The NBCUniversal-owned cable network will roll out the final six episodes of the Matt Bomer-Tim DeKay drama series on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, it announced Friday. Covert Affairs, which stars Piper Perabo, will air the remaining episodes of its current season at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
White Collar fans were given a hint as to expect in the run-up to the series finale, when Chris McCumber,president of USA Network, hinted at an “exciting and shocking ending” in announcing the news.
“From its inception, White Collar captured a massive and loyal following, in large part due to the incredible on-screen chemistry between Matt and Tim, who deserve credit for one of the most brilliantly performed ‘bromances’ in all of television,” said McCumber. “The series also benefited from smart writing and an extraordinarily talented supporting cast, who helped it become a fan favorite crime drama for five straight years. This season will not disappoint, with an exciting and shocking ending that fans will never forget.”
“Saying goodbye to White Collar – and Neal and Peter – after six successful seasons is incredibly difficult, but I couldn’t be prouder of what our entire team has accomplished over the last six years,” said creator Jeff Eastin. “I’m grateful to FTVS and USA for giving the show a great home, and I can’t wait for fans to see the twists, surprises and phenomenal performances our final season has in store for them.”
White Collar was a ratings hit from its 2009 debut as one of the top new cable originals that year. Season five was among the top five most-watched basic cable series on Thursday nights in the first quarter the year in adults 18-49 (1.62 million), adults 25-54 (1.76 million) and total viewers (4.46 million).
White Collar is executive produced by Eastin (Graceland) and comes from Fox Television Studios. Nick Thiel and Jeff King serve as executive producers.
USA has been transitioning its scripted programming to more provocative fare such as rookie dramas Rush and Satisfaction. White Collar’s end is just the latest veteran series in the network’s portfolio to bid farewell, joining Necessary Roughness, Psych and Burn Notice. Currently USA has Suits, Sirens, Royal Pains, Benched, Dig and Graceland, which has yet to be renewed, on its slate.
