Monk Will Go Out on Top

The news that the upcoming eighth season of Monk will be its last has fans in mourning, but the USA Network staple leaves a rich legacy, Media Life reports. Monk ushered in the era of original cable programming and has consistently scored top ratings in key demographics. Tony Shalhoub is one of only two basic-cable stars to win a best actor Emmy, and the show made its mark from the ratings graveyard of Friday night.

The decision to end the series was mutual, according to the Hollywood Reporter; Shalhoub is likely itching to move on, and production costs escalate as successful shows age. A network exec didn't directly adfdress the question of whether the series will wrap up with Monk solving the mystery of who murdered his wife but did say, "Our fans have been extremely dedicated, and Season 8 should prove to be a very satisfying reward." (More Tony Shalhoub stories.)