After 5 years, 130 episodes and 1 controversy, one of the biggest reality hits in the history of basic cable, Duck Dynasty, is coming to an end. The Robertson family made the announcement last night in a video message, which aired after the new season premiere of Duck Dynasty on A&E.
The current season runs from tonight through January 18, with a small break followed by the final 7 episodes airing from March 1 – April 12. But Duck Dynastylikely won’t go away completely after its final season as A&E and the Robertson family are planning a series of holiday specials in the future.
While down significantly from its heyday when it was setting ratings records, Duck Dynasty remains the #1 series on A&E among total viewers.
Duck Dynasty, which premiered in March 2012, hit its peak with the Season 4 premiere in August 2013, which became the most-watched non-fiction series telecast in cable TV history with 11.8 million Live+same day viewers. In December of that year, the show was embroiled in a controversy over anti-gay remarks made by star and Robertson family patriarch Phil, prompting a temporary suspension.
by Nellie Andreeva