ABC series Once Upon a Tome has officially been renewed to return for a seventh season. Executive Producer Adam Horowitz tweeted the announcement on Thursday night with a simple “7.”
7. #OnceUponATime #ThankYouFansandAbc
— Adam Horowitz (@AdamHorowitzLA) May 11, 2017
The series first began in 2011, and has since gained a large fanbase. However, its current season has experienced a drop in ratings averaging a 1.0 among adults 18-49 and 3.3 million total viewers. As a result, season 7 is going to see some very significant changes, including its cast.
Executive Producer Edward Kitsis says, “I think if there’s one thing this show has done, it’s reinvented itself every year and so this show has the ability to be many different shows so we feel like creatively it’s time to end a few stories.”
Cast members Lana Parrilla (Regina), Robert Carlyle (Mr. Gold) and Colin O’Donoghue (Captain Hook) are all reportedly renegotiating their contracts, while Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White) and Josh Dallas (Prince Charming) will most likely be leaving.
The show’s protagonist, Jennifer Morrison, has been the first to come out and confirm that she will not be returning for another season.
Morrison said in an Instagram post, “As I reached the end of my 6 year contract on ONCE UPON A TIME, I was faced with a significant decision. ABC, Eddy Kitsis, and Adam Horowitz very generously invited me to continue as a series regular. After very careful consideration, I have decided that creatively and personally, it is time for me to move on.”
Morrison added that she has agreed to appear in one episode of season seven.
Although several of the characters’ stories are coming to an end, Horowitz says that the season 6 finale will bring closure to the show’s fans.
“I think that by the end of the season finale, a lot of what we’ve been doing for the last six years is wrapped up in a very satisfying way and then we move forward in a way that at the end of it, hopefully you’ll see what we’re hoping to do in season seven.”
The two-hour Once Upon a Time season 6 finale airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
What do you think of the renewal? Will you be watching? Let us know by tweeting us at @CelebMix!