'ER' writer says finale is 'end of an era'

CHICAGO, March 28 (UPI) -- The upcoming series finale of the U.S. TV series "ER" after 15 seasons will mark an "end of an era" for television, one of the show's former writers says.

Physician Neal Baer, who was one of the early writers for the NBC drama, said when "ER" goes off the air for good next Thursday, U.S. TV viewers will likely never see another show like it, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

"I can't say never, but I doubt we will ever see the likes of a show like 'ER' again that rounds up such a huge amount of viewers who watch something at the same time," said Baer, who also served as an "ER" executive producer. "It's truly the end of an era of television."

Another "ER" executive producer, John Wells, told the Times it will be a shame to see the series' Thursday night time slot shift to comedian Jay Leno's new talk show.

"I'm saddened that that's not going to be a drama slot anymore because it's been a terrific one for many, many years," he said.