Watch your back, TVNZ, Sopranos fans are out for blood ...

James Gandolfini plays Tony Soprano

Those at TVNZ responsible for cutting short the final season of The Sopranos had better look out.

Loyal fans will be looking for someone to "whack" following the news that this year's run of the popular mob show finishes on Wednesday, after a season of only eight episodes.

Next week's show is being billed as the season finale, even though TVNZ has four more episodes available.

"It cuts me real deep," says Brook Smith, from Mangere Bridge.

Laments Russell Muir, from Mt Maunganui: "It's a pity. It's crazy. It's the one decent American series they have on TV."

TVNZ, which has been criticised in the past for abrupt scheduling changes, defends its decision, saying the sixth and final season will eventually be 20 episodes long. However, the making of the final eight shows has been delayed.

Therefore, says TV2 publicist Tim Aitken, the network decided to run eight episodes this year and the remaining 12 next year.

"It's a complete bummer we weren't able to play the whole lot. But it's come down to how many we play this year and next year, and the show is going to get bigger and badder as it goes on. So eight this year and 12 next year would be the best split."

Mr Muir can't see the logic in the 8-12 split. "They've built it up by running ads in advance about the return of The Sopranos and now they've cut it off. Who knew this was going to be the finale? No one, until the end of last week. Nice work."

Mr Aitken says there is no chance fans could convince the network to play the extra shows this year.

"The thing about Sopranos' fans is they are incredibly diehard, like no other show, so people are particularly enthusiastic. But in the end it's not our fault they've delayed making the second half of the series."

TVNZ could not say what will replace The Sopranos, but a two-hour season finale of Big Love screens in its place on September 27.