'Burn Notice' renewed for shorter seventh season

Burn Notice is coming back to USA. Just not all the way back.

The network picked up 13 episodes for the show’s seventh season, which will bring the veteran spy drama to 100 episodes. “Burn Notice is like a fine wine that gets better with age,” said USA Network co-presidents Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel. “Delivering high-octane action, gripping drama and nearly 7 million viewers for the mid-season finale, this veteran series is a proven staple of our portfolio.”

And like a fine wine, Burn Notice has gotten more expensive as it ages, too — like all TV shows. So it’s not surprising USA is reducing its order a bit, despite the drama’s earthy vintage bouquet. Burn Notice has enjoyed 18-episode seasons in recent years, which is very rare for a cable drama and an indication of its success. A 13-hour order is more the norm.

Still, this made us wonder if this could be Burn Notice‘s final season. A USA spokesperson says there’s “no expectation” this will be the last round. The second half of the series sixth season returns on Thursday.