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?
That was not an explanation. If you want to go out when you’re strong and not limp, why would the 7 years matter? It could’ve been strong for another 7 years; that’s not a reason to end a good show.
Terrible decision. Best ensemble cast show ever. It was the only thing I watched on TNT, so I won’t be watching the channel any longer. Love the show and it was just a bad move to end it.
I absolutely love this show. I’m so upset and SAD that it’s being canceled that I won’t even watch the last 2 episodes. It’s just too sad. I think my in my mind, if I don’t watch the last 2 episodes, I can still keep it alive and think it’s still ongoing. Just too hard to say goodbye. Real Life has too many goodbyes.
I’m so DISAPPOINTED!!!!!! One of the best shows on TNT. Life will never b as we once knew it!!! PLEASE bring it back!!! PLEASE….
IT is a very good show . Wish it wasn’t being cancelled. Seems they always cancel the good series.
Bad move TNT!…you probably lost a lot of viewers now!..I’m so bummed!
I do not take to many television shows; I am a Hallmark movie and show person. But! considering Rizzoli and Isles this is one of the best weekly shows that I enjoy. I do not understand why would a person have a hit television show would cancel it. Every one of your actors and actresses are very good in the part that they play. If you feel that the writers can not come up with more and better ideas, or the actors and actresses do not want to do the show no longer, than look for other people. Even though… Read more »
Like all the other good shows the writers get lazy, they are overpaid slackers. If you notice these reality shows last forever because it takes far less imagination and creativity to write and produce them. Good television is fading fast, they think these reality shows are what everybody wants but what they fail to realize is that these shows get more viewers is because there isn’t anything better to watch. Why is that you say, again lack of imagination and creativity of these overpaid lazy writers.
I disagree with the excuse given for ending the show as having “run its course”. NCIS is still going strong (as one example of long running shows) and Rizzoli and Iles had good story lines that now have been allowed to die. Shame on TNT. I guess any flimsy excuse is better than none.
I hate that this show is being cancelled. I am a Criminal Justice major and I love this show. As a women I can relate and TNT says they have run the course on this show I disagree. There are so many ideas out there and if the writters can’t find any I could sure give them some. Good luck to each and every actor and actress that has ever been on this show. I will miss you so much.
Why take a great show off it just doesn’t make sense to me. I think you made a BIG mistake. This show and Major Crimes have been the best original shows since The Glades on A and E. the shows they have put in that spot have flopped. Why cancal something everyone loves. Just means your network will have less watchers. BAD BAD MOVE TNT>
Well saw the final Rizzoli abd Isles episode hoping that we’d be given a surprise ending and that the show was not being cancelled but no luck! I am so disappointed with the TNT network!
I will consider cancelling TNT from my viewing list now !!
I am deeply disappointed. This is my favorite show. There should be other shows that could go instead of this one. I think a very bad decision by TNT.
It’s intelligent, it’s well-written and has strong female characters. Of course a is in charge of canceling it. TNT is losing this viewer.
I think the network is crazy for canceling such a popular show. You built up a fan base and then yanked the plug. Viewers are disappointed. The series has not run its course. There is still plenty of life left in the show and its characters. I think you should bring it back and admit you made a mistake.