Fox and “House” executive producers David Shore, Katie Jacobs and star Hugh Laurie have announced that the show’s current season will be its last.
“After much deliberation, the producers of House M.D. have decided that this season of the show, the 8th, should be the last,” the trio say in a release. “By April this year they will have completed 177 episodes, which is about 175 more than anyone expected back in 2004.”
“The decision to end the show now, or ever, is a painful one, as it risks putting asunder hundreds of close friendships that have developed over the last eight years – but also because the show itself has been a source of great pride to everyone involved.”
“Since it began, House has aspired to offer a coherent and satisfying world in which everlasting human questions of ethics and emotion, logic and truth, could be examined, played out, and occasionally answered.”
“This sounds like fancy talk, but it really isn’t. House has, in its time, intrigued audiences around the world in vast numbers, and has shown that there is a strong appetite for television drama that relies on more than prettiness or gun play.”
Producers say they would rather end a season early than a year too late.
“But now that time is drawing to a close. The producers have always imagined House as an enigmatic creature; he should never be the last one to leave the party. How much better to disappear before the music stops, while there is still some promise and mystique in the air.”
Kevin Reilly, Fox President of Entertainment, says although Fox isn’t happy with it, he “respects” the decision made by the staff.
“While it’s with much regret, and a lump in our throats, we respect the decision Hugh, David and Katie have made. A true original, on the page and amazingly brought to life by Hugh Laurie, there is only one Dr. House,” says Reilly. “We wholeheartedly thank them, and the fans who have supported the show.”
As of now, “House” is scheduled to air its final episode sometime in April.