How to Get Away With Murder will end with a “killer” sixth season, ABC announced Thursday.
The final episodes will follow Annalise’s students through their last semester at law school, and will premiere in September.
ABC praised show creator Peter Nowalk, producer Shonda Rhimes, and star Viola Davis, who in 2015 became the first black woman to win an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama series.
“Viola Davis made television history with her unforgettable portrayal of iconic female antihero Annalise Keating,” ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke said in a statement to the media. “I am eternally grateful to her, Pete Nowalk and Shondaland for creating and bringing to life such a smart, sophisticated and groundbreaking series that has long been an integral part of Thursday nights on ABC.”
“Deciding to end this series was a brutal decision, but ultimately the story tells you what to do — as it did here,” Nowalk added. “For me, Annalise Keating’s journey has always had a clear ending. Knowing I have 15 episodes left to finish her story, and the chance to give all the characters their own killer endings, is a gift rarely given to a series creator and I’m grateful to ABC and ABC Studios for the opportunity and creative freedom.”
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Nowalk went on to thank the show’s cast, production team and devoted fans.
“I am so thankful to the brilliant cast, writers and crew for dedicating themselves to the most rewarding experience of my career over the last six years,” he said. “I also want to thank our fans. The only reason this show exists is because of your loyalty and enthusiasm. I can’t wait for you all to see how it ends, with twists and turns and all the craziness we love to create every Thursday night. Buckle up.”
HTGAWM debuted in September 2014, and stars Davis along with Jack Falahee, Billy Brown, Aja Naomi King, Matt McGorry, Karla Souza, Charlie Weber and Liza Weil.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, seasons 4 and 5 of the series both suffered double-digit rating declines. Although it remains popular in delayed viewing, with almost half of its total audience watching the episodes within days of their initial airings.
The drama, along with Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, formed ABC’s popular Thursday night programming block known as “TGIT.” Rhimes created Grey’s and produced all three series.
ABC released a season 6 preview of How to Get Away With Murder to accompany the cancellation announcement.
The final season of the series premieres on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 10/9c.
Watch the video below.
