Rizzoli And Isles cancelled: TNT says series will end after season 7

TNT has announced its plans to bid adieu to Rizzoli & Isles after season 7. President at TNT, Kevin Reilly, confirmed the cancellation of the show at the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California on 7 January.

Reilly said, "It felt like it was time, and we all kind of discussed it and everyone said yeah, let's finish out 13 great ones and call it a day. We felt good about that." (via E! Online)

The final season – comprising 13 episodes – will be aired in summer 2016. Meanwhile, replying to a query on whether the decision was influenced by lead actresses – Angela Harmon and Sasha Alexander – the TNT head said: "I think both ladies have had a really satisfying experience and sort of indicated that they—I don't know if they wouldn't do anymore, but they felt very comfortable, the producers felt that way, it's had a good run."

The TV series, which is based on Tess Gerritson's novels, stars Harmon as police detective Jane Rizzoli and Sasha Alexander as medical examiner Dr Maura Isles. "Rizzoli & Isles hit a cord with audiences the moment it aired, which is unusual and special," Alexander told Variety.

She added: "...it has remained so for almost seven seasons thanks to the passionate commitment of our amazing fans. In this world, that's a huge success. I believe we have two eyes so one can look back to the past as the other turns its gaze to the future. As 'R&I' comes to a close, I am deeply grateful and inspired by the work we have done and the friendships we have forged but also am excited to see what the future will hold."

According to Aceshowbiz, the series started to lose ratings and interest from fans after season 2. Moreover, show creator Janet Tamaro left the series after stepping down post season 4, which further saw ratings decrease.

Nonetheless, in 2015, the show attracted an averaged 6.6 million viewers (ranking fourth overall among basic cable dramas) and received a 1.3 rating among adults (ranking 11th). The series was renewed for its seventh final season in summer last year.