Perhaps most surprising is the way the majority of sites are reacting as though this is somehow shocking news. Is anyone genuinely surprised that next year will be the last?
What follows is a smattering of comments from different sites/blogs. It will be interesting to see how the writers decide to end the series as we wonder what happens to the "no tights, no flights" rule slapped on the show in the beginning.
EW.COM MICHAEL AUSIELLO
Discretion and restraint are clearly not among Tom Welling’s superpowers.
The CW was hoping to announce at its upfront presentation Thursday that next season of Smallville — the show’s 10th — would be its last. But Welling — who was expected to deliver said announcement in person — jumped the gun and blabbed it to the press last night.
LATIMES.COM
Even Clark Kent’s superhero abilities aren’t enough to save “Smallville.”
The CW is pulling the plug on the show after next season, the network confirmed Wednesday. News swirled through the blogosphere that Tom Welling was ready to turn in his suit after a post on HollywoodLife.com quoted the actor, while at a party Tuesday in Beverly Hills, as saying, “Season 10 of Smallville will be the last season.”
PEREZHILTON.COM
Time to make room for another crappy show!
After ten years on the air, The CW super-staple, Smallville , is heading into it's last season.
About time, don't you think? We can't believe it lasted 10 seasons!
Still, it will disappoint those who have grown up watching Tom Welling get seksier and seksier with each passing year to have it all end!
Ah, C'est la Vie!
GEEKOSYSTEM.COM
It looks like after Smallville’s next season, we will no longer have to endure an increasingly aging Clark Kent not becoming Superman (superhero costumes being too silly for TV) even as people are morphed by an enchanted comic book. (/nerdrant.) Though they’re kind enough not to use the word ‘canceled,’ The Hollywood Reporter reports that after next season, Season 10, Smallville is ending.
“Sources confirm that The CW will put an end to Superman’s adventures after next season. The CW plans to make the announcement at its upfront presentation in New York City on Thursday.”
Though not exactly Heroes-esque in its downward spiral — Smallville has remained a show you can sit down and watch — the show has disappointed many fans who’ve hoped for a little more in the way of superheroics and a little less in the way of meandering. At that, it delivered a fine and well-received season finale that hinted at a proper future as Superman for Clark — and for the show.
VARIETY
News isn't a huge surprise, as the show is aging, and an end date appeared to be in the works for some time. "Smallville" appeared ready fly from the airwaves after this season -- but the show performed well enough to earn a 10th season renewal back in March. Show had been tops in its timeslot with hard-to-reach men 18-34 and men 18-49.
For Welling, the word that "Smallville" will officially wrap next year comes as he's also celebrating a new project at the CW: The drama "Hellcats," which his shingle produces.
"Smallville" first aired in October 2001 on the WB, and made the transition to the CW in 2006 when that new netlet launched.
"Smallville" was developed by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson are executive producers, along with James Marshall, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola. Warner Bros. Television is the studio.
After nine seasons, "Smallville" has produced 195 episodes.
Announcement will allow the CW to prep a final marketing push to send the show out. Once "Smallville" departs, "Supernatural" and "One Tree Hill" will rep the final two shows on the CW left over from the WB days.
Besides "Smallville," See-Dub has already picked up "The Vampire Diaries," "Gossip Girl," "90210," "Supernatural," "One Tree Hil," Life Unexpected" and "America's Next Top Model" for another season. New shows include "Nikita" and "Hellcats."
YOUBENTMYWOOKIE.COM
Fans of the show have been keeping its rating at an adequate level. Those who stuck with the show and watched it last week caught a glimpse of Welling foreshadowing his destiny as The Man Of Steel.
Hopefully now with the cat out of the bag about next season being its last, writers will arc out a spectacular final season and give loyal fans what they want and deserve — which is Superman.
Even if it’s for just a few frames in the final episode. I don’t think fans are really asking for anything more than that.