“Royal Pains” is stepping down from its USA Network throne — but not without one final run.
The cable channel has officially declared the Universal Cable Productions drama’s Season 8 as its last. Fans get eight more episodes — and one visit to Hong Kong — before having to say goodbye forever. Midway through its last gasp, “Royal Pains” will pass 100 episodes.
According to the network, the final season will explore pivotal life decisions for all of the staff at HankMed, and with everyone’s focus pulled in various directions, the future of the business is at stake. After years in the Hamptons as everyone’s favorite concierge doctor, Hank (Mark Feuerstein) must decide if his professional fulfillment equals his personal fulfillment. Evan (Paulo Costanzo) and Paige (Brooke D’Orsay) endure challenging marital decisions and must examine what family really means to them.
Meanwhile, a number of life events complicate Divya’s (Reshma Shetty) career aspirations. Jeremiah (Ben Shenkman) must choose between research and patient care; and just as Eddie (recurring guest star Henry Winkler) has earned the trust of Hank and Evan, they discover he still has secrets that can rock their world. All the while, Boris (recurring guest star Campbell Scott) makes a series of life-altering decisions that could change the group dynamic forever.
A special musical episode will feature guest stars Christine Ebersole and Cloris Leachman. When Ms. Newberg’s (Ebersole) life-long best friend, Annette (Leachman), visits the Hamptons, she begins seeing every situation around her as a musical number. While Hank attempts to diagnose what is wrong with her, everyone at HankMed bursts into song and dance.
This season also brings back what USA called “some of the most influential patients and characters,” including Divya’s husband, Raj (Rupak Ginn), Mark’s on-and-off love interest Jill (Jill Flint), Libby (Meredith Hagner) and General William Collins (Bob Gunton). Additional prominent guest stars featured in the final season include Annie Potts, Teri Polo, Sebastian Roche, Dan Lauria, Constance Wu, Hal Linden, Ana Ortiz and Maria Dizzia.
Created by Andrew Lenchewski, “Royal Pains” is executive produced by him and Michael Rauch. Rich Frank also serves as executive producer along with Jeff Kwatinetz from Prospect Park. Connie Burge, Carol Flint, Jon Sherman and Jessica Ball are executive producers.
The series was filmed in New York (Long Island and Brooklyn) and at locations in and around the Hamptons. Throughout its run, the series traveled abroad to destinations including Hungary, Italy, France, South Africa, Argentina and Puerto Rico.
“Under the direction of talented showrunners Michael Rauch and Andrew Lenchewski, our entire ensemble cast led by Mark Feuerstein, and amazing crew, ‘Royal Pains’ took viewers on a remarkable, unforgettable journey for eight wonderful seasons,” said Chris McCumber, Entertainment Networks president, NBCUniversal. “While summer in the Hamptons may never be the same, this last season promises to be an epic ride.”
Season 8 of “Royal Pains” kicks off Wednesday, May 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.