ABC"A love story for the ages" has come to an end.
After 173 episodes, Castle ended its eight-season run on Monday night, with viewers saying goodbye to Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Beckett (Stana Katic), who (Spoiler alert!) finally got their happy ending.
Castle showrunners Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter issued a statement after the ABC hit's finale aired, thanking the "loyal" fans for their passion, while admitting they are "still trying to process all the emotions stirred up by recent events." (Before ABC decided to cancel the show, it was announced if the show was picked up for a ninth season, it would return without Stana Katic and Tamala Jones. You can imagine the fanbase's reaction.)
Here is Hawley and Winter's full thank you message to fans:
"While we're still trying to process all the emotions stirred up by recent events, the feeling that stands head and shoulders above all else, is gratitude.
Eight seasons. A hundred and seventy three episodes.
None of it would have been possible without you — our loyal and passionate fans. You are the reason this show survived and thrived. Without you carving out 'Castle Mondays' every week, we would never have been able to make the show we love for as long as we did.
So thank you.
And thanks to Andrew Marlowe for creating such a delightful world, centered around a love story for the ages. It was an honor and privilege to shepherd the story of Castle and Beckett this season.
And finally, thank you to our cast and crew, who have been our family for these last eight years. Who elevated every script by investing the best of themselves into each episode. We will miss you profoundly."