Fans of “Arrow” were shocked to learn that the show will be ending after the upcoming eighth season, with emotional star Stephen Amell taking to social media to explain why.
The reason, he explained in a Facebook Live video (above) while fighting back tears, has nothing to do with the show but everything to do with his wife Cassandra and the couple’s five-year-old daughter, Maverick.
As Amell explained, his family is living in Los Angeles, while “Arrow” films in Vancouver.
RELATED: Stephen Amell Crashes Through Table In Front Of 10,000 Professional Wrestling Fans
“A large part of this decision is because I’m now a father and a husband and a lot of my life and interests don’t really reside in Vancouver anymore and thinking that’s the best thing for me personally and professionally,” he said.
Describing his years on “Arrow” as the “greatest professional experience of my life,” the 37-year-old actor divulged that the decision has been in the works for some time.
“Towards the end of season 6, I approached [Arrow executive producer] Greg Berlanti and said that I thought both personally and professionally that at the end of my commitment this coming season, it would be the best for me to move on,” he continued, noting that eight seasons is a pretty good run for any television series.
“I’ve always been a fan of TV shows that not only don’t overstay their welcome but end in a manner that really packs a punch,” he said, hinting that even after the series ends, that may not be the last we see of Oliver Queen.
RELATED: Stephen Amell ‘Totally Respects’ Willa Holland’s Decision To Leave ‘Arrow’
“Something tells me even when I’m done I won’t be gone. If you’ve watched the Arrowverse, you understand. I think it’s been a good run. It’s no ‘Supernatural’ but it’s been a good run,” he quipped, referencing the CW series that was recently renewed for a 15th season.
Amell also expressed his regret that the show couldn’t continue without him. “I had always hoped that there was a possibility that the show could live on without me,” he said. “Because the entity of Oliver Queen character and the mythos and the iconography of Green Arrow has always been something that’s bigger than me or any other actor that’s playing him or voicing him. There’s always been something more to it.”
Amell’s “Arrow” co-stars likewise took to social media to share their feelings on the show coming to an end:
