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.
Please don’t stop the serious I love this show
Both my husband and myself are extremely disappointed that The Closer will be ending their run this year. As middle aged viewers, there are fewer and fewer programs out there that appeal to us. The Closer is written and acted in a fashion that is enjoyable for a large segment of the viewing public. Kudos to a great show and characters that have been developed into important parts of the whole. If I had my wish, The Closer would continue for many seasons more, however, as I realize that this is an impossibility, one more season to wrap up all… Read more »
I think our loveable Brenda and Fritz aught to go out with a BIG BANG!!!!!! Brenda gets pregnant and quits the force, Then in a couple of years TNT can do a 2 hour movie of the closer. . I must commend TNT for the new line up, I really enjoy Memphis Beat!!! What ever you do TNT do not do a reality TV show.
It feels like a death, That show is like a close family. Is there not anyway to keep the show going for at least 3 more years.
I think the entire cast should be in another show with the same personalalities! Well, Brenda wouldn’t even have to keep the southern accent, just be the same character.
Love Love Love the show, makes me laugh, cry and smile. I have a dvr and I rewind several time, I want to catch every word.
Great, Great, Great! tv show………………………
I know in myself that sometimes you get tired of doing the same thing all the time . However the tv industry is unique in that it provides a great relief for those of us who are retired on a very limited income to prohibit us from doing other things. So I propose that , as much as I like kyra’s character, their are other actresses who could fill the void so we want have to miss the show. And that actress is (drum roll please ) mary whittingham, because she looks like her anyway. I actually thought that kyras… Read more »
This is a sad day for over 8 million people who enjoy this great show. It shows the true workings of the police and each and every actor was included with back stories and lives not just total focus on the lead actor. I see there is already a replacement for “Brenda Lee” on another show look-a-like with a blond police officer, which I can’t remember the name but it sure looks like a knock-off. Hope there is a “real” spin off with all the current actors, especial Flynn and Provenza. If Kyra wants to leave I’m sure you can… Read more »
WHAT? NO MORE CLOSER?!! I watched the very first episode back in 2005 and I was hooked!! Loved all the characters, especially Brenda with her “Thank you, thank you very much” quirky attitude. She played her part extremely well! I have never watched a TV series as I did The Closer. My favorite episode was when Flynn and Provenza were on their way to a baseball game and they found a dead body in Provenza’s garage!! The whole episode was so very interesting — hillarious!!! My sister and I are avid fans as she gave me Season 5 for Christmas… Read more »
More than sad. Annoyed and extremely disappointed. This was the best comedy/drama on TV for many years. Kyra was fantastic and created a wonderful, delightful, engaging character. But all the actors became special. All the shows were a must watch. And now, it’s over?!
It must be nice, not to need work.
My husband and I will miss the show and all it’s goofy, wonderful characters.
I think the Closer is one of the best shows that has ever been on tv. Kyra is top notch and she brought the best out in those that played opposite her – a real talent! I can only assume she wants to go back to New York with her family. SHE will be missed terribly!!!
It’s always sad when a so good telefilm, with so good characters and a script so wonderfull comes to an end. I’m still laughing for the Dick Tracy episode… XD I’ve a last request for the fantastics scriptwriters of this show! Please… Please… put some Brenda/Flynn in the last season! >< Also if only comes by him! They're so good twogether! Mostly if you think at how he 'loves' her at the beginning!
Spiace sempre quando una serie così ben fatta, con personaggi così convincenti ed una sceneggiatura tanto curata chiude i battenti. Io sto ancora ridendo per la puntata di Dick Tracy… XD Comunque avrei una richiesta per i fantastici sceneggiatori… Vi prego… Almeno nella settima ed ultima serie… E mettetelo un po’ di Brenda/Flynn! Anche solo da parte del tenente! Sono troppo belli come coppia! XD Specie se si pensa a com’è iniziato il loro rapporto! **
There just aren’t enough good shows on TV to lose one as wonderful as The Closer. I love the character of Brenda, she is never boring with her intelligence and quirky behavior. She is, like a lot of southern women, a Steel Magnolia. I LOVE all the guys in her life, each character is drawn so well. Fritz and her parents make me laugh out loud, what a perfect foil against the crime drama of the show. Kera!!! How could you leave?? I’ll give the sequel a chance, but it won’t be the same,….. no way.
Sad in Alabama
I truly will miss The Closer. Kyra is such a great actress…..this series showed the gamut of emotions and she never failed. I LOVE all the men in this series and Jon Tenney was perfect. I also liked the addition of Capt. Rader…..she is also a complex person and wouldn’t mind seeing her character developed. I watch the reruns every afternoon even though I know the dialogue by heart…..the stories are just so great. Gosh, I will miss it. I have seas. 1-4 and will just have to get the others. It is the only show I have ever watched… Read more »
I am truly sorry to hear that The Closer is coming to an end. I have never missed an episode and I hope that you will change your mind and keep the show. You are as good as Law & Order.
My mom and I live miles away from one another but we both love The Closer. We had that in common to talk about and when we visited always enjoy watching together….all the cast was great but Kyra…was so much fun to watch as Brenda Lee…. the sweet addition when stressed. This is a truly great show and will be missed by many. Best wishes to all the cast….
I LOVE THE CLOSER AND I AM VERY SAD TO SEE IT END. I HAVE NOT MISSED AND EPISODE, AND HAVE DVD’S 1-5. I DO NOT WANT TO SEE BRENDA AND FRITZ HAVE TROUBLES BECAUSE HE IS SO GOOD LOOKING AND SO NICE. ALSO, I CRIED WHEN KITTY DIED, AND PLEASE DO NOT LET JOE DIE. ALSO, I LIKE WILL, BUT NOT A LOVER FOR BRENDA – SHE BELONGS TO FRITZ. SORRY TO SEE IT END. HOPE IT HAS A GOOD ENDING AND WILL NOT LEAVE US WONDERING WHAT HAPPENED.
I WISH SHE WOULD CHANGE HER MIND AND CONTINUE AS BRENDA. NO ONE ELSE COULD TAKE HER PLACE. I WILL BE SAD TO SEE IT END. I THINK I WILL WAIT A WHILE TO WATCH THE LAST EPISODES SO I WILL HAVE TIME TO ADJUST AND NOT BE SO SAD.