Pop culture’s “Royal Family” has just dropped a bombshell on 1.3 million fans.  Keeping up With the Kardashians will be coming to end after the upcoming season.  The Kardashians took the internet by surprise when this news was delivered, as viewers across the world anticipated the next season as they have for the past 14 years. 

The shock first hit when Kim Kardashian posted on her Instagram account, “It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”  The long caption included an expression of gratitude towards the fans of the series and acknowledgement that Kim herself would not be where she is today without the show. 

The Kardashian family first appeared on screen in October 2007, and will have filmed their relationships, children, business affairs, and personal drama on television for 20 seasons once the final episode airs in early 2021.  Despite this, until the beginning of season 18, none of the family members ever blatantly rejected the cameras.  That changed when Kourtney Kardashian, eldest sister, decided to take a step back from production.  Still, the fandom supported the show as consistently as they had since the start, enthused with the drama and glamour that is “The Kardashians.”  The reality show, however, was always an afterthought to Kim and the family. 

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Kim says, “‘I really cared more about the business, and running our clothing stores at the beginning’…’thinking like, oh, we’ll do a reality show.’”  This does not change the catalyst it served as for Kim’s and the entire family’s careers, and the huge role it will have in their legacies.  The constant documentation and support from fans has become a new normal for these reality stars, and although they lead busy lives, the impact of the series is still significant.  When discussing the series’ closing with Ryan Seacrest on On Air With Ryan Seacrest, on September 9th, Kris Jenner stated, “‘Khloé’… ‘hasn’t stopped crying since we announced.’”

The stars of the show are not the only ones coping with the ending.  Kardashian fan and Patchogue-Medford High School, senior Kelsey McGovern, discussed, “I feel very upset about Keeping Up with the Kardashians ending because despite all of the high end luxuries that they had, it was the realest reality tv show. It showed all of the highs and lows a person experiences as well as the fun and enjoyable times with friends and family.” 

A local and national loss, fans are left looking for ways to “keep up” with their favorite famous family.  Throughout the show’s history, each Kardashian has participated in individual and group business ventures, and this will probably be the manner in which fans stay connected to the Kardashians.  On the same day of her announcement regarding the series, Kim Kardashian posted about a new fragrance collection entitled “Diamonds II Collection” with her sisters, Khloe and Kourtney.  By purchasing products and supporting businesses, following the family on social media, and awaiting potential television appearances, fans everywhere can make their goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians a bit easier.