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After seven memorable seasons as one of television's favorite and most critically lauded programs, 20th Century Fox Television and UPN announced today that "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" will end production in April and will broadcast its final original episode on Tuesday, May 20, 2003 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on UPN.

"It's hard to believe it's over," said Joss Whedon, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer's" executive producer and creator. "Well, it's hard to think at all, or stand, or form vowel sounds, so maybe it's time to take a break. I'm just glad I can say we did our best on every single episode. We didn't always succeed, but we never slacked, and I'm immensely proud of my writers, actors and crew for that. And I'm proud of what this show means (except for that whole weird 'Feminist' thing people attached to it. What was that all about? Girls are stupid.) I truly believe that in years to come, people will look back and say 'that was a show that was on TV.' Yessir. I truly do."

"'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' will go down in history as one of television's best shows and an enduring testament to the vision and genius of its creator Joss Whedon," said Dana Walden, President of 20th Century Fox Television. "For seven years, Joss, his team of writers led by Marti Noxon and an extraordinary cast led by Sarah Michelle Gellar captured the cultural zeitgeist and effortlessly combined drama, action and humor. Without question, 'Buffy' will live on for generations to come."

"We have been very fortunate to be the home to such a landmark series, always brilliantly written and acted," said Dawn Ostroff, President, Entertainment, UPN. "I'd like to send a special thanks to the remarkably talented actors, producers, writers and crew who worked tirelessly through the years."

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer," which premiered on UPN on Oct. 2, 2001, made its television debut on March 10, 1997. It spawned a spinoff show, "Angel," which launched in the Fall of 1999. With its finale in May 2003, the total number of "Buffy" episodes produced will be 144. Over the past seven seasons, "Buffy" won two Emmy Awards and was nominated a total of nine times, including one for Joss Whedon in 2000 for writing the classic episode, "Hush." The show was also nominated in 2002 as Best Drama by the American Film Institute and star Sarah Michelle Gellar received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in 2001. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" has proven to be an international audience favorite and has become a successful franchise dominating almost every element of media and entertainment.

Discussions regarding the future of the "Buffy" franchise and a possible spin-off are ongoing.

SOURCE: 20th Century Fox Television