ABC Sets Season Finale Schedule, Including Desperate Housewives Series Finale

While the Nicollette Sheridan court case has the behind-the-scenes drama in the spotlight, the TV drama on Wisteria Lane has received a date for its swan song. The two-hour series finale was among the list of finale dates that ABC released today; fans can now start the real countdown to the end of life on Wisteria Lane.

Desperate Housewives will bow out on Sunday, May 13th 2012 at 9 pm. The finale will run for two hours, and will follow the season finale of freshman series Once Upon A Time. The series itself has had more than its share of scrutiny with the current wrongful termination trial in which ez-star Nicollette Sheridan is taking on ABC and showrunner Marc Cherry. Today’s surprise in court has some eyebrows raised, and whatever the outcome, the trial is bound to also raise interest in the series itself.

As for what will happen to the ladies of Wisteria Lane as the last episodes air, fans will have to tune in to find out. In spite of some hints that have been dropped here and there, the ending remains secret.

Among the other finale dates are Cougar Town, which after a late entry into the lineup in February has been having a bit of a hard time in the ratings. The show will get a one hour finale on Tuesday, May 15th, which leads me to wonder if it won’t wind up being a series finale. Private Practice will end its season right after the Cougar Town finale. Grey’s Anatomy will close out its season on Thursday, May 15th, hopefully with some decisions made as to which of the stars with expiring contracts will sign on to return.

Here's the full schedule: