Producers of 'House' announce series end

Sept. 18, 2011: Hugh Laurie arrives at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards on in Los Angeles. (AP)

The producers of "House" have announced that after eight seasons, the series is ending its run.

The FOX medical drama, featuring the cantankerous Gregory House played by British actor Hugh Laurie, will conclude in May after 177 episodes, the producers announced Wednesday.

Producers David Shore, Katie Jacobs and Laurie called the decision "a painful one," and praised the Emmy Award-winning program as "a source of great pride to everyone involved."

"After much deliberation, the producers of House M.D. have decided that this season of the show, the 8th, should be the last. By April this year they will have completed 177 episodes, which is about 175 more than anyone expected back in 2004," David Shore, Katie Jacobs and Hugh Laurie, House executive producers said in a statement.

"The decision to end the show now, or ever, is a painful one, as it risks putting asunder hundreds of close friendships that have developed over the last eight years - but also because the show itself has been a source of great pride to everyone involved," the statement said.

FOX Broadcasting President Kevin Reilly said in response, "While it's with much regret, and a lump in our throats, we respect the decision."

"For eight seasons, the entire 'House' team has given us -- and fans around the world -- some of the most compelling characters and affecting stories ever seen on television," he added.

FOX Broadcasting is owned by News Corp., the parent company of NewsCore.

NewsCore contributed to this report.