'West Wing' cancelled by network

The West Wing has run its last race according to NBC, which announced the political drama is on its final season.

"Theres a point when you look at the ratings and say, it feels like its time," said Kevin Reilly, NBC entertainment president, on Sunday.

"We are proud to have had the opportunity to bring television viewers one of the most acclaimed series in television history," said Reilly. "This series has left an indelible imprint on the landscape of television drama."

Reilly said the decision had been made before actor John Spencer, who played vice-presidential candidate Leo McGarry, died of a heart attack on Dec. 16. The 2005/06 season focused on the campaign between Democratic hopeful Jimmy Smits's character and the Republican challenger played by Alan Alda.

NBC has had one of its worst seasons in history and announced several other changes as well.

Its moving ratings winner Law & Order up an hour on Wednesdays to 9 p.m. eastern time to compete directly with ABC blockbuster Lost. And Las Vegas is headed to Fridays from Mondays beginning in March as Donald Trumps The Apprentice shifts to Mondays.

"NBC is stable and our vital signs are encouraging," said Reilly.

The series finale on May 14 will be preceded by a one-hour retrospective. Network officials say the campaign to replace the fictional president Josiah Bartlet, portrayed by Martin Sheen, will be settled. Producers Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme, who created the show, will not be involved in the finale.

The West Wing, which ran for seven seasons, won four Emmy Awards consecutively for best television drama.Several of the show's actors also wonEmmys, including Spencer, whogarnered a supporting actor trophy in 2002 for his work on the show. The series has earned a total of 90 nominations to date.

Other awards include a Peabody Award for excellence in television and three Television Critics Association Awards.