How to Get Away With Murder was renewed for a sixth season some time ago but ABC has just announced that the upcoming sixth season will also be its last.
The Shondaland-produced drama starring Viola Davis will wrap its murderous run with 15 episodes in the 2019-20 broadcast season. ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke had this to say about the final season:
“Viola Davis made television history with her unforgettable portrayal of iconic female anti-hero Annalise Keating. I am eternally grateful to her, showrunner Pete Nowalk and Shondaland for creating and bringing to life such a smart, sophisticated, and groundbreaking series that has long been an integral part of Thursday nights on ABC.”
The fourth and fifth seasons of the series suffered double-digit ratings declines in live viewers but the show is a very strong performer in delayed viewing, with more than half of its seven-day 18-49 and almost half of its total audience coming in after it first airs.
Although the show has fallen from its early ratings heights, the decision to end the series seems to be one that was made internally be showrunner Pete Nowalk:
“Deciding to end this series was a brutal decision, but ultimately the story tells you what to do and it did here. For me, Annalise Keating’s journey has always had a clear ending. Knowing I have 15 episodes left to finish her story, and the chance to give all the characters their own killer endings, is a gift rarely given to a series creator and I’m grateful to ABC and ABC Studios for the opportunity and creative freedom.”
Pete Nowalk renewed his overall deal with producers ABC Studios after Murder executive producer Shonda Rhimes departed for Netflix. The creator is sure to come up with exciting new projects in the future for the network.
How to Get Away With Murder has had a pretty epic run. Viola Davis made history when she became the first black woman to take home the statuette for lead actress in a drama series at the Emmy Awards. She also won a pair of SAG Awards and collected Golden Globe and other nominations for her role as the powerful yet damaged legal professor. The series’ conclusion comes as Davis and the other cast members have reached the end of their standard six-season contracts. The cast also includes Jack Falahee, Liza Weil, Matt McGorry, Aja Naomi King, Charlie Weber, Karla Souza, and Billy Brown.
The final season, which premieres September 26, will follow Keating’s class through their final semester in law school while the deception, fear, and guilt binding her with her students proves deadlier than ever.
