'Duck Dynasty' Takes Mid-Season Hiatus; Willie Robertson Discusses Future Plans

Jan 25, 2017 09:58 AM EST

We haven't seen the last of the "Duck Dynasty" Robertson clan yet.

While the family announced it will end their popular Duck Dynasty A&E show after the 11th and final season, it's currently on a mid-season hiatus according to the show website.

The show will return on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 with an episode titled "The Last Call" and will air its final episode in April. And, according to the Louisiana family, after "Duck Dynasty" season 11 ends, they'll occasionally return to A&E with "Duck Dynasty" specials.

"It has been over five years that we have been filming this show, which in television is a lifetime," Willie Robertson said. "There is always something going on. And so, we will just wait and see what happens. I am not a big goal guy. I don't try and set my five year plan."

When asked about his future goals, Willie told CBN: "You think about it like this: Five years ago, if someone would have asked me what my goal was, I probably would have been way short of what was going to happen. I don't want to limit myself or limit God or anything. It will be nice at some point to slow down a little bit, kind of enjoy some of the things we've done."

During its run, "Duck Dynasty" broke cable ratings records and sometimes averaged audiences of more than 11 million viewers, according to Cinema Blend. While the ratings have dropped significantly over the years, the core fanbase has remained strong during the run of the series.

In November, various members of the Robertson family addressed the show's end on social media:

Tweeted Sadie Robertson: "It's out! This will be the final season of duck dynasty after 5 years. It's been an amazing ride. Thank y'all for the incredible journey."

On her Instagram page, Korie Robertson shared photos from the show throughout the years and included a lengthy caption thanking fans for their support.

"We are so thankful to every single one of you who have watched us, loved us, cheered us on, prayed for our family, and supported us along the way!" she wrote. "I promise you it has been noticed and we are forever grateful! We have a fun final season ahead of us so stick with us! We're not done yet...Thank you again for following along on our journey! Our kids have grown up in front of you and we are thankful for really awesome home movies."