Though neither come as huge surprises, NBC has confirmed that Parks and Recreation and Parenthood will air their final seasons during the upcoming 2014-15 slate.  Though its ratings haven’t been astronomical, Parks and Rec has maintained a consistent fanbase over its past few seasons in addition to staying creatively at the top of its game.  Given the developments at the end of season six, it sure felt like the producers were setting up an endgame for Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), and as an avid fan of the series, I think it’s smart to bring it to an end with a seventh and final season (which will bow midseason).  The uniquely non-cynical comedy has a knack for mixing hilarious character-driven humor with surprising emotional beats, and I’m eager to see how the story of this goofy gang of Pawnee inhabitants comes to an end.

Hit the jump to see what creator Michael Schur had to say about the end of Parks and Recreation and for news regarding Parenthood’s final season (which almost didn’t happen), including an episode count.

Reaching out on Twitter, Parks and Recreation showrunner Michael Schur had this to say about the final season of the show:

The 7th season of #ParksandRec will be our last (100% mutual between. creative team and network). Sad, but happy, and excited. See you soon!

— Ken Tremendous (@KenTremendous) May 11, 2014

 

We felt it was time to bring #ParksandRec to a close. NBC has been nothing but supportive. A happy network TV story.

— Ken Tremendous (@KenTremendous) May 11, 2014

 

As for Parenthood, there was a chance that the current fifth season of the tear-inducing drama series would be its last, as contract negotiations between the cast and NBC for season six reached an impasse.  The network wanted to order only nine episodes for the sixth and final season, but the episode count had to be signed off by the key castmembers, who were keen on 13 episodes.  At the final hour all parties came to an agreement, and now NBC will air a 13-episode final season of the drama this fall.

Parenthood was actually doing quite well in the ratings, but due to its large ensemble cast, it was an expensive show to produce.  The series was always a critical darling, though, with praise heaped on showrunner Jason Katims, the genius who was also behind Friday Night Lights.  In addition to Parenthood, Katims also has another series at NBC, the sitcom About a Boy.

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Image via NBC