'The Closer' to end with Season 7

NEW YORK, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- TNT says its popular U.S. police drama "The Closer" will end with Season 7 in 2011.

"It's impossible to fully express our appreciation to Kyra Sedgwick, series creator James Duff and all of the other talented people who brought 'The Closer' to TNT viewers," Steve Koonin, president of Turner Entertainment Networks, said in a statement Friday. "'The Closer' was a pivotal series in setting a new course for TNT's original programming, while also serving as a prime example of the storytelling strength possible on cable television."

"I cannot fathom how difficult it will be to say goodbye to the incredible family we've created on 'The Closer,'" Sedgwick added. "I will always be grateful to James Duff for his love and friendship, as well as for creating such a rich and complex character who I have loved living with year after year. ... All of our outstanding cast and crew are forever in my heart. I want to thank TNT and Warner Bros. Television, as well as the incredible fans of 'The Closer,' for all of their unwavering support over the last seven years."

TNT said Sedgwick was the one who made the "difficult decision" to wrap the series.

Production on the final 15-episode season is to start in the spring.