HBO's vampire drama series "True Blood" will not return for Season 8. HBO has confirmed that it is pulling the plug on "True Blood" and there would be no new season after season seven wraps-up, with ten episodes.

The series, created by Alan Ball, is based on "The Southern Vampire Mysteries" series of novels written by Charlaine Harris. "True Blood' has been nothing short of a "defining show" for HBO, Michael Lombardo, president of programming at HBO, said in a statement.

"Alan Ball took the books by Charlaine Harris, assembled a brilliant cast led by the magnificent Anna Paquin in the role of Sookie Stackhouse, and crafted a show that has taken its many devoted fans on an unforgettable journey."

"Alan passed the baton to Brian Buckner, who led our fantastic writers and crew in crafting a spectacular sixth season, and he will lead us through the seventh and final season of this amazing show. Together with its legions of fans, it will be hard to say goodbye to the residents of Bon Temps, but I look forward to what promises to be a fantastic final chapter of this incredible show."

Alan quit "True Blood" at the end of its fifth season. "From the moment I read Charlaine's books, I thought there was potential for something really special," Alan said in a statement. "Then our amazing writers, cast and crew brought her world to life in a way that exceeded my wildest expectations."

"True Blood" is one of most the popular HBO original series, and is considered the third-most watched original scripted drama series, ever. It was renewed for its seventh season in July, 2013. According to Hollywood Reporter, "True Blood" Season 6 opened to 4.5 million viewers in June, nearly 700,000 less than Season 5 opening.

The first season of "True Blood" premiered in 2008 and the final season is slated to premiere sometime in the summer of 2014.