"It's an iconic show that we're so proud of," Lee said. "We wanted to make sure that this show, which sort of put us on the map, had its victory lap."
Creator Marc Cherry said "the only thing harder than creating a hit show is knowing when to end it," adding he's "very aware of shows that overstay their welcome...and I just didn't want that to happen. We wanted the show to go out as a still viable and when ratings still strong." And by planning ahead, "we can have a whole year to reflect on how lucky we've been."
Lee says the show remains profitable despite the escalating salaries of its stars. But ratings have declined sharply in recent seasons, and even with DVR viewership added, last season's audience averaged about 13 million viewers, less than half its 31 million peak at the end of its first season. (The series ranks sixth among ABC shows, trailing DANCING WITH THE STARS, CASTLE, BODY OF PROOF, GREY'S ANATOMY and MODERN FAMILY among all viewers).
"We decided this was the right time," Cherry says, suggesting it was a mutual decision. He hasn't thought of a Housewives spinoff, but in an emotional phone conversation with star Eva Longoria, "who I love more than life itself," he told her, "I'm just going to put you in a van and have you solve mysteries."
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