‘Castle’ Renewed Or Cancelled After Season 8?

After its eight-season run, ABC's once fan-favourite police procedural drama "Castle" faces the danger of getting cancelled. Rumours claim that Stana Katic (Kate Beckett) and Nathan Fillion (Richard Castle) starrer might not be renewed after its ongoing Season 8.

Ever since "Castle" Season 8 premiered, the show has seen major decline in the ratings. Entertainment publication Cartermatt notes that the latest segment Episode 5 titled "The Nose" received 1.1 rating among the adult audience from 18-49 age group. The highest score this season has been 1.2.

This is a massive drop in the rating when compared to Season 6 and 7 of the series. "Castle" Season 6 earned 1.9 rating on an average and Season 7 received 1.6 on an average.

Several media outlets are speculating that the low ratings can be attributed to the twist in Rick and Kate's storyline. It seems their separation has not sunk in well with the audience. Meanwhile, Nathan Fillion assured the twist was introduced only to add lighter-tone to the episodes.

 "It's never been much of a drama; it's far more a comedy with dramatic and heartfelt moments. And they wanted to bring it back to a time when it was funny, when it was great, when it was the lighthearted show that everybody fell in love with," Nathan Fillion told TV Line.

Will "Castle" be renewed for Season 9 or get cancelled after Season 8 remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the show is going on a brief hiatus.

"Castle" Season 8 will return on Nov. 9, 2015 with Episode 6 titled "Cool Boys." It will feature Rick's reunion with Adam Baldwin's Detective Slaughter, who was last seen in Season 4. The case that brings former partners together involves high-stakes as Slaughter remains the prime suspects in the heist-turned-murder case.