Telemystery: Major Cast Changes for Castle Season 9 (if there is a Season 9)

In what will certainly come as a shock to fans of the ABC crime drama Castle, the network yesterday confirmed that two series characters, NYPD homicide detective Kate Beckett (played by Stana Katic) and medical examiner Lanie Parish (Tamala Jones), will not return for the ninth season.

"Kate Beckett has been a beloved character on our hit series Castle for the past eight years," ABC said in a statement. "We are grateful for Stana Katic's talent and dedication to the series and we hope to continue our relationship. Tamala Jones has also been an integral part of the series and we are grateful she was a part of Castle."

To be sure, ABC hasn't yet confirmed that Castle has been renewed, but speculation is that it will return, albeit likely for a shortened season.

Castle's season finale this year will air on May 16th with an episode titled "Crossfire" that has been filmed with several endings, including a cliffhanger, should the series be renewed. Both Castle and Beckett's will be put in jeopardy … but now we know for sure how it will turn out for one of them.