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 just finished watching the final season of Rizzoli and Isles and, I am devastated that it’s been canceled! Few shows have the success with the characters all fitting together so perfectly!!! I certainly do NOT agree that the show ran it’s course. There is still A LOT they can write about. PLEASE bring it back TBS, PLEASE.
I’m so disappointed Rizzoli and Isles was cancelled I haven’t seen any new TNT new series that I will watch.
Because I had recorded most shows I just finally watched the last 3 episodes. Can’t believe it was cancelled! There are not too many shows on TV that has the kind of chemistry that these actors had together. I certainly don’t feel it ran it’s course and if it was the show with the highest ratings on TNT why the hell would you cancel it!! I feel like some of my closest friends just moved away. Bad bad decision to cancel!
Heard of the show never watched as I travel – finally watched Season 7 – am addicted – just bought and watched the first 2 seasons – what a great show – incredible cast, great writing and terrific stories and always emotional – and ends with humor – Fantastic show! Should never have been cancelled!! I love watching Law & Order Criminal Intent and Law & Order – terrific series – not a fan of SVU – was however there is something about Rizzoli & Isles that just makes you stay involved and smile throughout – rare!! It would be… Read more »
One of my favorite shows to watch. The wrong people are in control of cancelling shows these days. Bad decision!!!! This show will be missed by a lot of people especially me.
I hate they cancelled it. It is one of my favorite shows on TV. Guess I won’t be watching much of TNT anymore. The decision to cancel in my opinion was a bad decision. I don’t think it had run it’s course
Favorite show on TV. I agree, if they had the two main characters in skimpy clothing, running on the beach in bathing suits chasing after bad guys, the show would still be on air. It was smart, it was interesting, it had heart. Angie Harmon was the best. I am sure some time traveling terrorist vampire/reality Bachelorette star will take this slot.
I am sick and tired of “Network Nuts” canceling excellent, popular shows like Rizzoli and Isles. Was the show canceled because it depicts two very strong, well educated, independent, professional women with values, a passion for justice, friendship, and family? I bet the show would have stayed on air if the characters were halfwitted, nearly naked waitresses bedding anything that comes down the pike. Yeah…or this REALITY crap that litters the airwaves. Shame on you!
I love this show. I cried with them on the last episode. Please bring it back.
not happy
I just love rizzoli and isles i just want to see more 🙁 😐 x-(
I am very upset that Rizzoli & Isles has been cancelled. I live in the UK and have watched from the very beginning. I am rather baffled how a TV show which is so successful, with so many viewers can just be cancelled like that! I find that rather outrageous! At least no one was killed off so there is still a very, very slight chance that it could come back to our screens (highly unlikely I know but I am an optimist). Kevin Reilly will look like an idiot when he realises what a mistake he has made by… Read more »
TNT Boss is an idiot…
Rizolli and Isles is a terrific show!! The idiot who cancelled this should be fired. It’s a show women enjoy and I’m not surprised that the male who cancelled it didn’t recognize that. There are too many terrible shows that stay on the air while the quality ones are taken off. I can’t tell you how disappointed and frustrated I am!!! Bring it back!
I will not be starting another TNT series. This is the 3rd one that has been cancelled entirely to early. It is the one show I make certain to never miss.
Me too