‘Private Practice’ season 6 to be the end, says Shonda Rhimes
For fans of “Private Practice,” it may be time to shed a few final tears. Why? Based on what we are hearing now, the sixth season is going to indeed by the last after some great stories and heart-wrenching moments.
We don’t want to really shorten the statement for you, since executive producer Shonda Rhimes was careful when it came to expressing just why the show is ending, how proud she is of the way it’s ending, and the achievement that a spin-off of “Grey’s Anatomy” even managed to last for more then 100 episodes to begin with. The cast and crew has quite a bit to be happy about at the moment, but as is the case with many other shows out there, there is still a time to say goodbye:
“I’m sad to say that Private Practice‘s run will end after episode 613 this season. There was a lot of discussion and debate but, in the end, the guys at the network and the studio and I all decided that Private Practice was reaching its finish line. Creatively, we are all extremely proud of the show and especially proud of this season — which you will all soon discover is a creative renaissance. I can’t wait for you to see it.
“It’s heartbreaking to end. Truly. I feel so lucky to write for these characters and tell these stories and I truly feel this show has taught me so much as a writer. And there’s a family here, of crew and cast, people who have bonded over these past five-and-a-half seasons. It’s rare for a show to go for more than 100 episodes and we are incredibly proud to have been such a show. And we’re grateful to all of you for spending time with us for an hour every week for the last six years. It’s meant the world.”
In all honesty, the show probably would have continued for a while longer had it drawn some better ratings on Tuesday nights; but the truth here is that Kate Walsh had already decided to leave the show this year, and without her and with the lower numbers, there really was not any reason for ABC to bite when it comes to the future of the show beyond the current year. We don’t know for sure when the series finale will air (likely early next year), but we will keep you posted.