Television soap opera “Desperate Housewives” will come to a close after its eighth season, says Paul Lee, president of ABC Entertainment.
“It is an iconic show, we are so proud of it,” Lee said at the Television Critics Association summer press tour on Sunday morning. “I just wanted to make sure this show … had its victory lap, had a chance to really set out every episode and build an arc for 22 episodes so we can say goodbye.”
The show, which follows the lives of a group of suburban women as told by their deceased neighbor, has received multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards over the years. Since debuting in 2004, the over-the-top drama has captivated viewers.
“Desperate Housewives” creator Marc Cherry reportedly attended the weekend press tour to talk about wrapping up the program, noting that he has been thinking about this decision for a long time.
“[Ending the show is] something that’s weighed on my mind for quite a while now,” Cherry explained. “I’ve been working in television for 23 years. I’m very aware of people overstaying their welcome … I just didn’t want that to happen to ‘Desperate Housewives.'”
Cherry added that a “Desperate Housewives” spin-off is unlikely.
“The truth is, I sort of thought about that a little bit because it’s one of the expected things you do,” Cherry said. “But for me artistically, I don’t want to repeat stuff that I’ve done … That’s probably why I won’t be doing a spin-off. I’m really trying to broaden and deepen and challenge myself.”
The eighth season premiere of “Desperate Housewives” will take place Sept. 25.