Last Man Standing fans, it's the end of the road, again. After three seasons on the Fox network, the Tim Allen-led sitcom is set to conclude following Season 9. This will be the second time Last Man Standing has ended although, this time, it appears the end is not as controversial as the ABC exit.
Season 9 is set to begin in January 2021 and, by the end of its run, Last Man Standing will have marked 194 episodes. Tim Allen released a statement regarding the final season and talked about how the decision allows for an ending that will be "memorable" to fans:
I’ve been one lucky dude to have been part of Last Man Standing. I so appreciate the incredible support from our fans over this near decade of work. As we approach the ninth season, I just admire and feel grateful for all the hard work our wonderful cast and crew have done. We had all considered to end the show after last season, but together with FOX, we decided to add a year so we could produce a full season to create the gentle and fun goodbye. I'm looking forward to a memorable and hilarious final season.
Details about Season 9 of Last Man Standing will be announced at a later date, though it was understood there were some hurdles to conquer given the awkward ending of Season 8. COVID-19 related shutdowns caused Season 8's two-part season finale to just be one part, leaving character Kristin in labor and famous and infrequent guest star Kaitlyn Dever in the episode with no proper exit. Under normal circumstances, Dever would've been able to film her scenes for part 2 and go on with her increasingly busy Hollywood schedule but, given the shutdown, there have been questions about how and if the show will be able to bring her back or have to press on without her to conclude the episode.
194 episodes of Last Man Standing is just 10 episodes shy of the count for Tim Allen's classic television sitcom Home Improvement but well above the measuring stick a series typically needs for syndication. Though the new episodes may end, it stands to reason Last Man Standing may remain on television for a long time. Allen certainly will, especially after his latest collaboration with former co-star Richard Karn. The same can be said for other stars of the show, who may only move on to bigger and brighter things after nearly a decade on network television.
As previously mentioned, this is the second time Last Man Standing has ended. The series was dropped by ABC previously, with the explanation being that the network shifted away from airing comedies on Fridays. Fox then picked up the show in 2018 to widespread acclaim from fans, and that's where things will end. While it is possible yet another network could pick up the show, it appears from statements made so far that Tim Allen, at least, is ready to say goodbye this time.
Last Man Standing Season 9 will premiere in January 2021. Be sure to stick with CinemaBlend in the meantime for more on the final season, and for the latest happen in television and movie news.
