Keeping Up with the Kardashians Ending After 20 Seasons: ‘This Show Made Us Who We Are’

It’s the end of an era. After 14 long years spanning 20 seasons, the Kardashians and Jenners are saying goodbye to the E! reality series, Keeping Up With The Kardashians that made them the stars they are today.

“It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye”

In an Instagram post shared with her 188 million followers on Tuesday, Kim Kardashian West released a heartfelt statement on behalf of herself, family matriarch Kris Jenner. Sisters Kourtney Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner. Brother Rob Kardashian and Kourtney’s ex, Scott Disick.

“To our amazing fans,” the letter addressed,“It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” the statement began.

Kim went on to thank the show’s loyal fans and followers for being an incredibly supportive audience, who stuck by them throughout their ups and downs over the years. “After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who’ve watched us for all of these years. Through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children. We’ll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we’ve met along the way.”

The KUWTK family also thanked “the thousands of individuals and businesses” that played a role in helping make the show. They also made it a point to give a special well deserving shout out to Ryan Seacrest. As well as their production team at Bunim/Murray for spending countless hours documenting their lives. As for news regarding the final season, It is all set to hit screens “early next year in 2021.”

“This show made us who we are and I will forever be in debt”

In a self reflective statement, the KKW entrepreneur revealed how incredibly grateful she was of the love and support she received all these years. “Without Keeping Up with The Kardashians, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has watched and supported me and my family these past 14 incredible years,” said the 39 year old. She went on to admit, “This show made us who we are and I will be forever in debt to everyone who played a role in shaping our careers and changing our lives forever.” The social media personality concluded her message signing off, “With Love and Gratitude, Kim.”

The announcement comes just on the heels of Kim’s husband, rapper Kanye West, continuing his unlikely bid for President of the United States. The stars have four children together, daughters North, 7, and Chicago, 2, and sons Saint, 4, and Psalm, 1.

KUWTK’s legacy

The series, which was co-created and executive produced by Ryan Seacrest and produced by Bunim-Murray Productions, first premiered in 2006. For 14 years and 20 seasons it has followed the famous family, closely documenting the ins and outs of their personal and professional lives. Including romances, breakups, divorces, births, controversies, the launch of multiple businesses, and Caitlyn Jenner’s transition.

The hugely popular show has been a massive success with the audience and has even spawned 12 spin-off series on E!. Including Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, Kourtney and Khloe Take the Hamptons. Khloe and Lamar, Sex with Brody, I Am Cait, DASH Dolls, Life of Kylie, Rob & Chyna, Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian and Flip It Like Disick.

The Kardashian Sister’s React

Kim’s siblings, Kardashian sisters, Kourtney, 41, and Khloé, 36, also shared the statement to their respective Instagram accounts on Tuesday.

“I will gather my thoughts and share them in a bit …” Kourtney wrote on her Instagram Story. The “Poosh” entrepreneur shares sons Mason, 10, and Reign, 5, and daughter Penelope, 8, with ex Scott Disick. KUWTK has been a big part of her children’s lives as well. Especially since the show has chronicled the births of her kids as well as their personal lives from a very young age.

It’s no secret that Kourtney has, on multiple instances, talked about retreating from her family’s reality show. In an interview for Vogue Arabia’s July cover, the social media personality talked about her decision of stepping back from filming the last season in an effort to protect her private life. The socialite spoke about how the show had become a toxic environment for her and how the show had become a point of contention between her, Kim, and Khloe on camera.

In Season 18, Kourtney officially revealed that she’d be taking a break from filming the reality show. “I am following my happiness and putting my energy into that which makes me happy”

“I’m too emotional to fully express myself at the moment”

The Youngest Kardashian sister, Khloé took to her Instagram to repost the official statement, with a personal message alongside, that read, “I am so grateful and thankful to everyone who has supported us and been there through it all. I’m too emotional to fully express myself at the moment. My sappy post will come soon. Change is hard but also needed at times❤️????❤️???? I love you all. Thank you for the memories!”

News of KUWTK’s last season comes just a few hours after the sisters announced their new KKWFragrance Diamonds II Collection by Kourtney x Kim x Khloé!!! The three sisters displayed their stunning figures in jewel toned two piece sets that exposed their midriffs, while all three of them sported a similar angular bob.

“It is not our final goodbye yet”

E! Networks also released an official statement addressing the iconic show, that reinvented entertainment news for the network, coming to an end.

“E! has been the home and extended family to the Kardashian-Jenners for what will be 14 years, featuring the lives of this empowering family. Along with all of you, we have enjoyed following the intimate moments the family so bravely shared by letting us into their daily lives. While it has been an absolute privilege and we will miss them wholeheartedly. We respect the family’s decision to live their lives without our cameras.” The statement also addressed the newest season set to drop in 2021. “It is not our final goodbye yet, we are excited to have the new season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians launching on September 17 with the final season airing in 2021. We thank the entire extended family and our production partners, Bunim Murray and Ryan Seacrest Productions for embarking on this global phenomenon together.”

The latest season of KUWTK, Season 19, halted filming in March due to the coronavirus pandemic and is now set to premiere on Sept. 17. It will eventually be followed by the show’s final installment, season 20, in 2021.