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 am extremely disappointed that Rizzoli and Isles has been cancelled. Boo. Along with Legends, which could have been a reset, I am utterly baffled by these choices. Please, please do not put any “reality” shows in place, that would be an insult. There are not that many shows on today that actually have a great plot line, in-depth characters and require an IQ above 90 to appreciate them. The dumbing down of the world has gotten worse with the advent of the “reality ” tv – please don’t follow that nonsense. It was refreshing to watch a series where… Read more »
One of my favorite shows on tv. I’ve watched since the beginning & can’t believe it’s been cancelled!
In a huge void of NOTHING TO WATCH, Rizzoli & Isles was a really GOOD something!! Please keep it.
I was totally shocked and dismayed, one of my favorite shows for a long time. I understand the decision after reading your explanation but still will miss it a bunch and think you could’ve gone further with it. I’m not getting into the edgy weird new shows at all and I’m still fairly young, 50 and like my fair share of the sexiness and wild, but it was such a feel good, friends driven, fun show that I’ll really miss it. Wish you’d change your minds! Just hope Major Crimes isn’t next!
I think cancelling the show is a bad decision. There aren’t that many clean episodes left on TV and this was one that brought my mother and I closer together after my father passed. We are both very upset and wish there was a way to reconsider your decision. Family ties and good moral shows need to the keepers, and trash the other sloppy, raunchy shows.
Ticked off in Tulsa.
Absolutley disappointed that Rizzoli & Isles was cancelled. Enjoyable show that could have gone on for 7 more years without boring the audience. Its obvious that producer of TNT doesn;t care about the viewers. Good bye Rizzoli & Isles Good Riddens TNT.
No blood ‘n guts, no foul language, no lgbt…obviously not politically correct enough. Just good stories with a great cast! This was my favorite show and I’m extremely disappointed it was cancelled!
No Rizzoli and Isles did not need to be cancelled They were great….. Maybe another channel will pick up the series.
I hope another channel will pick it up.
I was so looking forward to the new season of Rizzoli & Isles then came the bombshell – its been cancelled, just cannot believe it, I don’t know what the viewing figures are for the UK but must be good everyone I know watches it, it had so far to go many more stories could have been told, I have to say that I will miss the endings they always seemed to find something to have a good laugh at and in turn I laughed. The whole cast seemed like one big happy family. It would be nice to see… Read more »
I too am from the UK and am shocked it has been cancelled. Just watched the final episode and I am very sad 🙁
Well me personally think this guys an idiot for pulling the plug on a show that still has that many followers. Compared to the garbage that’s on TV that continues to be renewed every year and the shows that are well scripted and have a great connection with it’s viewing audience. What a shame people like this make our TV programming for us. Well I for one have decided TNT station has been removed from my TV programming. I will no longer watch their shows
I’m so very disappointed. Great show! I don’t know why it was cancelled. I’ll definitely watch the reruns. Thanks for an entertaining dramedy! Loved it!
I think this was one of my all time favorite shows. It could have gone on for at least 12 or 13 seasons. These new shows they are putting out there are garbage and I’m finding myself watching reruns of the good shows that use to be on. Shame on you TNT!
I love this show, I am really going to miss it
Actually it’s a very family oriented show, in regards they like Blue Bloods focus on family. In face of all the reality TV I’d say, bad choice!
I still can’t believe they Cancelled this highly rated tv show, frankly it could have been season 10 and it would have kept going. TNT like so many other networks is just trying to keep up by airing alot of garbage. They say the ratings in the 18-49 age group are what’s most important,. I think it’s all about the almighty dollar. They don’t care about the viewers opinions, how could they when Rizzoli N’ Isles had great ratings every season. I’ve given up on TNT, USA, and others
I now only watch 1 show on TNT and when you do away with that one I won’t watch TNT at all!