Back in July, TNT announced that The Closer would be back for a seventh season of 15 episodes. The series has been the top performer for the cable channel and the most-watched TV show on ad-supported cable television.
Now, TNT has announced The Closer is coming to an end. The press release notes that the decision came from series star Kyra Sedgwick.
Here’s the official press release…
TNT Announces Final Season of Landmark Hit THE CLOSER
TNT’s long-running, breakout hit THE CLOSER will wrap up its phenomenal run with a final season in 2011. The difficult decision to conclude the series with season seven was made by Kyra Sedgwick, the Emmy-winning star of THE CLOSER.
“It’s impossible to fully express our appreciation to Kyra Sedgwick, series creator James Duff and all of the other talented people who brought THE CLOSER to TNT viewers,” said Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks. “THE CLOSER was a pivotal series in setting a new course for TNT’s original programming, while also serving as a prime example of the storytelling strength possible on cable television.”
“I cannot fathom how difficult it will be to say goodbye to the incredible family we’ve created on THE CLOSER,” Sedgwick said. “I will always be grateful to James Duff for his love and friendship, as well as for creating such a rich and complex character who I have loved living with year after year. Mike, Greer, Rick and all of our outstanding cast and crew are forever in my heart. I want to thank TNT and Warner Bros. Television, as well as the incredible fans of THE CLOSER, for all of their unwavering support over the last seven years.”
THE CLOSER proved to be a resounding success after its debut on TNT in 2005. The series – which is produced for TNT by The Shephard/Robin Company, in association with Warner Bros. Television – was created by Duff, who serves as executive producer with Greer Shephard, Michael M. Robin, Rick Wallace and Sedgwick. In its seventh and final season in 2011, THE CLOSER will reach its 100th episode. Production of the 15-episode season will start in spring 2011.
“Kyra Sedgwick has distinguished herself not only as an extraordinary actress, but as a remarkable set leader and presence on THE CLOSER,” said Peter Roth, president of Warner Bros. Television. “The series has literally changed the face and course of both TNT and Warner Bros. Television, and we will always be grateful for all that she has contributed toward that success.”
“Kyra blazed a new trail in the television landscape with her performance as Brenda Leigh Johnson,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president and head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). “Like her many fans, we will miss her terribly, and we will be forever grateful for the time we got to spend with her.”
THE CLOSER is currently in the midst of concluding its sixth season. This past summer, the series was the foundation of TNT’s strong Monday night lineup, which featured the introduction of the new hit series Rizzoli & Isles.
THE CLOSER and Rizzoli & Isles currently rank as basic cable’s top two series of all time. In 2010, both series averaged more than 8 million viewers, marking a first for a basic cable network. THE CLOSER also kept up the pace by growing its deliveries compared to season five.
What do you think? Are you sorry to hear The Closer is ending? What would you like to see happen in the series finale?
Image courtesy TNT.
The Closer has been my favorite show since the first episode! Kyra and the entire cast is wonderful. NCIS gets all the acclaim for having such a great cast, which it has, but the cast of The Closer is better. So are the stories! I will miss the show and the stars so much. Thank you for all the great entertainment!
I really wish the show would continue. I enjoy watching a strong, smart “southern” lady on television. Brenda Leigh Johnson is the best example of a true “southern” lady since Julia Sugarbaker on Designing women.
I would like the show to contine but that is not my decision. I would like for the character Brenda to clear her name and take the chief of police spot and/or for Fritz to get another promotion offer in the South and they could be near her father now her has cancer. She could start an new career in a differnt place and agency.
I’m saddened to learn that one of the best shows on TV is coming to an end.
Kyra, and the rest of the cast are terrific.
Even though no reason was given, I imagine that after 7 years, she may be looking
for other creative outlets.
I’m always a plan, and look forward to seeing what else she is doing.
I am so sorry to know the Closer will be ending. It is an intelligent series. Beautifully acted by a fabulous cast. Ms. Sedgwick is wonderful. I will miss well written, well acted TV . There are so few good shows. The Closer was the best. I will really miss this show.
Thank you for what you have done so far. Please rethink your decision to cancel The Closer.
I’ve watched The Closer and have been a fan since the 1st day.I look forward to every monday night to watch the show. i will miss Kyra Sedgwick and Corey Reynolds. but i will give The closer spin-off a try (Major Crimes spin-off)
Kyra Sedgwick is going to be like many other actors and actresses who gave up a very successful series to turn to movies. Generally it does not work out well for them. And they could have continued to make a fantastic salary from a weekly series. Too bad.
Here is what I have to say, I love you Kyra but why did you quit? Your show is the very reason why the new shows don’t make it. We the viewers are hesitant to begin watching a new show because most of the time it is taken off the air just when we fall in love with it, then most of the movie stars wonder why all these stupid reality shows continue to gain viewers, because these shows stay on the air!
I am sad the show is ending, the writing, the cast and the incredible acting of Kyra Sedgewick – TNT will be hard pressed to replace this show. My only hope for the ending is that Brenda is completely exonerated and leaves with her head held high
I’ve watched The Closer and have been a fan since day 1. In fact, I’ve turned my family and frineds onto the show. With that said, I am very sorry to see it coming to an end. I hope a way can be found to keep the show going. Thank you. Thank you very much!
I am very upset to say the least that my only favorite show current time is coming to an end, yes rethink this Kyra, I look forward to every monday night to watch the show; I will forgo any outings in order to be home for the show.
Why are some of the best shows on television being canceled? I love, love love, The Closer. I don’t miss an episode if I can help it, I feel the same way about Hawthorne , I was devistated when I heard these two shows were canceled. May stop watching tv.
I am so upset that the Closer will be gone, It is my absolute FAVORITE tv show
I am so sorry to see The Closer ending. I am a fan and looked forward to her wit always each week! Please re-think it Kyra!!
Even before The Closer I was a fan of Kyra Sedgwick. That said, I am disheartened to discover the show is ending especially after Kyra won an emmy. In fact, the Closer, Hawthorne, and Rizzoli and Isles are my all time favorites. I hope Kyra and Jada will continue to work in strong female character roles and behind the scenes in the future. Perhaps directing or producing future shows. I am very sad in Maryland.
I’m begging Kera to reconsider ! She is part of my life.When the season ends I record all reruns to watch every night. When I can’t take another minute of life,everyone knows that I say,well there’s only one thing to fix this_watch The Closer. It’s how I relax and regroup. I had a horrible loss in June,my cousin and also my best friend.The Closer is the only comfort and 1 hour of sanity I got.Kera pulled me thru much agony. The closer is still fresh and exciting,why would she quit. We are so hooked,please don’t go. If you have no… Read more »