and Isles.
Loved the show…. Wish the cast and their families the best in the future. Many thanks
I’m not sure i watch any other shows on this network, if they cancel it that will be it for me.
Sorry to see a great series cancelled. Why does it seem all the good shows that are clean ( no graphic love scenes, extreme violence or profanity) are the ones that get cancelled. So sad
I am saddened to hear that Rizzoli & Isles is coming to an end. I have been a fan of Sasha Alexander since NCIS and Angie Harmon since Law & Order. All of the actors were great as well as the shows storylines. I guess all good things must come to an end, however I think this show had more to give. Thanks to everyone involved for a great 7 years!
Based on Tess Gerrittsen’s books, which I enjoyed reading. I really enjoy Angie Harmon’s acting and was disappointed when her other show “the women’s murder club” was cancelled. Good shows like this seem to be being replaced by reality shows that are weird or just uninteresting.