Fans were not prepared when the Kardashian-Jenners announced that Keeping Up With The Kardashians is ending after 14 years on air.
The family announced their decision to end the show in a joint statement on social media Tuesday (September 8).
“To our amazing fans,” the statement began. “It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”
“After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who’ve watched us for all of these years – through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children. We’ll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we’ve met along the way,” the statement continued.
“Thank you to the thousands of individuals and businesses that have been a part of this experience and, most importantly, a very special thank you to Ryan Seacrest for believing in us, E! for being our partner, and our production team at Bunim/Murray, who’ve spent countless hours documenting our lives,” they went on, adding, “Our last season will air early next year in 2021.”
“We love you!” the statement concluded, which was signed by Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian West, Khloe Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner and Scott Disick.
Various reports have since emerged on why the famous family pulled the plug on their hit reality show.
According to Page Six, the family grew tired after 20 seasons, and wanted to end it “on a high note.” the outlet also added, “We’re also exclusively — and emphatically — told that Kanye West’s mental health played no role in the decision to go off the air. West has struggled publicly over the last few months with his bipolar disorder, prompting wife Kim to come out in his defense as he worked to get better.”
The Sun reports that the family was actually divided about ending the show. “The family has been locked in an ongoing debate over the future of the show for months now,” a source told the outlet. “Kim has all the drama with Kanye West going on—he’s refusing to put anything personal on the show, and it’s increasingly difficult for Kim to find time to film the show. Kylie is making billions of dollars through her makeup line and product endorsements—she doesn’t need the show, and like Kendall, has always struggled with fame and being in the spotlight. Filming the show meant having to be in LA with her family—now she’s free to fly off on holiday or follow Travis Scott on his next tour.”
“The only people who are upset are Khloé, and Scott Disick. Khloé’s tried to launch several spinoff shows—but none of them have been as successful as KUWTK. And who knows how Scott will make money now the show is being canceled—he loves flying in private jets and being treated like an A-list star. I can’t see him flying commercial or paying his own way,” the source adds.
There was also speculation that matriarch Kris Jenner will be joining the cast of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. However, another source told Entertainment Tonight that those rumors are “not true” and there wasn’t really much drama when it came to deciding to end the show.
“There was no big reason why the family decided to end KUWTK; it was a mutual decision. The kids who started the show now have their own kids and it’s getting very hard to film all together or get enough footage separately. The family is grateful for their time and is happy they have all these memories filmed for the rest of their lives. The family wanted time to focus more on their family and future projects and the show is a major job that takes up a lot of time,” the source explained.
Kris went on On Air With Ryan Seacrest, to reflect on KUWTK ending after 20 seasons.
“You’re going to make me cry all over again. It really hasn’t [hit me yet]. I got very, very emotional this morning,” she admitted to host Ryan Seacrest, who is also executive producer of KUWTK.
“I woke up and was in the gym at 5 with [my daughters] Khloé [Kardashian] and Kim [Kardashian], and we just kind of sat there and looked at each other and said, ‘Whoa, what a ride,’” she continued.
“I think the number 20 used to sound good until 2020, but the number 20 just seemed like the right time I think for us to take a minute and breathe and everybody slow down a bit … figure out what our next steps are. We’ve had such an amazing run and we’re so grateful for every single moment and everyone we work with,” she said of the decision to end the show.
