Creator Shonda Rhimes used her own website, Shondaland, to make the sad announcement, saying:
“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 6 years. It’s meant the world.
“Thank you.”
Kate announced she would be leaving the series, regardless if the show continued past the sixth and current season, on an episode of Bethenny in June.
“It’s been an incredible journey and an amazing ride,” Kate said at the time. “I feel incredibly grateful to [Private Practice creator] Shonda Rhimes and all the fans that have been there from day one ’til now.”
We suppose the network could not envision a Private Practice without its star. Can you?
What do you think of Private Practice ending, HollywoodLifers?