Producers, stars call the demise of House 'painful'

The doors are closing on Hugh Laurie's House. Photo / Supplied

After eight seasons and 177 episodes, Hugh Laurie's hit medical drama House is finally coming to an end.

Producers announced today that the show - following Laurie's neurotic, drug-addled character Gregory House, who practices unusual and alternative treatment methods for bizarre medical conditions - will come to a conclusion at the end of its current season.

The final episode screens in America on May 21 and series creator David Shore told TV Line that he "wanted to do it right".

In a joint statement, Shore, executive producer Katie Jacobs and Laurie said the decision to end the show was "painful".

"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."

They said it was better to end the show on a high, rather than stringing it out.

"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.

The show's stars were quick to talk about the news, with Olivia Wilde tweeting: "The end of an era. Shows like that don't happen, well, ever. I'm honored to have been a part of such a brilliant story."

The final season of House begins screening on TV3 this Sunday at 8.30pm.

Check out the trailer for season eight:

- Herald online