It has been announced that acclaimed White House drama series 'The West Wing' will conclude its seven-year run when the current season ends on US television in May.
The announcement had long been expected as the show had fallen in the ratings over recent years.
Kevin Reilly, President of NBC Entertainment, said: "It's no secret that the ratings have been tough for the last couple of seasons. There's a point where you look at the ratings and you just say, 'it's time.'"
He went on to describe the show, which holds the record for the most Emmy Awards won by a single series, as "one of the most acclaimed series in television history."
Before the show ends, NBC will screen a one-hour retrospective and a tribute to key cast member John Spencer (Leo McGarry) who died in December.
