May 5, 2011

As Brothers & Sisters gets set to wrap up its fifth season this coming Sunday, there is still no confirmation of a renewal for the veteran series. While ABC has so far remained silent on its future, word is that the show will likely return for one final, albeit abbreviated, season.

The network and ABC Studios are apparently exploring avenues that would bring the drama back for fewer episodes with minimal appearances of Calista Flockhart's character, Kitty. This because of the show's falling ratings and large, pricey cast. The show's budget had already been reduced for the current season, and they are faced with having to get it even lower before getting the go-ahead for next season.

Right now fans can expect Brothers & Sisters' final season to be in the 6 to 18 episode range, although reports are that the cast's current deal guarantees them a minimum of 13. That means anything less than that would require separate negotiations to take place. For now we'll have to wait on more details, but it sounds likely that the show will at least get a proper send-off next season.

(Source: Deadline)