'Desperate Housewives' creator Marc Cherry sounds off on series' conclusion, says no spin-off

Let's all raise a glass to the women of Wisteria Lane... though maybe not Bree.

After seven seasons dominating most other comedies on television, ABC primetime soap "Desperate Housewives" is coming to an end.

Following reports of a planned end date at the conclusion of Season 8, ABC used its day at the Television Critics Association summer press tour to make the news official.

ABC head Paul Lee acknowledged that the series put this current iteration of the network "on the map," adding that he was very happy with the first two hours of the upcoming season, before letting creator (and exiting showrunner) Marc Cherry take the mic.

"The only thing harder than creating a hit show is knowing when to end it," Cherry says of the decision, adding that he didn't want the series to be "unceremoniously booted off."

Cherry also admitted that while he's reached out to all of the cast members, he hadn't spoken to all of them since the news came down. "The women knew that it was a possibility, so there was a touch of shock -- but not completely," says Cherry. "We can have a whole year to reflect on how lucky we have all been."

Promising the final season will be both "accessible" to casual viewers and "more rewarding" to loyal fans, a release reaffirms that Season 8 will focus on the fall out from Carlos (Ricardo Antonio Chavira) killing Gabby's (Eva Longoria) stepfather.

"The mystery of this season hearkens back to the first season with Mary Alice (Brenda Strong)," says Cherry, insisting there won't be a spin-off. "This feels right as the mystery to take us out."

That mystery also includes a particularly guilt-ridden Susan (Teri Hatcher), Bree (Marcia Cross) navigating her new relationship with a detective while covering up the murder, Lynette (Felicity Huffman) and Tom's (Doug Savant) separation and the previously-reported love interest for Renee (Vanessa Williams).

And what of the big finale? "I have an idea for the last episode in which we pay homage to everyone who's been on the show," says Cherry, slightly skirting a question about former cast member Nicollette Sheridan, who's currently suing him.

Sad to hear the news -- or do you think this confirmation will make for a more exciting season?