It has been a week since "Castle" wrapped up its eighth and last season. ABC network has previously announced that the crime dramedy series will no longer return for a ninth season. Before the show was axed, showrunners Terence Paul Winter and Alexi Hawley already thought of an alternate ending.

Winter and Hawley revealed on TV Line that there are two different endings to the show, one of it was aired in the series finale. The two alternate endings were formulated depending on the network's decision to renew or cancel the show. Unfortunately, the show was not picked up.

"The studios in each case were looking for the best financial and creative ways to help their shows to get another season, making plans should they get orders," ABC network president for entertainment Channing Dungey said in an announcement.

In a separate article on TV Line, it was revealed that the alternate ending that both showrunners came up with was supposed to focus on Rick Castle and the other characters as they deal with Kate Beckett's death. According to a source, Kate actually survived the season finale shootout, but everyone, including Rick, will assume that she is dead.

If the show was renewed for a ninth season, Kate would still be alive and would be faking her death in front of her loved ones. This ending goes well with actress Stana Katic's exit from the show, which was announced earlier than the show's cancellation.

The showrunners left a farewell message to the fans. It states: "While we're still trying to process all the emotions stirred up by recent events, the feeling that stands head and shoulders above all else, is gratitude. Eight seasons. A hundred and seventy three episodes. None of it would have been possible without you — our loyal and passionate fans."

"Castle" season 8 aired its episode last May 16 on ABC.