News Corp.’s Fox Says ‘House’ Will End After Current Season
February 09, 2012, 12:44 AM ESTBy Andy Fixmer
(Updates with Fox comment in fourth paragraph.)
Feb. 8 (Bloomberg) -- News Corp.’s Fox Broadcasting said “House M.D.” will end after its eighth season, giving the medical drama a total of 177 episodes.
The program, produced by Comcast Corp.’s Universal Television studio, will finish in April, Los Angeles-based Fox said in an e-mailed statement.
“House,” about a cranky and unconventional doctor played by Hugh Laurie, has been a consistent ratings draw for Fox, regularly finishing among the top 25 most-watched U.S. broadcast programs. Reruns will continue on cable channels, producers David Shore, Katie Jacobs and Laurie said in the statement.
“While it’s with much regret, and a lump in our throats, we respect the decision Hugh, David and Katie have made,” Kevin Reilly, Fox’s entertainment president, said in the statement. “They have been creatively tenacious and collaborative throughout this incredible run, and they are amongst the most superior talents in the business.”
News Corp., also the owner of the Twentieth Century Fox film studio, climbed 0.6 percent to $19.62 today at the New York close. The stock has gained 10 percent this year.
--Editors: Stephen West, Kevin Miller
To contact the reporter on this story: Andy Fixmer in Los Angeles at afixmer@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Anthony Palazzo at apalazzo@bloomberg.net
