“The Shield” is easily one of the top shows on TV today, possibly ever, and it’s been believed that the upcoming 10 episode season six was going the be the finale for the show. Well, FX has just announced that they’re renewing for a seventh and final season to air in late 2007. Most of the time, you’d be leery about a series seemingly stretching things out like this, but every season of “The Shield” seems to build on and be better than the one before. Most of this is due to the amazing writing team they have, but credit’s due to Michael Chiklis, who not only steps aside to allow guest stars like Glenn Close and Forest Whitacker just take control of their scenes, but also allows the rest of the cast to shine. Considering he’s both star and producer of the show, it’d be easy for him to turn it into “The Michael Chiklis Hour,” but “The Shield” has managed to remain a true ensemble presentation.

The fate of the critically acclaimed series was uncertain heading into the second half of its sixth season in early 2007. Now those 10 episodes will be followed up by a fresh batch of 13 episodes to air in late 2007 or early 2008.

The entire cast will return for the remaining 23 episodes, including Michael Chiklis, who plays the corrupt Detective Vic Mackey. Forest Whitaker, who joined the series this year, will return on a limited basis for the remainder of the sixth season.

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