Multiple reports are claiming ABC will shut down the primetime drama Desperate Housewives at the conclusion of its upcoming eighth season.
ABC has refused to comment on the fate of Desperate Housewives despite the numerous reports of the show’s demise. An official announcement is expected to be made by the studio during the Television Critics Association summer press tour on Sunday.
Desperate Housewives has seen a steady decline in ratings over the past several seasons after premiering in 2004 to nearly 24 million viewers. Over the past 7 years, viewership has been cut in half to around 12 million per episode.
Stars Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross and Vanessa Williams continue to earn large paychecks despite the ratings decline. Production costs have also been on the rise year-over-year which has fueled rumors of the show’s impending cancellation since the season 7 finale.
The season 8 premiere of Desperate Housewives will air Sunday, September 25, 2011 at 9pm EST/PST on ABC.
Source: THR
