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.
This is my first time responding to a TV series. BUT, this is one of the BEST ever programs. I have enjoyed every session. I understand wanting to end the Series on top. I wish that the better programs could stay with their committed audience a lot longer.
I THANK YOU!!!
I am so hurt. What will I do without my fix on Mondays night of Brenda Johnson, Lt Provenza and the rest of the team. If She has to go, Please do not kill her off the show. I don’t think I can stand another final episode like “Saving Grace”. Give us something where Brenda and Fritz move on to some higher job like “Homeland Security” or move back to DC and with everyone moving on to better opportunities. This will give them the opportunity to maybe bring the show back. I look forward to their reruns in the afternoon.… Read more »
I’m so upset that this show is leaving it is my favorite show on TV. I love Kyra and all the other cast members, this is a great cast. Only the good ones seem to shut down, they keep all the junk on the air and give us nothing to watch but silly reality shows targeting pre- teens.
Brenda cannot be killed, like Anna Darko was hurriedly blown up. She must be given a send-off by her staff to be answering the call of the President to be head of Homeland Security, or something like that. It is not believable that she could possibly sit at home and raise a family.
This show has become one of my favorites. I love the cast and everything about it.
I understand that some of the cast want to move on, but when a great show like this comes along, it’s really sad to see it go.
It seems all the really good shows are be replaced with stupid reality and so-called comedy shows. TV is like politics, the networks do not listen to the public, they just do want they want because of MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To the cast and crew of The Closer: Thank you for all your hard work. I have enjoyed watching this show and hope that all of you including the people that work so hard off camera the best. I will miss this little joy of my life, calling my sister excitedly asking “are you watching “The Closer”? haha which I know she is. My partner and I both cringing and chewing our nails as a really intense moment arrives. Fritz and his admission to being powerless over his addiction and become a friend of Bill’s. I can relate I also… Read more »
yOU SAID IT ALL – I LOVE THIS SHOW AND NOW IT’S GOING THE WAY OF ALL GOOD SHOWS WITH GOOD STORY LINES.
Believe it or not my daughter and I just started watching Closer this winter (not a TV watcher)…we loved it and then bang, after Christmas i cannot find it on it’s reg. Monday night time….and then we hear it will be cancelled…..very sorry to hear that…..when is it being aired right now????thanx….maur
I can’t believe “The Closer” is ending! Being a true Southerner I have enjoyed hearing Brenda Leigh’s Southern accent along with her Mom and Dad on the show. It is an excellent show with great stories and a wonderful cast…WHY is it ending? Can I just get Provenza and Chief Pope to do a few monologues and send them to me. WHAT is Kyra going to do next? I’m just so disappointed that it’s ending and now there is no reason to watch on Monday nights…..I love Angie Harmon but her new show can’t hold a candle to “The Closer”…..booo… Read more »
Always before this I have begun a series only to eventually grow bored with it. This is the ONLY series to which I have always remained faithful. I literally couldn’t wait until Monday nights and I did my very best to keep them free in order to watch the Closer. Never before have I done that for a show for such a long time.
I am going to be so sad to see this show end. I may need some sort of detox center for my withdrawal.
I can not believe this series is ending! It’s one of my all time favorite tv series Kyra is fantastic! Why are you canceling? I feel like most of the best series are not renewing its a shame. you all will be missed.
Awww, I came to this series late but it is my favorite show. Kyra is fantastic and the supporting cast is wonderful, great characters pne and all.
I can not stand to hear that this fantastic show will end. It is the best show that TV has come up with in many years. Bravo to all the cast and the great writers.
I love the show and hate to see it end. Please stay on the air. Please.
We love you and do not want the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well I am not a happy camper. This is my all time favorite show. I really hate to see it end. I guess I will be reading more, because there will be nothing worth watching. Thanks to all of the cast for an excellent 7 years.
Bummer. Love this show! Loved Saving Grace also! Guess I should stop watching TV and go back to reading!
As these others,
I am so sad the show is ending. I have watched all the reruns over and over!
Kyra, I understand the fact that you want to quit, but, note that we are ssoooo sorry to see you go.
The cast and crew have become so familar and will be missed.
Thanks for the time we have had, and congratulations on the Series!