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House, M.D. showrunners David Shore and Katie Jacobs and star Hugh Laurie announced today that the long-running series will be ending its eight-year run in May. “After much deliberation, the producers of House M.D. have decided that this season of the show, the eighth, should be the last,” wrote the three executive producers in a statement issued to the press. After eight seasons, House will have aired 177 episodes. That’s “more than anyone expected back in 2004,” they noted.
When the series debuted in 2004, all involved were skeptical that a series about a misanthropic, disabled, middle-aged genius doctor would take off. But a combination of excellent writing and a brilliant central perfromance by British actor Laurie created one of the most compelling characters in television history.
The decision was made as the creative team have been working on the final few episodes to air later this spring as the series draws to a close. A decision at this point will allow the writers and Shore to put together a definitive and dignified conclusion to House, M.D., something the producers have long promised fans for the inevitable time the series must end.
Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly met the House producers’ decision with “much regret, and a lump in our throats,” adding that they “respect the decision Hugh, David and Katie have made,” Noting that the series is a “true original,” Reilly pointed out that “there is only one Dr. House. For eight seasons, the entire House team has given us, and fans around the world, some of the most compelling characters and affecting stories ever seen on television.”
