Season-long swan songs seem to be all the rage in TV these days

USA Today

"For years, TV series ended abruptly, often canceled after the final episode had aired," says Bill Keveney. "Now, it’s increasingly likely to be a prearranged event that can become a season-long, celebratory goodbye." He points to the final seasons of Criminal Minds, Fresh Off the Boat, Modern Family, Empire and How to Get Away with Murder. "The shift reflects both business and creative change in television," he says. "A season-long run-up to a heavily promoted finale can lead to sky-high ratings, as was the case last season for Game of Thrones and The Big Bang Theory. Often, broadcast networks know the end is near: Contracts with actors usually run six seasons, which explains why Boat, Fox's Empire and ABC's How to Get Away with Murder are exiting as they hit that mark."