By Lynn Elber, Television Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --"The Good Wife" creators Robert and Michelle King say they welcomed CBS' decision to end the series, allowing them to write its final chapter.
The Kings already had decided to exit as executive producers after this season, the seventh, leaving CBS to weigh whether to keep the critically acclaimed show afloat without them.
On Sunday, the network used its Super Bowl telecast to announce that "The Good Wife" was heading into its final nine episodes, with the series finale to air May 8.
The Kings had just learned of the decision in the past week, they told a phone news conference Monday.
"We felt very fortunate and flattered that we're being allowed to end the show …. the way we hoped it would end," Michelle King said. "The Good Wife" airs 9 p.m. EST Sunday.
CBS may have faced the loss of series star Julianna Margulies as well. At an event last month honoring the Kings, Margulies joked in her speech that she'd only shown up because she would soon be out of work and needed the exposure.
The actress "was kind of up in the air" about returning as lawyer Alicia Florick, Michael King said. Margulies has won two Emmys for the role.
But after conversations in recent days involving her, CBS, the studio and the Kings, the conclusion was that everybody "really wanted to go all together," Michelle King said.
The couple, who are moving on to a new series for CBS, the comic political thriller "BrainDead," said they had long envisioned "Good Wife" as lasting seven years.
To avoid spoilers, the Kings spoke in broad strokes about how their critically acclaimed drama will conclude.
Robert King said he likes shows that "end with some resonance," citing "Breaking Bad" and "Six Feet Under" as memorable examples.
"What I admire an ending that feels inevitable and surprising," Michelle King said.
There will be a return of characters who have been offstage, including Gary Cole's Kurt McVeigh, but viewers won't see private investigator Kalinda Sharma, played by Emmy-winner Archie Panjabi.
Kalinda chose to disappear and "it wouldn't make any sense to bring her back," Michelle King said.
Asked about a possible "Good Wife" spinoff, she said "nothing's off the table but there's nothing formal. … We're not saying 'no' to anything at this point."
Robert King said such a spinoff likely would be an ensemble drama focusing on characters who haven't gotten as much attention, such as Elsbeth Tascioni, played by Carrie Preston, or Martha Plimpton's Patti Nyholm.
"The Good Wife," initially built on the response of Margulies' character to a scandal involving her politician husband (Chris Noth), was centered on the world of Chicago law and politics.
In early January, CBS programming chief Glenn Geller told reporters that the network hadn't decided the show's future without the Kings.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakers’ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including “Death of Mr. Peanut.” He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose “First Kid. Second Kid” campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. He’s gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. He’s accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
“Mike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,” said Goldberg. “Mike’s got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. He’s got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what we’re about.”
“I’ve... Read More