House to Conclude Eight-Year Run in May
It’s official: House is checking out.
Calling it a creative decision made by the show’s producers, Fox announced Wednesday that the Hugh Laurie-fronted medical drama will conclude its eight-year run in May.
The early announcement ensures that series creator David Shore will get his wish to give the show a fitting farewell. “I want to do [the ending] right,” he told TVLine over the summer.
House Swan Song Scoop: 3 Things You Need to Know About The Series Finale (and Beyond)
Below is a joint statement from Laurie, Shore and fellow exec producer Katie Jacobs:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The makers of House would also like to thank Fox Broadcasting and Universal Television for supporting the show with patience, imagination and large quantities of good taste. The Studio-As-Evil-Adversary is one of the many clichés that House has managed to avoid, and for that the cast and crew are deeply grateful.
Lastly, the audience: some have come and some have gone, obviously. This is to be expected in the life of any show. But over the course of the last eight years, the producers of House have felt immensely honored to be the subject of such close attention by an intelligent, discriminating, humane and thoughtful – not to mention numerous – audience. Even the show’s detractors have been flattering in their way. Making the show has felt like a lively and passionate discussion about as many different subjects as could possibly be raised in 177 hours. The devotion and generosity of our viewers has been marvelous to behold.
So, finally, everyone at House will bid farewell to the audience and to each other with more than a few tears, but also with a deep feeling of gratitude for the grand adventure they have been privileged to enjoy for the last eight years. If the show lives on somewhere, with somebody, as a fond memory, then that is a precious feat, of which we will always be proud.
Everybody Lies.
Here’s Fox president Kevin Reilly’s statement:
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. They have been creatively tenacious and collaborative throughout this incredible run, and they are amongst the most superior talents in the business. For all the above, we wholeheartedly thank them, and the fans who have supported the show.
Cast members present and past were quick to comment on the news via Twitter, with Jesse Spencer saying a simple, “Fare thee well, House,” and Olivia Wilde calling it “the end of an era. Shows like that don’t happen, well, ever. I’m honored to have been a part of such a brilliant story.” (Will Wilde return as Thirteen? Read our follow-up story here.)
TVLine’s Renewal/Cancellation Cheat Sheet has been updated to reflect House‘s passing.
Hit the comments with your eulogies as well as an answer to this question: Which House alum do you most want to see return before Princeton-Plainsboro closes its doors for good?
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thank god.
yes, Yes, YES. Best news of the season! So elated I could walk on air. :)
Congratulations on officially running the show into the ground, David Shore. You and your lapdog (government name: Greg Yaitanes) should be proud.
Fricken idiot
Question: How was it hurting you that it was still on the air?
Plenty of people are still watching and enjoying it, and you can very easily not watch it…
I’m with you.I watched House for seven seasons.This last season,I only watched about 5 episodes yet it never crossed my mind to start a Get House Cancelled campaign.I simply stopped watching.How hard can it possibly be to simply not watch instead of spending your time reading articles about the show or watching it just so you can criticize it? Without a doubt, House was an amazing show, high quality actors,story-lines,drama and everything else you can think of.I for one am grateful that I had the opportunity to watch such a show.Farewell House :)
because they’re complete idiots, there’s no way they could’ve understood the show.
Alum I’d most likely to see back: DORIS EGAN
She knows how to write House, House/Wilson, and a decent patient story too.
Agreed – finally. The show bottomed out at the end of the third season. With all the interesting new pilots, I’d prefer to see them have a better chance (or, heck, give Terra Nova another 13 episodes).
I’d like to see Terra Nove return as well.
House is an abusive bully and a jerk. What started out with quirky became the total focus of the show. He was just so mean and so far out of line that I stopped watching. I got the diagnosis a couple of times before he did and a.) I didn’t almost kill anyone in the process b). I didn’t bully or verbally abuse anyone.
competing with a character, eh? Your mother must be very proud! idiot!
I actually liked his humor. Although it did get edgy at points. The only bad part was when house and cudi started to get together.
Wow, I thought I was the only person that didn’t like when House started dating Cuddy. In my opinion that era was killing the personality of House.
Sad face
I jumped into this season randomly. I don’t like Charylene Yi on House. She is just not the right fit. If you asked me from the few episodes I’ve seen this season if House should be cancelled, I would’ve said yes. Watching last Monday’s, I would say no. That was a refreshing, and probably one of their best episodes to date.
Oops. I hadn’t meant to put my comment there. xD
A year to two too late, but better late than never…
…and better to realize it than beat a dead horse (*cough*greysanatomy*cough)
Grey’s Anatomy has actually one of its best seasons now. I’d give it at least 2 more seasons.
I’d only give it as many seasons as Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo are willing to give it… any season without one or both of them is one too many.
I totally agree about Ellen Pompeo. She’s the heart of the show. And true, Grey’s is having a great season right now, makes me want it to continue for another one.
five years to two too late
whats up with the whole to two too late ?
if you don´t know which word to use thats sad
and it doesn´t have a point to use all three
(i know they all sound alike)
same goes for @Sparky (or are you the same person)
Ok, Olivia Wilde. Your move.
