It’s Official: Private Practice Closes Its Doors in 2013

Rumors have been circulating for some time now, after the departure of leading lady Kate Walsh was announced. Late Friday evening, creator Shonda Rhimes confirmed suspicions. ABC declined to pick up the back nine episodes of the show’s 6th season and Private Practice will be coming to an end after it’s thirteenth episode airs, likely in February 2013. This episode was originally set to air Addison’s departure, but will now focus on giving the series some closure.

In a statement released late Friday evening, Rhimes broke the news via Twitter.

I’m sad to say that Private Practice’s run will end after episode 613 this season. There was a lot of discussion and debate but, in the end, the guys at the network and the studio and I all decided that Private Practice was reaching its finish line. Creatively, we are all extremely proud of the show and especially proud of this season — which you will all soon discover is a creative renaissance. I can’t wait for you to see it.

It’s heartbreaking to end. Truly. I feel so lucky to write for these characters and tell these stories and I truly feel this show has taught me so much as a writer. And there’s a family here, of crew and cast, people who have bonded over these past five and a half seasons. It’s rare for a show to go for more than 100 episodes and we are incredibly proud to have been such a show. And we’re grateful to all of you for spending time with us for an hour every week for the last 6 years. It’s meant the world.

Thank you.

Kate Walsh is developing a semi-autobiographical comedy for NBC, while Shondaland is always busy coming up with the next television drama. Practice recently celebrated the milestone of 100 episodes. The series will spend the rest of the season focused on the characters. Private Practice now joins 30 Rock, The Office, Gossip Girl, and Fringe as broadcast network series that will come to a close this season. What do you think about the news? Are you sad to see the show come to an end?