Yet another occupant of the current era of cable television comedy is on its way out.
Like “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad” and “Dexter,” HBO’s one-time phenomenon “True Blood” now has an end date.
The network confirmed Tuesday that “True Blood” will wrap after next season. That season, its seventh, will premiere next summer.
“True Blood has been nothing short of a defining show for HBO,” said HBO’s Michael Lombardo. “Alan Ball took the books by Charlaine Harris, assembled a brilliant cast led by the magnificent Anna Paquin in the role of Sookie Stackhouse, and crafted a show that has taken its many devoted fans on an Unforgettable journey. Alan passed the baton to Brian Buckner, who led our fantastic writers and crew in crafting a spectacular sixth season, and he will lead us through the seventh and final season of this amazing show. Together with its legions of fans, it will be hard to say goodbye to the residents of Bon Temps, but I look forward to what promises to be a fantastic final chapter of this incredible show.”
Though shows like “The Walking Dead” usurped its label as a cable ratings smash, it remained a solid performer for the pay-cabler.