Fans of the very popular Kyra Sedgwick series, The Closer, were understandably upset to hear that the series will be coming to an end after its seventh season. Reportedly, Sedgwick made the decision to end the show rather than it being cancelled. As the highest-rated show on cable, TNT doesn’t like the idea of losing the program any more than the fans do.
Now, there’s word that TNT is working on finding a way for the show to live on, or at least for it to last a little longer. Deadline has reported that the cable channel is currently looking at a couple of different scenarios. One would extend the series by another six episodes but that would apparently require some renegotiating with Sedgwick.
TNT is also looking at the possibility of ordering nine episodes of a new series that would focus more on other characters from The Closer. The spotlight could shift to a previously supporting character, like possibly Captain Sharon Raydor (Mary McDonnell) and still take place in the same setting. Or, the new show could feature some of the same characters in a new setting (hopefully a better one than say the Hill Street Blues spin-off, Beverly Hills Buntz).
If the cable channel orders both six more episodes with Sedgwick and nine episodes of a spin-off, that could give TNT a whole new season. In a similar vein to what NBC’s doing with Steve Carrell’s departure from The Office, Sedgwick would star in the first part of the season and that would transition into the series or a spin-off continuing without her. Many ideas are still being explored obviously so its unclear if a new show would still be called The Closer or if it would be given a new title.
What do you think? Would you like to see The Closer continue, even if its without Sedgwick’s Brenda Johnson character? Who would you want to see in a spin-off?
Image courtesy TNT.
The show revolves so much around Brenda Leigh, her quirks, her relationship with Fritz, etc. that I don’t know if the show can go on without her. If it does, I think you bust Chief Pope down to lead special crimes or create a new character, like in MASH to lead the team.
As much as I love Flynn, Provenza, Gabriel and Sanchez, none of those characters would be convincing as team leader.
One way to see what works is, have Kyra be pregnant, and take time off for the baby…and see how the department works without her…This could stretch the series for another season and include episodes where Kyra comes in, off and on, for consultation on difficult cases…If the series still holds interest, Kyra’s character could resume with a new twist into Brenda’s personal life with the baby and husband Jon Tenney, who is absolutely adorable. I’ve only recently started watching this show, and I love it. Kyra is terrific as Brenda.
WE NEED TO KEPT THE CLOSER ON I DO CARE THIS SHOW ROSE
i don’t think i would watch without kyra. i love here co stars but she make the show.
Please don’t take Kyra, The closer is a family TV show, with very minimal or none cuzing, nudity, someone cheating, etc……….The Closer characters work great together. Hate to say this but if Kyra goes, I’ll have to find another station to watch for monday nite…….. Don’t think the show could carry on without her..
I am sure TNT is hopeful, but without Brenda on the show, there isn’t a show. This is not an ensemble show so it needs Brenda in just about every scene.
I love all the characters on the Closer (not too sure about Capt. Rader, although it does seem like they’ve tried to “humanize” her a bit more lately. Maybe “Brenda” could be persuaded to accept a promotion, and be seen on the screen only occasionally. That way maybe see some more of the fabulously hunk-a-licious Jon Tenney (Fritz)!
BINGO!!!!! Great idea – promote Brenda to Chief with occasional drop-ins and go with the boys!
Yes! Great idea. Obvious first choice is to keep Kyra. Second choice is to go get Holly Hunter. Third choice is to promote Mary’s character. The point is to keep the squad together.
If Kyra wants to cut back then promote her to chief and cut back on her scenes. I’m amazed a network has the sense to do this but certainly applaud it.
Absolutely yes continue THE CLOSER. The stories are very well written; often it is not the words but the look (e.g. Fritz dealing with Brenda) that says so much. Just a shrug of Provenza’s shoulders can say more than words, same with Pope, each of them can say much without words. We have come to know this cast and each in his own role is excellent. The stories are well written and that one hour flies by. Now TNT is no longer going to show the Monday-Friday reruns – come on somebody get with the program. We need intelligent programs… Read more »
Closer without Kyra would be like Criminal Intent without Vincent.
Just don’t think it would work in the long term.
While I do love all the characters, I have to say that I would love to watch many more seasons, but not without Kyra Sedgewick! She is the closer, she closes the cases, that is the whole premise of the show – it’s called “The Closer”! Kyra is being smart and going out on a high note, while the show is still at the top – can’t blame her for that! I think a spin-off would be unlikely to succeed, or at best, be a mediocre filler that would be an insult to the original! This cast has chemistry and… Read more »
Ya gotta be kidding me. Another incredible stupidity committed by nincompoop network exectutives. This show should be on primetime on Tues or Wed. Certainly better than the garbage they have on there now.
The Closer is a very intriging show. Kyra Sedgwick is unique in her approach. I too am not too crazy about Mary’s character. I still would watch but would miss “Brenda” very much. Her husband’s alcoholism past touches many of us who have lived with this sickness somewhere in our lives. It was very brave to show this problem with a very successful family. Even her Detective faced those demons. Bravo TNT.
Love The Closer, and Kyra Sedgwick. I would continue watching for many more seasons. Not that crazy about Mary’s character. I probably wouldn’t watch just for her.
I like all the detectives on the team, and the husband also (John T.).
I think it’s a great show.