The end is nigh for CBS’s interpretation of the Sherlock Holmes character as the network announces Elementary will end after season 7. Though the modern-day, New York-based adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous literary characters wasn’t without its controversial side when it was first announced, the series quickly found its footing with the Eye network’s procedural-loving crowd. Throw in two terrific performances by Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu, as Sherlock and Dr. Joan Watson, and it’s easy to see why the series has over 100 episodes under its belt, and why news of its end will be a hard pill to swallow for fans. 

Although it has a devoted fan base, the series’ end shouldn’t be too much of a surprise for those who tune in regularly. Elementary was put on something of an unconventional schedule in its sixth season. That season was thought by some to be the final go-round for the series, as it was initially given a shortened episode count and wasn’t part of the network’s fall premiere schedule. That all changed when CBS ordered eight additional episodes, boosting season 6 from 13 to 21 episodes, and then setting a mid-spring premiere date. 

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The season 6 game-changing finale, ‘Whatever Remains, However Improbable’ would have made for a satisfying series ender, too, but the powers that be at CBS and the show’s writers and producers felt there was still enough gas left in the tank for one more season. As reported by Deadline, both the network and the producers felt it was time to send the series off with an official final season. CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl said:

Jonny Lee Miller Lucy Liu and Jon Michael Hill in Elementary Season 6

“A lot of parties came together and talked about their positions on the show — both in terms of business and in terms of creative — and we all decided that this was an opportune time to say goodbye to a show that has been very, very good to us.” 

That the series will get a proper send off is likely an important factor to its fans, and the series is certainly deserving of the opportunity to bring its characters’ overarching narratives to their respective conclusions. The finale season will apparently involve a time jump and a move back to New York. That will afford the show a chance to bring Captain Gregson (Aidan Quinn) and Det. Bell (Jon Michael Hall) back into the fold as well. Though it will only be a 13 episode season, it should give the show plenty of time to wrap things up in a satisfying way. 

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Elementary season 7 will premiere sometime in 2019 on CBS. 

Source: Deadline