The not-unexpected announcement came Wednesday: The current 8th season of “House” will be its last. The show produced by NBCUniversal will not return to Fox next season.
“After much deliberation, the producers of House M.D. have decided that this season of the show, the 8th, should be the last. By April this year they will have completed 177 episodes, which is about 175 more than anyone expected back in 2004,” said a joint statement from series star Hugh Laurie and fellow executive producers David Shore and Katie Jacobs. “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.”
“The producers can never sufficiently express their gratitude to the hundreds of dedicated artists and technicians who have given so generously of their energy and talent to make ‘House’ the show it has been – and perhaps will continue to be for some time, on one cable network or another,” they said.
The 8th season renewal had been difficult, with Fox demanding improved terms to keep the show on its Monday night schedule. But while ratings had been down from the show’s peak, it had still been a solid performer.
