POSSIBLE CASTLE SPOILERS FOLLOW

Following weeks of behind-the-scenes upset that ended with the cancellation of their long-running mystery romance series, Castle showrunners Alexi Hawley and Terence Paul Winter are thanking fans, series creator Andrew Marlowe and the cast and crew.

In a message to fans released by the showrunners tonight, just as the series came to the conclusion of its eight-season run, Hawley and Winter referenced the turmoil of the past few weeks. Last month, the show announced that the contract of co-lead Stana Katic had not been renewed for next season, nor would fellow original cast member Tamala Jones be returning. The move was not well-received by fans, despite the plans for a possibly shortened ninth season with star Nathan Fillion aboard, along with co-stars Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas.

Last week, ABC announced that tonight’s season finale would, in fact, be the series finale. Here’s the statement released tonight by Hawley and Winter. The network also released a brief clip from the finale, which you can watch above. And for Deadline’s full recap of the episode, go here.

“While we’re still trying to process all the emotions stirred up by recent events, the feeling that stands head and shoulders above all else, is gratitude.

“Eight seasons. A hundred and seventy three episodes.

“None of it would have been possible without you — our loyal and passionate fans. You are the reason this show survived and thrived. Without you carving out “Castle Mondays” every week, we would never have been able to make the show we love for as long as we did.

“So thank you.

“And thanks to Andrew Marlowe for creating such a delightful world, centered around a love story for the ages. It was an honor and privilege to shepherd the story of Castle and Beckett this season.

“And finally, thank you to our cast and crew, who have been our family for these last eight years. Who elevated every script by investing the best of themselves into each episode. We will miss you profoundly.

Alexi and Terence”