The ABC medical drama will end its run after its current sixth season, a spokeswoman for the network told TheWrap.
The decision to end the "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff perhaps isn't surprising, given the earlier decision of series star Kate Walsh to leave the series.
The show had been renewed for a shortened 13-episode sixth season, leading to speculation that the series was nearing an end. Another ominous sign emerged in May, when series star Tim Daly, who played Dr. Pete Wilder, was let go from the series.
"Private Practice" creator Shonda Rhimes announced the end of the series on her blog Friday, saying that it was "heartbreaking" to see the show go but noting that the final season marks a "creative Renaissance" for the series.
"I'm sad to say that Private Practice's run will end after episode 613 this season. There was a lot of discussion and debate but, in the end, the guys at the network and the studio and I all decided that Private Practice was reaching its finish line. Creatively, we are all extremely proud of the show and especially proud of this season -- which you will all soon discover is a creative renaissance. I can't wait for you to see it," Rhimes wrote.
"It's heartbreaking to end. Truly. I feel so lucky to write for these characters and tell these stories and I truly feel this show has taught me so much as a writer. And there's a family here, of crew and cast, people who have bonded over these past five and a half seasons. It's rare for a show to go for more than 100 episodes and we are incredibly proud to have been such a show. And we're grateful to all of you for spending time with us for an hour every week for the last 6 years. It's meant the world," Rhimes added.
The series has floundered in ratings for its final season, which premiered Sept. 25 to a 1.6/4 in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic -- down 32 percent from the previous season's premiere. For the past three episodes, it has posted a 1.6/4 in the demo.
