The reason I remember hearing for this was that they had an overall length in mind (in hours) that they didn't want the show to run past, which sounds like total nonsense to me. I'm sure producing a show like this, with all of the talent involved and with all of the costs, even with what it makes back, must be a real beast. I can't help but wonder the real reason these seasons have been cut short. They've taken their time with the show, why rush it now? Are they trying to end it so they can start work on all of these spinoffs?