‘Once Upon A Time’ To End Following Season 7 Finale In May

Popular ABC fantasy show Once Upon A Time will end following its seventh season, confirms executive producer Adam Horowitz.

ONCE UPON A TIME TO END AFTER SEASON 7

Despite adding to characters into the mix last season, prompting fans to assume many more seasons would come, Once will end this May. The series is set to return from its midseason break on March 2. “Seven years ago we set out to create a show about hope, where even in the darkest times, a happy ending would always be possible,” tweeted Horowitz on Tuesday. “But we never imagined the happy ending that was actually in store for all of us – years and years of adventure, romance, magic and hope.”

Horowitz also thanked the cast and crew for their devotion, and of course thanked their fans for their “fierce loyalty.” “We’re so grateful to our brilliant collaborators – the cast, crew, and writers – as well as our partners at the studio and network for making this journey possible,” he said. “But most of all, we want to thank the fans. Their fierce loyalty and devotion was the real magic behind Once Upon a Time. We hope they join us for these last few hours as we journey to the Enchanted Forrest for one more adventure.”

Season 7 was a creative reboot for the series, as much of its core cast members left after season 6 when their contracts ended. It also changed from its usual slot on Sunday nights to Fridays, where ratings often suffer. With the many changes, Horowitz and co-creator Eddy Kitsis agreed that they knew ending the show was a possibility this year.

“It’s not like this was like a shock. We knew this was a distinct possibility from the moment the season started,” Horowitz tells Variety. “So it has always sort of been in the back of our minds designing things to wrap up the end of this year if need be. So we’re prepared and we’re well into our end game plan.” The writers agree that while it is “a bit of a disappointment,” they are glad that they can end the show on their own terms.

In a statement, ABC president Channing Dungey said she knew the show would be special from the start. “When we first heard Adam and Eddy’s pitch for Once Upon a Time, we knew it was something incredibly special. For seven years, they have captivated us with their creativity and passion while reimagining some of our most beloved Disney fairytales, creating an undeniable global hit,” she said. “Saying goodbye will be bittersweet, but Once Upon a Time will forever be part of the ABC legacy, and we can’t wait for fans to join us in this epic final chapter.”

ABC Studios president Patrick Moran adds, “Once Upon a Time has been an amazing journey for all of us at ABC Studios and for fans around the world. We’re so proud and appreciative of the hard work and creative talent that Eddy Kitsis, Adam Horowitz and their cast and crew brought to this show for seven magical seasons.”