The end is near: “Desperate Housewives,“ one of the great dramedies of  recent history and a linchpin of ABC's strategy to pull itself from out the depths of prime-time ratings hell, will end after next season, according to myriad trade reports. 

 A surprise? Well, yes and no. The old girl isn't what she used to be — which was a very bright, enjoyable, fun engaging and true prime-time pleasure (and not a guilty one either).

Numbers are down somewhat, and creatively you have to ask yourself, as creator Marc Cherry certainly has — how many times can a psychotic nut job move onto Wisteria Lane?

Really, how many times? Seven would seem to be the right answer, and seven would now appear to be the last season.

No official comment from anyone yet, but Cherry has long said of his desire to wrap, and leave the party before the party left him.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME