Why Is 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' Really Ending?
Why is Keeping Up With The Kardashians really ending? Welcome to our TED Talk.
In case you missed it: this week, after a long 20 seasons, the Kardashians/Jenners announced they were quitting their show Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
“It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians. After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and several spin-off shows, we've decided as a family to end this very special journey,” the family wrote in an announce signed by Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner and Scott Disick.
“We are beyond grateful to all of you who've watched us for all of these years – through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children. We'll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we've met along the way.”
“Our last season will air early next year in 2021. We love you!” it concluded.
In an Instagram post, Kim had added: "This show made us who we are and I will be forever in debt to everyone who played a role in shaping our careers and changing our lives forever."
While the news wouldn’t have come as too much of a surprise to viewers – Kourtney Kardashian had announced she was taking a step back from filming and many of the other cast members (Kylie) have only made fleeting appearances of late – fans were still left wondering what prompted the decision. So, why did Keeping Up With The Kardashians end after 14 years?
Here are the most popular fan theories, and yes, this is entirely speculative:
Theory 1: The family wanted more money
A source told OK magazine (per Cinemablend) that Kris Jenner, Khloe and Kim Kardashian and half-sisters Kylie and Kendall were ready to come back, but couldn’t agree on a new deal with E!.
The last five-season deal in 2017 had apparently seen them raking in $150 million total, which was $30 million a season. The source said Kris was trying to renegotiate their contract to be $40 million a season, which would work out to $200 million for five seasons.
The insider went on to say that E! had told the family they weren’t prepared to meet that, noting the show’s declining ratings. The network said it couldn’t fork over that amount of cash “for almost half as many viewers” so “it was better for everyone to say goodbye”. Interesting..
Theory 2: Filming wasn't ideal for Kanye West
As you likely know, Kim’s husband Kanye West suffered what news outlets have been reporting as a serious bipolar episode earlier this year. Kim didn’t want any of that documented on the show, which is really fair enough. Did the tension surrounding that situation play any part in the decision to part ways?
Theory 3: Kris Jenner wanted to join the cast of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (lol)
Shortly after Kim Kardashian broke the show news on Instagram, Kris began trending on Twitter. Fans were convinced the decision was part of a larger business play: Kris joining Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Kris has been on the show before and is friends with cast member Kyle Richards so the speculation isn't completely unwarranted. Soon after though, a source told Entertainment Tonight, the rumours are “not true”. Damn.
Theory 4: KUWTK season 3 and 4 is now on Netflix
Another theory: the family might just be sweet on cash flow. While they’ve of course got their endorsement deals and businesses, they’re now also earning more from Netflix. The streaming service, which previously had rights to Keeping Up With The Kardashians seasons 1 and 2, has this week added seasons 3 and 4 to its library.
Theory 5: The family wanted to focus on other projects
And finally, the reason that’s most likely to be true: the same source who nixed the Kris/RHOBH rumours told Entertainment Tonight the decision was simply a case of the family moving on with their lives.
“There was no big reason why the family decided to end KUWTK; it was a mutual decision," they said. "The kids who started the show now have their own kids and it’s getting very hard to film all together or get enough footage separately. The family is grateful for their time and is happy they have all these memories filmed for the rest of their lives. The family wanted time to focus more on their family and future projects and the show is a major job that takes up a lot of time.”
So, there you have it. Which Kardashian fan theory are you most partial to?
Main Image Credit: Licensed by Getty
