Person of Interest likely canceled after this season, J.J. Abrams says

This is likely the last season for Person of Interest.

Executive producer J.J. Abrams told reporters at the Television Critics Association’s press tour in Pasadena on Saturday that he did not expect the CBS series to continue beyond the upcoming fifth season.

“My guess is it is the final season,” Abrams said. “The only heartbreak there is how much good story there was to come if it were to have continued. Jonah [Nolan] and Greg Plageman have done such an amazing job on that show. I know what these episodes are, that they’re done wrapping it up. We don’t yet have a schedule. But I know they will see the light of day, [and] people will get to see these episodes. I know the power of that story. Again, to have a show that goes on as many years as that has, it’s very hard to complain. It’s a miracle to get a show on the air and to have it last that long is something that we should just be grateful for. But I do love that show and I would’ve loved to see that continue.”

Person of Interest doesn’t have a premiere date yet. And of course, ultimately it’s CBS’ decision whether POI ends this year, and the network has not made any announcement on the matter. But Abrams is an awfully well-informed source. CBS’ press tour session is next week and we’ll be sure to ask the network’s executives if they can confirm the show’s fate.