| House | |
|---|---|
| Season 8 | |
 Region 1 DVD cover art | |
| No. of episodes | 22 |
| Release | |
| Original network | Fox |
| Original release | October 3, 2011 – May 21, 2012 |
| Season chronology | |
The eighth and final season of House was ordered on May 10, 2011.[1] It premiered on October 3, 2011. It was the only season not to feature Lisa Edelstein as Dr. Lisa Cuddy.[2] Olivia Wilde (Dr. Remy "Thirteen" Hadley) also left the show after the third episode to further her film career, although she returned at the end of the series. On January 8, 2012, Kevin Reilly (Fox president of entertainment) stated that Fox had been "avoiding" a decision on the fate of the series, as it was "hard to imagine the network without House" and that the decision on the future of the series would be a "close call". Hugh Laurie's contract on House expired once the eighth season was over, and Laurie confirmed that once House was over, he would be moving on to strictly film roles. On February 8, 2012, in a joint statement issued by Fox and executive producers David Shore, Katie Jacobs, and Laurie, it was revealed that the season would be the last for House.[3]
It was announced that Shore would direct and co-write the final episode of the show and also that Wilde would return as Thirteen for the penultimate episode and the series finale.[4] Edelstein did not return for the series finale.[5][6] Kal Penn was reported to be in talks[7] and returned as Dr. Lawrence Kutner.[8] Amber Tamblyn also appeared briefly as Martha M. Masters for the finale.[9] Jennifer Morrison appeared in the finale in a cameo appearance as Allison Cameron.[8] Anne Dudek, Sela Ward and Andre Braugher also reprised their previous recurring/guest roles as Amber Volakis, Stacy Warner, and Darryl Nolan, respectively. The series finale aired on May 21, following a retrospective episode titled "Swan Song".
The opening sequence was changed to add Charlyne Yi and Odette Annable, replacing Edelstein and Wilde. Omar Epps took the place of Edelstein, and Robert Sean Leonard, Jesse Spencer and Peter Jacobson were moved up.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (May 10, 2011). "'House' Renewed For An Eighth Season By Fox". TVbytheNumbers. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (May 17, 2011). "House Shocker: A 'Disappointed' Lisa Edelstein Calls It Quits". TVLine. Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2011.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (February 8, 2012). "'House' To End Run On Fox After 8 Seasons". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael; Webb Mitovich, Matt (February 23, 2012). "Matt's Inside Line: Scoop on Fringe, Once Upon a Time, White Collar, Good Wife, House and More!". TV Line. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (April 19, 2012). "House Series Finale Shocker: 'Everybody Dies'". TV Line. Retrieved April 19, 2012.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (February 28, 2012). "Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Grey's Anatomy, Castle, Glee, Criminal Minds, Gossip Girl and More!". TVLine. Archived from the original on March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
- ^ Hibberd, James (March 22, 2012). "'House' finale scoop: Kal Penn in talks to return". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
- ^ a b Ausiello, Michael (April 26, 2012). "House Exclusive: Jennifer Morrison Returning For Series Finale!". TVLine. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
- ^ Abrams, Natalie (April 21, 2012). "House Scoop: Amber Tamblyn Checks Back In for Finale". TV Line. Archived from the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2012.