The Originals is ending with its fifth season

From Digital Spy

First we bade farewell to The Vampire Diaries, and now it's time to do the same for its spin-off series The Originals.

So much for immortality, eh?

Announcing the news ahead of the show's panel at San Diego Comic-Con, showrunner Julie Plec confirmed that The Originals' upcoming fifth season would be its last. *sob*

In a touching statement paying tribute to the fans, cast and crew of the series, Julie also invited lovers of the show to "help us say goodbye to The Originals".

Related: The Originals' season 4 finale will wrap the story up in a neat little bow

"It's both a gift and a burden to be able to control the ending of a series," she wrote. "Many shows are not lucky enough to have a hand in deciding when the end has come."

Calling the series' end "bittersweet", Julie also acknowledged that it's been a "true blessing" to have been given a say in the decision.

"I want each actor to play their last scene as their character, and to put their character to bed with grace and care," she explained.

Addressing fans directly, Plec even hinted at the idea of another Vampire Diaries spin-off being on the cards. "Celebrate with us, cry with us, visit with us, watch us next spring when we air...

"And know that in a show about an immortal family who believes in 'Always and Forever', it's never really the end of the story..."

The Originals – which begins shooting its fifth and final season next week – airs on The CW.

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