The finale episode of a series is always bittersweet for the cast and crew and dedicated viewers. We get to see a mature version of our favorite characters who have grown and learned from mistakes made in earlier seasons. Sometimes, they even get their happy ending: a new job, a house, marriage and children, and other things.

Other times, we see the characters face the consequences of their actions. Their lives fell apart, and now they have to pick up the pieces. Fans of Rizzoli & Isles saw Jane, Maura, and the crew at their highest and lowest. They were not just spectators but integral parts of their journey. They mourned the loss of Detective Barry Frost with the cast, and they were there for Jane when she lost her baby and in other situations.

Ratings were never extremely low, although they did decrease in the later seasons. So why did the show end? Producers and TNT's president felt the series had a good run, but it was time to sign off.

According to Rizzoli & Isles Showrunner Jan Nash, there was little pushback from the network about how the series would end.

"We pitched it at the beginning of the season ... and I ran them through what we were thinking, not necessarily in specifics because we hadn't broken the stories yet, but what we thought the general arcs would be, starting with Maura's injury, getting to Jane's decision that would carry us to the end, and all of the arcs related to the other characters," Nash told TV Guide in an interview.

"We had very little pushback about the decisions we were making for the characters. They said what they've always said, which was, 'Please make sure we leave enough room for all these characters to be in relationships with each other.' They always remind you about what is great about the show. They were very, very supportive. They've always been supportive. At least in terms of what they've said to me, I think they're pleased with the way the finale turned out."