Nellie Andreeva

UPDATED: We’ve been referring to the upcoming eighth season as “likely” the show’s last ever since the show’s renewal last November. Now likely has become definitely. Showtime has confirmed that Weeds will end its run after this summer’s eighth season. “Weeds has been a seminal series for Showtime and was key in establishing the network as a home for great original programming,” said Showtime’s entertainment president David Nevins. “It was very important to us that we bring the story of Nancy Botwin and her family to a satisfying conclusion for the devoted fans who have spent years following these characters.” The final 13 episodes of Weeds, which will begin airing July 1, will include the series’ 100th episode, a rare feat for a pay cable network show.

Many key Weeds players have moved on. Justin Kirk and Kevin Nealon this spring only made deals for one last season on Weeds after landing broadcast pilot leads in first position. Kirk’s project, Animal Hospital, was picked up to series at NBC to launch this fall. Weeds creator Jenji Kohan too has a new series in the works at Netflix, Orange Is The New Black. Weeds, starring Mary-Louise Parker, helped put Showtime on the map. The network has plenty of half-hour building blocks at its disposal for the next year. Since picking up the show for Season 8, Showtime has renewed several comedy series – Californication, House Of Lies and Nurse Jackie – with a decision on The Big C pending. Coming up this summer is Season 2 of Episodes.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.