“Alias” will end its five-season run in May 2006, it was announced today
by Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment.

The spy drama, which over the course of its run has garnered seven Emmy
Awards, stars Jennifer Garner in her 2002 Golden Globe Award-winning role as CIA
agent Sydney Bristow.

“Right out of the box, ‘Alias’ attracted a cult following of fans that
were completely invested in the show,” Mr. McPherson said. “J.J. Abrams and his
team developed characters that were compelling and storylines that were
intricate and engaging, and Jennifer and the rest of the cast brought them to
life. We owe both the storytellers and the fans a send-off worthy of a show that
has been such a big part of the pop culture vernacular. J.J., Jeff Pinkner, Ken
Olin, Jesse Alexander and Jeffrey Bell have an amazing story arc planned for the
remainder of the season. ‘Alias’ is not going to wind down as it comes to an
end, it’s going to rev up, and we’re going to make it the event it deserves to
be.”

Added Mark Pedowitz, president, Touchstone Television: “’Alias’ has
sustained its identity as a critical favorite because J.J. Abrams and everyone
involved in this series set the bar for quality entertainment. We have been
honored to work with them all, especially Jennifer Garner, who has our eternal
admiration and appreciation for her dedication to the role and unarguably the
best demeanor in the business.”

“Alias” executive producer Jeff Pinkner added: “This news, and its
timing, is a mixed-blessing. Though we’re obviously very saddened to face the
reality that ‘Alias’ is coming to an end, the lasting quality of every good
story is determined by its conclusion—this news gives us the freedom to end the
series in the climactic way it deserves.”

“Five years ago J.J. Abrams designed ‘Alias’ to encompass a unique and
challenging blend of spy-adventure, family drama and love story that contained
deeper mythological elements,” he continued. “The arc we have planned for the
remainder of the season will honor all of these disparate elements, as we wrap
up the story of Sydney Bristow in a surprising and, we think, thrilling way.”

“J.J., and all of us here feel blessed by our fans, the brilliant cast
we’ve been fortunate to work with, our amazing crew and the support of
Touchstone and ABC.”

“Alias” stars Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow, Victor Garber as Jack
Bristow, Ron Rifkin as Arvin Sloane, Carl Lumbly as Marcus Dixon, Kevin Weisman
as Marshall Flinkman, Balthazar Getty as Thomas Grace, Rachel Nichols as Rachel
Gibson and Élodie Bouchez as Renée Rienne.

“Alias” was created by J.J. Abrams, who executive-produces the series
along with Ken Olin, Jeff Pinkner, Jesse Alexander and Jeffrey Bell. The series,
which is filmed in Los Angeles and premiered on September 30, 2001, is from
Touchstone Television.