Hit cop drama The Shield is nearing its end because creator Shawn Levy fears the show is taking up too much of his time. Ryan hints that the 10-episode fifth season of the show, which is scheduled to air in 2007, will be the last.

He says, "The fact that I'm overworked and sick right now makes me lean toward ending it."

The Shield may well be the most cynical and uncompromising series ever developed for "basic" cable. The emphasis is on a tough, crime-infested L.A. police precinct and an elite team of troubleshooters headed by hard-bitten Detective Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis). Undeniably efficient when it came to rounding up perps and cracking tough cases, Mackey is also relentlessly sadistic and foul-mouthed -- not to mention corrupt to the bone.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)