TNT Cancels Leverage

TNT announced Friday that it has decided not to renew its drama series "Leverage" for a sixth season. It added that the series finale will be aired on Christmas day.

TNT Cancels Leverage

"TNT’s Leverage has thrilled audiences with its delightfully intricate plots, its 'stand up for the little guy' attitude and its terrific performances from stars Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge," TNT wrote. "But after five wonderful years, it’s time to say goodbye. Leverage will come to a close on Christmas, Tuesday, Dec. 25, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), with a series finale that stands as one of the show’s best episodes."

It further stated: "We are honored to have worked with executive producer Dean Devlin, Electric Entertainment, creators John Rogers and Chris Downey, and all the cast and production crew on Leverage. We look forward to exploring new opportunities to work with them again in the future. We also want to thank the passionately devoted fans of Leverage, who have been the driving force behind its success."

TNT's announcement came shortly after "Leverage" executive producer Dean Devlin posted the following on the LeverageFans.com website.

"The Long Goodbye is our final goodbye," Devlin wrote. "It has been decided today that this Tuesday’s episode of 'Leverage,' 'The Long Goodbye Job' will be the series finale as TNT has decided not to renew the show for a sixth season. I want to take the opportunity to thank TNT for five amazing seasons and 77 episodes of a show that has been so good to me. I’m incredibly proud of the show and what we’ve accomplished. Throughout this journey TNT have been the most amazing partners. Their support and collaboration I will cherish forever."

During the past couple of years, the series has reportedly been on the bubble but has managed to secure last-minute renewals.