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Axed: House

So long, Dr. House. Long-running US medical drama starring Hugh Laurie, has announced it will wrap at the end of the current season.

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Long-running US medical drama House, starring Hugh Laurie, has announced it will wrap at the end of the current season. And there’s no miracle cure at the eleventh hour this time.

“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,” said executive producers David Shore, Katie Jacobs and star Hugh Laurie in a joint statement.

“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.”

The move is not unexpected, given there was talk it might not be renewed for its current eighth season, only getting a renewal days before FOX’s upfront presentation in May.

House‘s US ratings have stayed strong, at 9.8 million viewers and a 3.9 rating in the adult demo, but it remains an expensive exercise.

FOX entertainment president Kevin Reilly said, “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. 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.”

The show, which included Aussie Jesse Spencer, has delivered solid ratings for around 5 years for Network TEN before beginning to taper off, especially in the last two years. TEN is yet to announce a return date for the current season, but would be wise to capitalise on sentimentality for the show’s finale.

Hugh Laurie is yet to win an Emmy for his performance, although he has won a Golden Globe — twice.

Source: EW.com

21 Responses

  4. I remember House…

    but yeah I can recall the show getting huge ratings for TEN on Wednesdays when it had Thank God You’re Here as a lead in… those were the days

  5. Sad face 🙁

    I for one have really enjoyed the last few seasons … its been nice to take House outside of just the boring old hospital setting. Was kind of expected though after Cuddy left.

    Might be reading too much into it, but the closing line of their joint statement is “Everybody Lies.” … is that leaving the door open ever so slightly, or is that my wishful thinking 🙂

  7. I agree that axed is the wrong term. By that definition every show ever made has been axed. Jerry axed Seinfeld, the cast and creators axed Friends etc…

  8. FOX could be going for a complete swipe of their drama slate next season. Terra Nova, Alcatraz, Fringe and The Finder all probably headed towards the axe as well.

  12. I’ve enjoyed Season 8 as well, seems like it found it’s rhythm again, it has actually gone over the years much like the content in the show.

    They try different cures trying to find the problem, each one seems to give it a boost, then the problem returns again or the Patient dies.

    As a show format it has followed that pace and in a way there even likely has been a diagnostic team (ie; focus groups).

    Shame in a way it is gone as I said Season 8 has been good, seems like Houses Team, the Prducers/Writers just found the cure for what was ailing it a little too let it.

  13. Not a fan of throwing around the word ‘axed’ when a show ends on it’s own accord. I’ve watched since day one and while it’s have it’s ups and downs Its been a solid show for 8 years, I will miss it.

    I’m still hoping Lisa Edelstein can turn up for the final but that’s probably not gonna happen.

  14. A shame in a way but probably a good time to do it – I’ve watched since Season 2, and the first 4 seasons were truly brilliant. Seasons 5 and 6 took a different direction which broke the formula but worked. Season 7 was where it was let down the most, especially the awful ending.

    Having not watched any of Season 8 until just recently, I came into it feeling reluctant to allocate any time to it, however so far the season has been engaging and enjoyable to watch.

    It’s a shame that Lisa Edelstein couldn’t be convinced to do one more season, but hopefully they’ll give House the send off it deserves. The show was one of a few which (in my opinion) kick-started the renaissance of quality network television.

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