The TNT flagship drama "Rizzoli & Isles" is experiencing a difficult situation behind the scenes. Writing on Deadline.com, Nellie Andreeva reports that the show has lost its creator and showrunner, Janet Tamaro, who departs less than a month after production was shut down following the sudden death of co-star Lee Thompson Young.

"It’s never good news when the creator/showrunner of a successful series exits," Andreeva writes.

Tamaro will stay on as a consultant, with her move coming as production ended on the show’s fourth season. The latest turmoil surfaces after "persistent talk about discord on the ‘Rizzoli & Isles’ set and speculation that Tamaro may depart," Andreeva writes.

The report adds: "The death of Young, who committed suicide during the filming of the second to last episode, will be addressed at the beginning of Season 5."

In a statement, Tamaro said, "I’m at the top of my game, thanks in large part to this unbelievable experience and show. It’s time to challenge myself and develop new projects."

A search is on to find a new showrunner, the story adds.

Janet Tamaro