Preferably to Haiti. The last thing the finale needs is another 13 fest.
can’t say I’m surprised. But wishing all the cast and crew best luck for the future!
I hope to see most of the cast again; but it’s time to say goodbye.
So shall I begin the ‘GET LISA EDELSTEIN BACK FOR THE FINALE’ chant?
All kidding aside though, 8 years is a great run.
yes, we should. it’s only fitting they bring cuddy back for the last bit!
The only logical way to give fans closure is to bring Cuddy back, romance or not.
maybe she will come back for wilsons funeral
Yes please bring Cuddy / Lisa Edelstein back for the finale. Cuddy is missed and the story between House and Cuddy deserves some proper closure after 8 years.
I’m sorry to hear this news but based on this season I think this is the right time to end the series. Thanks to Hugh Laurie and the cast (especially LE and RSL and JS) for all he stellar performances over the years.
Hey could they also bring Doris Egan back to co-write the finale with David Shore? That would be something!
yes J’d like to see Cuddy back for an happy ending..after years of sorrows and pain!! Let love win!!!
Yes! I want to see her again.
me too! bring Lisa E back!!
Apologies to all the House fans, but this news makes me giddy because it gives me more hope for Fringe.
I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one. If, and that’s a big if, Fringe gets one more season, it will be its last.
As much as I enjoy House, it really is time for it to go.
Thats the same thing I was thinking too!! I have watched House from the beginning and have never missed and episode so I am sad to hear that it will be over. I think they should move Fringe to House’s timeslot to get it off of Friday’s and I think it will have many more seasons!
Fringe and Alcatraz back to back on Mondays would be awesome but highly unlikely. I’m just hoping that Fringe gets a final 5th season to wrap the show up well, even if it is on Fridays. Fringe is easily the best show on TV right now.
I love that you apologized first to those of us who are House fans, rather than just attacking the show. Good luck on a Fringe renewal.
Oh I so hope that Fringe is given a final season…if it gets a final 13 episodes and ends on 100, that would be perfect.
i actually think if they renew it they are going to make it exactly 13 episodes because of syndication. That brings in a lot of money just look up which shows air in reruns all the time.
I agree with this sentiment, and would add that I’m very glad House is ending on its own terms. It means that to me, I will never consider it to have been cancelled (even if it would have been this year). To me there is a huge difference between ending on your own terms and getting the can.
Agree.
News Flash: House WAS cancelled. Do you really think David Shore wanted to pull the plug on his money machine? No way, dude. FOX put this turkey out of its misery. Shore and his playmates are just trying to put a dignified face on it. But this show definitely is NOT going out on top.
I doubt that House was summarily canceled.
This has more to do with Hugh Laurie wanting to opt out.
Now if you want to get into reasons why Laurie wants out, then you might have a reasonable argument that he does not like:
a) The way the story line has played out
b) How the character of House himself has evolved from a troubled but likeable rogue or even crusader (of sorts) into:
c) An unsympathetic, bitter asswipe of his own making
It has been reported that Laurie wants to pursue some musical opportunities – maybe along the lines of what John Tesh has done.
If so, good for him.
Except for the most star struck fans, however, there can be no doubt that the story line of the past year (season 7) hastened the demise of this show.
We have no reason to believe that any of that is true. If anything, the man is tired of the 12 hour primetime days he’s been doing for eight years. But, it has been cited as a ‘creative decision,’ most likely to prevent the show from being run into the ground, and we can’t assume that Laurie had anything to do with it.
In any case, he probably doesn’t really care about the story line (or at least not enough to resign in protest).
Every show is cancelled. I think you missed my point entirely.
I hardly think so. It’s still their most watched show, and FOX certainly doesn’t care about the quality if it’s the ‘money machine’ you say it is. Shore does care about the creative aspects, though, and it’s easily imaginable that he wanted it to go out on his terms, so that it wasn’t simply ended. They’ve long been hinting that season eight was going to be the last.
I didn’t want to be the one to say it, but… yeah! Now we need Alcatraz to get canned, and anything else they’re willing to toss would be great too. Fox isn’t really swimming in hour-longs that I love, so I won’t be picky.
I was thinking the same thing! One show less to compete for Fringe. I need one more, just one more season of Fringe. A pairing of Alcatraz and Fringe won’t be happening. EVER.
As much as I loved House, I stopped watching halfway through last season. Still, I have immense respect for the amazing Hugh Laurie and the cast. I hope they bring back Jennifer Morrison (OUAT), who was the one who made me watch House in the first place.
It’s absolutely the right call. Little bit sad even though I’ve been everything from disgusted to offended with it over the past few months, but this is much better than letting it limp on into a 9th season.
2 requests.
1. it ends playing you can’t always get what you want.
2. all the ladies: edelstein, wilde, and morrison return for the finale/funeral (i mean lets be real, that is how it’s going to end) no matter how improbable that is. with all of their projects they have going on. but i can hope can’t i?
Absolutely agree
Agree.
