In football terms, 'Friday Night Lights' has always been that scrappy squad that plays their hearts out even though they are badly overmatched by their opponents. And while everyone roots for an underdog, there's rarely a Hollywood ending.

Even in Hollywood.

Yes, according to Entertainment Weekly, the inevitable has finally occurred, as 'Friday Night Lights' has been unofficially canceled by NBC, which has informed the principal actors that their services will no longer be required after filming for season 5 ends.In football terms, 'Friday Night Lights' has always been that scrappy squad that plays their hearts out even though they are badly overmatched by their opponents. And while everyone roots for an underdog, there's rarely a Hollywood ending.

Even in Hollywood.

Yes, according to Entertainment Weekly, the inevitable has finally occurred, as 'Friday Night Lights' has been unofficially canceled by NBC, which has informed the principal actors that their services will no longer be required after filming for season 5 ends. The news comes after years of struggling to find an audience for the critically acclaimed drama, which followed the ups and downs of high school football in Texas.

But despite unwavering critical support and a unique partnership with DirecTV that saw episodes premiere on their 101 Network prior to being re-aired on NBC, the series was never able to capture more than a small but loyal viewership. Last season's finale, for example, drew in just 4.36 million viewers and a dismal 1.3 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, low even by NBC's standards.

Fans of the series shouldn't despair just yet, however, because thanks to the show's offbeat distribution deal, new episodes may still be airing on NBC well into 2011. Season 4, which just wrapped on DirecTV last night, will begin its NBC run on April 30. And since season 5 is already in production -- filming is scheduled to end in June -- NBC is faced with the unusual situation of having axed a show before ratings for the final two full seasons are in.

Still, even if the series stages a miraculous fourth quarter comeback, it appears the writing is on the wall, as stars will likely be scooped up by other shows long before the last episodes finally air next year (for example, Minka Kelly has already abandoned ship). But while there may be greener television pastures ahead for the actors, for fans nothing will quite compare to the grass of Dillon field, where until now the mantra has always been "wait 'til next year."

Because unlike real football underdogs, for the Dillon Panthers, there will be no next year.

Even so: Clear eyes, full hearts ... can't lose.