Fans of “Castle” are still a month away from the Season 7 finale, but they may be wondering if the next few episodes will be the last they ever see of the popular, long-running show. With the fate of its stars’ contracts still very much up in the air and two of the series’ biggest storylines – Bracken and 3XK – suddenly all wrapped up, the current season has the feel of a show preparing to take a bow. ABC and EP David Amann has also been sending mixed signals, to say the least. Here’s what fans know so far about the possibility of Season 8.

Back in October of 2014, Amann seemed fairly optimistic about the chances that the “Castle” train would keep on rolling, though he admitted that the decision was not his to make. “I think the show has a number of years left in it, if the TV gods smile upon us," Amann told Assignment X. “I think there is plenty of story left to be told with these characters."

However, in November, contract issues – both Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic’s contracts are up after Season 7 -- started to shed some doubt on the show’s future as fans discovered Katic, who stars as a homicide detective, was anything but certain about signing on for another season.

“I don’t think that a show should overstay its welcome,” Katic told TV Line. “If the character is complete, if there is nowhere else to go creatively, then I think it’s better to stop when you’re on top, because I admire the way that they did that with ‘The Wire,’ you know? Tell a great story and then go home and move onto something else. Don’t milk it ‘just because.’"

Katic added that for her, filming the series was more about "art over finances." "As long as we’re creating something that is compelling and that has somewhere to go, then we’re good to go. And when we find that we’re not, when we don’t have anywhere else to go, then it’s time for everyone to pack up and move onto the next thing. But I don’t know where it’s going to end," she said.

January saw yet another momentum swing as ABC president Paul Lee told TV Line that “Castle” would be coming back after Season 7 – not an official renewal, but certainly a rather firm confidence. Unfortunately, Fillion and Katic have still not signed new contracts, despite all the optimism. Speaking to TV Line recently, Amann seemed to be formulating a contingency plan.

“Obviously, we’re prepared for whatever comes along, and we’ll adjust as necessary, but we’re hopeful that the show will move forward,” Amann said. “In the meantime, we’ll just make the best show that we can.”

Will Fillion and Katic sign new contracts? Will “Castle” return for a Season 8? Fans will have to wait to find out. In the meantime, Season 7 of “Castle” airs Mondays at 10 p.m. EST on ABC.

Do you want to see “Castle” return for Season 8? Tweet your thoughts to @Ja9GarofaloTV.

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