Yes to both requests. I’ve never been so obsessed with a television show. And even if it should have ended a couple of years ago, it’s been a fine run and I’ve enjoyed it tremendously. Thanks for some great entertainment and fine writing and performances.
Right call. I will miss Hugh Laurie terribly, though.
:((((((((((((((
Best medical show there ever was.
ER was much better
I want what your smoking.
Its kinda sad but it was about time.
First thought: More hope for Fringe!
I’m so upset, best show ever. I just can’t imagine TV without House. Hugh Laurie is the most talented actor around!
and i am BEYOND irritated that he’s yet to win the dang Emmy for this role. seriously, premium cable ain’t all that great.
I so agree I could just cry that it’s going to be over!!! I can’t believe all the bad things I have read on here if you actually hate the show you wouldn’t google something about the show being cancelled and end up on this site and comment you just wouldn’t watch anymore!!!!
:-(
Even though there’s a lot of haters on here, I still loved the show and I’m sad to see it go. There’s less and less shows on the air I actually like these days, so it’s never good when another one bites the dust.
Very true, that show is still to this day better than 90% of what there is on TV today (especially broadcast network TV), so it will be definitely difficult to say goodbye to such a brilliant show.
Completely agree. All shows do have a shelf-life, and I suppose it’s good that it’s going to end before it ever becomes as bad as all the internet trolls say it is now, but I really thought (still think, really) that it had a ninth season in it. Either way, it’s been a great run, I’m grateful for every last episode we got.
Very well said. Couldn’t agree more. Will miss it terribly, but all good things must come to an end.
If you ask me, House jumped the shark when he had to pick new doctors, re: reality series. And that was several yrs. ago. I predicted the end back then, surprised the show lasted longer than that.
Bye House. I´ll miss doctor Cuddy much more than I´ll miss you but it was good while it lasted. I hope Lisa Edelstein can be back for the last episodes.
Hey, Hugh Laurie should be thanking his lucky stars! He didn’t think the show would last past the 1st season, and look….he’s a megastar!
Hugh Laurie is a megastar because his work on “House” has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a brilliant actor!
I’m sad to see House go, but I’m happy it is now. Season 8 has been mostly great, and fixed a show that, at times, was in trouble in Season 7. That said, Hugh Laurie’s contract was up this year. It was almost certain House would end now, if the ratings kept it alive till now. This expiration date has been clearly visible for 4 years.
Good news. It should’ve ended two years ago. I hope Lisa Edelstein, Jennifer Morrison and Sela Ward will return
love House, and have watched it through the good times (“Three Stories”) and bad (anything with “Huddy”). I will miss the show and the good doctor’s cranky genius…but I also think it may be a good time for retirement. That being said I will sincerely miss Hugh Laurie on my tv on a regular basis!
If they weren’t so arrogant handling the last season’s finale fiasco, they could have easily pulled off another season. Many viewers left because of their obnoxious attitude rather than casting changes. Great lesson to future TPTB.
You have no idea why “many viewers left.”
And you are, apparently, illuminated? I didn’t say “all of them”. I have access to the relevant media poll data due to my job. Lots of people indeed left because of the finale.
akshuly my uncle works @ fawks media and he says otherwaise!!11!one!
Judging from the responses on this site, the reasons vary widely. Personally, I started losing interest when it became more about the characters than the cases. Season 7’s “Huddy” IMO was when the show officially jumped the shark, though many seem to feel it did long before that.
Shame to see it go, really. This was one of the few shows I actually watched. Here’s hoping for a great finale! :)
Preach. Though it was sad Cuddy left, I was willing House into cancellation based on DS/GY’s behavior ALONE.
Guess spitting in viewers’ wasn’t such a good idea…
Loved Huddy and since their break up, plus with Cameron and Thirteen gone, it just feels dead. Should have ended last season to be honest
“Many viewers left” for many different reasons that we can’t know about. I stopped watching because of the time changes
I stopped watching last season because of huddy. This is such sad news. I was enjoying the show again this season.
Mostly i will miss watching Hugh Laurie every week. He is the reason the show is successful, despite the opinions of other “fans” who often post here.
I’ve been abused and battered by my ex husband. For people like me that finale, and especially its justification by the producers, was another punch in the face. And that’s what I will remember of House MD.
I’m so sorry about your husband. How are you doing now?
I left then too. The car crash, the way they handled the fallout, etc. is why I stopped watching. Didn’t help that they lost Cuddy. Show hasn’t been the same without her, but the crash and everything after is what killed it for me.
And now, here is Jules with an incoherent rant that is written in poor English about how Fox doesn’t support their older shows.
I am sad to see the show end in May. However it is no surprise. I just can’t understand why this announcement wasn’t made in September instead of now. It was public knowledge that Hugh Laurie and David Shores contracts were up at the end of Season 8 and that they didn’t really want to continue. House MD is still the best show in TV and one of the few shows I like. I wish Hugh Laurie happeness in the future. I have watched his shows long before House came along.
I hope for a satisfying ending to the series. Great run.