Eight and Out for Defective Detective

There is nothing sadder than a long-running series that has overstayed their welcome. In the case of USA Network's Monk, the powers that be (TPTB) have decided to quit while they're ahead. According to The Hollywood Reporter, USA Network has decided to make its newly ordered 16-episode eighth season their final bow.

When a popular show decides to end their run while it has the chance to go out gracefully, it allows everyone involved the opportunity to end the show on their terms so fans can have some closure and know that their favorite characters will live happily ever after.

Years ago, fans of Seinfeld were devastated when TPTB decided to call it quits while the series was still in its height of popularity. However, one of the most surprising developments in recent history occurred when TPTB of Lost went into negotiations with ABC in 2007 (while the show was in the middle of season 3) to nail down a date to end the series. The magic number agreed upon was 48 (coincidence?), with the last episode expected to air in May 2010.

As far as ending a series on their own terms, Monk is in good company indeed....

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