“House M.D.” Ends in April with Season 8

For many months, there has been a lot of speculation on whether the medical drama “House M.D.” on Fox would make it past its 8th season, especially as ratings continue to decline. As it turns out, it won't, says an official announcement from Hugh Laurie and the creators.

As we also noted on several past occasions, fans have noted repeatedly that, starting with season 6, “House” went downhill a bit as far as the storyline and the acting went.

It was also at about that time that talk started to make the rounds on whether there was still life left in the series.

After leading man Hugh Laurie hinted on a couple occasions that there were never any plans to make more than 8 seasons, it became a sort of unconfirmed reality that the series would end here.

And that it will.

“After much deliberation, the producers of House M.D. have decided that this season of the show, the 8th, should be the last,” Hugh Laurie, David Shore and Katie Jacobs say in a statement cited by the Daily Mail.

The expiration date for the series, hailed as one of the best medical dramas ever, is set for April 2012, when the current 8th season ends with episode 177.

“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,” the statement says.

“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,” adds the statement.

A spokesperson for Fox has confirmed the news, saying it is a very sad time to bid adieu to a series that had made, throughout the years, the delight of millions of fans from all over the world.

“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,” Fox President of Entertainment Kevin Reilly says.

“House” fans must be deeply saddened right now.

Let us know in the comments section below how you feel about Fox pulling the plug on the show: was the move a long time coming, or would you still have had it air at least a couple more years?