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 is the best show to come along since sliced bread. The cast was put together perfectly. They couldn’t have got them more right. I am very sad about it ending. It is my absolute favorite program to watch. I hope they will change their mind and keep it going. PLEASE RECONSIDER!!!!!!!
I am so upset about the show leaving the air…It is my favorite show and I change all my plans to be home to watch the show… I just love it and hope we can change Kyra’s mind in ending the show………..Please think of your fans who love you…………….
It is an absolute shame to see The Closer come to an end. On a television landscape that is getting trashier and more mindless by the month, The Closer has been a beacon of greatness — a testement to what good writers and good actors can do when they get together.
Undoubtedly more details will surface in the future, but right now this decision has the stink of salary dispute emanating from its very pores. And the only reason I say that is because given the facts we know, the decision makes no sense.
I am truly sa to hear “The Closer” will be coming to and end. It is my favorite show on television. I love all the characters on the show. I think “The Closer is a well rounded show . I didn’t miss one episode, if I got a telephone call, I would tell the caller, I would call them back after the show went off. I’m truly upset and sad about this, but I quess it was just a show to some, but alot more to me. I’m going to miss the drama, laughter and I must admit some tears.… Read more »
Ms. Sedgwick has always been one of my favorite actresses, for I love to see women in leading roles that are instrumental in erasing the sterotypical roles that seem to be held by men. Now that the series will be ending, I just don’t know what to expect next for my Monday nights, well I do have all seasons of “The Closer”, so I think that I will be covered. There’s only two shows that I really watch, “The Closer” and “CSI Miami” and “The Closer” stood above it. Thanks for so many great seasons.
I just found this jewel of a show this past summer and now it is ending. I love the stories and the acting and looked forward to every Monday night. When I would miss I’d catch up by going to “on demand” but for some reason, The Closer was removed. I hope there will be DVD’s to buy so that I can watch the 1-6th season.
I love the closer because the cast has such chemistry. It is so sad see it end. I am sure the Kyra wants to do movies in the Big Screen. She was always a good actress in the movies she participate and she is having this big opportunity that is opening up with the awards and recognition of the Closer. Can’t blame her. Although an eight season will be great.
Just one more!!!!!
Everything has stopped in my life each Monday night so I would not miss The Closer. It is ONE show that was a must see. I can’t believe it will end so soon.
I am truly upset that they are ending! I really can’t believe this?? You get a good show finally and they want to end it before its time!! Some programs like Gunsmoke, the actors knew they had a good thing and they stuck with it!! What is the likleyhood the actors will find that magic combination again!
I will be very sad to see the end of the Closer.
Much of TV isn’t very good any more but this program is top shelf.
Criminal minds is eliminating all female cast with exception of Garcia ( what are they thinking of ) ?
NCIS’S Jethro and Abby will be at the end of their contracts this year..who knows what they will decide glad I have my Kindle
I think it’s just criminal to end this program. Since I’ve heard the news of this ending i have started to tape the series. I just can’t do without it. It has been a very re-freshing and GREAT show. I wish the viewers could make a difference here and convince Kyra to stay with it. It’s too early to leave!!! I just love this show and look forward to it each week. Such a great cast, writers, actors, make-up artist, the set people, and the subject of each episode makes the viewer think. Please don’t take it off the air… Read more »
I am devasted to hear The Closer ending. It is absolutely the best show I have seen on TV. You become attached to everyone on the show and they are awesome actors! Every episode left me glued to my TV. There is no show that can equal The Closer. So I beg whomever is in charge NOT TO CANCEL . Does anyone know who else we could contact??
I cannot tell you how upset my husband & I are re: the announcement of The Closer ending its series. It is truly THE BEST show on television. The characters have been developed so nicely and it is one of the only shows we both enjoy watching and laughing at together. WHY????? Kyra, we love you. AND we love all of the other very talented actors and writers who have made this show so delicious to tune into every week. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE tell me there’s a chance this decision will be reversed!!!
I am very sorry to see The Closer ending . Great show , I would look forward to seeing every week . They brought a smile to me with each episode . I just hate to hear this is the end . Great acting on every one’s part .
I have followed several of the stars in this show over the years, Simmons, Denison, Cruz, Chan but when I think of the show ending I think of all the people it will affect, not just the lesser known actors but the behind the scenes people. I loved the show and all the people who made it the hit that it is, I don’t know why it’s ending but I guess it’s best to leave before they pull the plug on you for we all know that some shows have the tendency of wearing out their welcome. I just hope… Read more »