Fox has canceled its teen soap drama “The O.C.”

The show’s last episode will air Feb. 22, finishing out its fourth season, the network announced Wednesday.

“‘The O.C.’ season four finale will also be the series finale,” said Josh Schwartz, the show’s creator and executive producer. “This feels like the best time to bring the show to its close. Thanks to the hard work of our cast, crew and writers, we have enjoyed our best season yet, and what better time to go out than creatively on top. …For a certain audience, at a certain time, ‘The O.C.’ has meant something. For that we are grateful.”

“The O.C.” has fallen in the ratings every year it has been on the air. The first season in 2003 averaged a 4.2 rating among adults 18 to 49, according to Nielsen Media Research. The second averaged 3.3; the third 2.7.

This season, “The O.C.” faced increased competition on Thursday nights from ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” CBS’s “CSI” and NBC’s comedy block. Since the move, the show has dived to a 1.8 average rating.

The show is produced by Wonderland Sound and Vision and College Hill Pictures in association with Warner Bros. Television Production.



(Editor: Liff)