TNT announced today that it is planning to axe the show 'Leverage' from the air after five seasons, with the show ending with a Yuletide finale on Christmas Day.

The network confirmed the news that the drama, which follows a crack squad of highly skilled operatives who fight injustice by staging elaborate scams, will end on Christmas day with the episode, The Long Goodbye Job (10 p.m. ET/PT). What a fitting end.

In a statement made public earlier today (Dec 22), TNT told the press: "Leverage has thrilled audiences with its delightfully intricate plots, its 'stand up for the little guy' attitude and its terrific performances from stars Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge. But after five wonderful years, it's time to say goodbye."

Executive producer Dean Devlin thanked TNT, the cast and crew and fans in an open letter on leveragefans.com. "I'm incredibly proud of the show and what we've accomplished," he wrote. "I'm so happy we were able to film the series finale we had always envisioned and I'm happy we were able to present it on Christmas as our gift to you. It's a bittersweet goodbye."