LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "The decision to end the show now, or ever, is a painful one, as it risks putting asunder hundreds of close friendships that have developed over the last eight years -- but also because the show itself has been a source of great pride to everyone involved," executive producers David Shore, Katie Jacobs and Hugh Laurie said in a statement.

"The producers have always imagined House as an enigmatic creature; he should never be the last one to leave the party. How much better to disappear before the music stops, while there is still some promise and mystique in the air."

Hugh Laurie has played the irascible title character since the show debuted in 2004. "House" will have completed 177 episodes after its final episode. The producers joked in their statement that this "is about 175 more than anyone expected" when the show began.

"House" (also known as "House, M.D.") is a television medical drama that debuted on the Fox network on November of 2004. The show's central character is Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie), "an unconventional and misanthropic medical genius who heads a team of diagnosticians at the fictional Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital (PPTH) in New Jersey." The series was largely filmed in Century City in Los Angeles.

"House" often clashes with his fellow physicians, including his own diagnostic team, because many of his hypotheses about patients' illnesses are based on subtle or controversial insights. His flouting of hospital rules and procedures frequently leads him into conflict with his boss, hospital administrator and Dean of Medicine Dr. Lisa Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein).

Critically acclaimed for much of its run, "House" was among the top-ten rated shows in the United States from its second through its fourth season. Distributed to 66 countries, "House" was the most watched television program in the world in 2008. Among its many accolades were five Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a Peabody Award, and nine People's Choice Awards.

Fox also issued a fond farewell. "While it's with much regret, and a lump in our throats, we respect the decision Hugh, David and Katie have made," Fox Entertainment's president, Kevin Reilly, said in a statement.

"For eight seasons, the entire 'House' team has given us - and fans around the world - some of the most compelling characters and affecting stories ever seen on television. They have been creatively tenacious and collaborative throughout this incredible run, and they are amongst the most superior talents in the business. For all the above, we wholeheartedly thank them, and the fans who have supported the show."

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