Long-running procedural show "Castle" will not return for a ninth season at ABC and the season finale on May 16 will serve as the series ender.
ABC has confirmed that it cancelled the show after eight seasons, following news of Stana Katic's departure at the end of this season, reported Variety.
Though the ratings have been the lowest this season than ever before, and ratings have declined over the past few seasons, the numbers have stabilized through the current run as interest has seemed to peak this season.
It was previously reported that Katic and Tamala Jones would not be returning for the supposed ninth season due to budgetary reasons.
Other stars such as Nathan Fillion, Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas had signed new deals that would keep them on the show for another season.
Premiering midseason in 2009, "Castle" was created by Andrew Marlowe. The series saw a showrunner shuffle with David Amann taking over for just Seasen 7, and then Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter stepping in for Season 8.
Marlowe remained close to the show, after he stepped down as showrunner.
Marlowe took to Twitter after the show was cancelled.
"To the whole Castle family- our amazing cast, our remarkable crew, our imaginative writers & our wonderful fans, thank you for 8 amazing years!"
"Castle" isn't the only show which won't return for the next season on ABC. The network has also pulled the plug on "Marvel's Agent Carter" after two seasons, "Nashville" after four seasons, "Galavant" after two seasons as well as freshmen "The Muppets" and "The Family".
