It’s been a great run for the series The Game, but the game clock is starting to run down those final seconds. After renewing the comedy several months ago for an eigth season, BET has announced the the long running series will come to an end after season nine.
The Game was cancelled by The CW in 2009 and was immediately picked up by BET. The season four premiere on BET pulled in a record 7.7 million viewers. Both seasons are currently being filmed and will air in early 2015.
“All good things must come to an end and after celebrating four successful seasons of THE GAME on BET, the Network has announced production is underway on the show’s final two seasons. In January 2011 the cult following of The Game proved that the show was a fan favorite with 7.7 million viewers for its premiere debut on BET. With seasons eight and nine, we’re excited to end on a high note by giving Sabers fans a chance to bid farewell to their favorite players on and off the field.”
Series creator Mara Brock Akil talked to BET.com in an exclusive interview about the shows end. “Shows do end; that is a part the business. I’m very happy BET gave The Game five additional seasons to explore these characters and this world. We made history when we got to the network and it’s nice to be able to celebrate the great achievements of the show.”
Akil goes on to say, “I’m really proud of the look of our show, that we took a multi-cam budget and turned it into a single camera show. Its look, its tone, its approach, the characters’ development — that, yes, we were a half-hour comedy but we used our moments to deepen the characters. We also offered drama in a half-hour space. And that was my own personal desire, but it was also reflective of what the audience has been wanting, which is more well-rounded, deeper, richer, layered characters, and they got that in The Game.”