HBO's popular prohibition era drama "Boardwalk Empire" will be ending after its fifth season. This recent announcement has shocked and saddened many fans. However the creator of the show Terence Winter has provided an explanation.

Terence Winter released a statement about why he will end "Boarwalk Empire" after next season, the 5^th and final season. 

"We're thrilled to get the go-ahead for a fifth season of 'Boardwalk Empire.' After much discussion with my creative team and HBO, we've decided to wrap up the series after such a great run and look forward to bringing it to a powerful and exciting conclusion," the series creator's statement read.

This was such a shock to fans because Winter had not previously referred to the show ending soon. In an interview with Indiewire just last year, Terrance Winter explained that he did not know how the show would end, or when the show would end.

"'Where are we going? Do we see an end in sight here?' That's the debate we're having now every day with each other. It's let's tell the best story possible and when we're done we'll move on and tell another story," the series creator said.

Though fans lament the end of a popular show, one thing's for sure, many will tune in to watch this fifth and final season of "Boardwalk Empire.'