ABC has formally announced that it would be bidding a farewell to the hit TV series "Desperate Housewives".

The upcoming season is the 8th and final season of the series. "It is an iconic show, we are so proud of it," said Paul Lee, President of ABC entertainment, at the Television Critics Association summer press tour on Sunday.

"I just wanted to make sure this show had its victory lap, had a chance to really set out every episode and build an arc for 22 episodes so we can say goodbye," he said.

ABC says that this final season will kick off in a way that will allow even fans who may have tuned out to jump back in the show. Apparently, the character Edie Britt played by Nicolette Sheridian may also come back in the final season.

The creative director Marc Cherry, however, put to rest ideas that there could be a Desperate Housewives spin-off. Meanwhile, ABC is all set to debut four new dramas and three new comedies this fall. Will any of it be a fitting replacement to Desperate Housewives? Only time will tell.

Marcia Cross from the series quotDesperate Housewivesquot arrives on the red carpet at the 12th annual Scr..
Marcia Cross from the series "Desperate Housewives" arrives on the red carpet at the 12th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California January 29, 2006. REUTERS
Stars of the ABC show quotDesperate Housewivesquot arrive to attend the ABC Network upfronts in New York
Stars of the ABC show "Desperate Housewives" arrive to attend the ABC Network upfronts in New York Reuters
Cast of 039Desperate Housewives039 wins at the 12th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles
Cast of 'Desperate Housewives' wins at the 12th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles Reuters
quotDesperate Housewivesquot Executive Producer Marc Cherry and cast members Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffma..
"Desperate Housewives" Executive Producer Marc Cherry and cast members Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffma.. Reuters
Actress Nicollette Sheridan poses at 12th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles
Actress Nicollette Sheridan poses at 12th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles Reuters
Actress Huffman arrives at the 2006 Producers Guild Awards in Los Angeles
Actress Huffman arrives at the 2006 Producers Guild Awards in Los Angeles Reuters
Actress Teri Hatcher poses with award at 12th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles
Actress Teri Hatcher poses with award at 12th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles Reuters