'The Closer' to Continue Without Kyra Sedgwick?
Back in December the obits for 'The Closer' were being written after star Kyra Sedgwick announced the end of the series. Now, however, comes news that the farewells may have been premature, and that the drama could be carrying on without her.'The Closer' is the most-watched basic cable series ever, and according to deadline.com, execs at TNT are unwilling to let their flagship drama go.
One of the scenarios currently being discussed at the cable network is extending the 15-episode (Final) Season 7 to 21 episodes.
However, adding an extra six episodes is contingent on a deal with Sedgwick. Given she's reportedly the one who decided to end the series in the first place, it could be an uphill battle to persuade her to carry on.
TNT is also said to be mulling over a nine-episode order for a new series, either 'The Closer' without Sedgwick, or a spin-off series featuring characters from 'The Closer' in a new setting. It's rumored that Mary McDonnell could be in the picture to star in either scenario, with her character Capt. Sharon Raydor stepping up after Sedgwick goes.
Although the latter option would probably be a bit easier to pull off because Sedgwick plays the eponymous 'Closer', a previous spin-off -- 'The Fixer' -- never got off the ground.
Sedgwick's contract is up at the end of Season 7, but if she were to be persuaded into making a few more episodes they could be used to segue into the new show without her, thus giving it a chance of success. But as she's made no secret of her desire to move on after Season 7 wraps up, it remains to be seen if she will agree to a new deal.

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