Fox's "House" to end this season

(CBS/AP) Fox's medical drama "House" is ending its eight-year run this season.

The show's producers, including Emmy-nominated star Hugh Laurie, have said it was a tough decision, but that it was time to end the show's long and successful run.

"The decision to end the show now, or ever, is a painful one, as it risks putting asunder hundreds of close friendships that have developed over the last eight years - but also because the show itself has been a source of great pride to everyone involved," said executive producers David Shore, Katie Jacobs and Laurie in a joint statement.

Laurie plays Dr. Gregory House, a brilliant but troubled physician with a gift for unraveling medical mysteries. Omar Epps, Robert Sean Leonard and Charlyne Yi are part of the ensemble cast.

"The producers have always imagined 'House' as an enigmatic creature; he should never be the last one to leave the party. How much better to disappear before the music stops, while there is still some promise and mystique in the air," the statement read.

The season finale date for "House," which airs at 9 p.m. EST on Mondays, was not announced.