The Kardashians

"Keeping Up with the Kardashians" started as a savvy biz move and it's going out as one too -- the primary reason it's ending is all about extending the family empire.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... there are a number of reasons Kim, Kris and co. decided to close this chapter of their lives, but a major one had to do with the Kardashian brand getting way more play on social media outlets and through their personal businesses than on TV.

Fact is, the Kardashians used their series as a platform to plug themselves, their products, their businesses and anything else they saw fit to help them grow. But, as time went on and more people ditched cable TV ... the appeal of staying on the airwaves diminished.

Frankly, our sources say social media has largely replaced what 'Keeping Up' once provided. And, that's easy to see in the numbers -- each of the Kardashian sisters has millions upon millions of followers, so their reach there far outweighs anyone still tuning in to E!.

Of course, we're told ratings played into the decision too -- yes, the numbers were down, but we're told that's also been chalked up to people watching in different ways these days, including streaming.

Despite reports they pulled the plug over money -- namely, that Kris allegedly sought upwards of $40 mil per season for a handful of more years -- we're told the actual reasons are much less cutthroat. It was just time to move on, and chase opportunities elsewhere.

Kim -- who is not-so-arguably the face of the show -- has also become busy over the years taking care of her kids, businesses and, most recently, privately working through the struggles in her marriage ... which included Kanye's mental health issues.

We're told not one person or incident specifically ended the show.

Speaking of moving on, our sources say the Kardashian clan is planning to stay off-camera for a while and enjoy themselves, while reassessing what might be next for them as a unit.

Ryan Seacrest is reflecting on the lasting impact "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" made on reality TV ... and he's amazed by how Kim and co. turned their slice of show business into BIG business.

We got Ryan leaving ABC studios in New York City Wednesday and our camera guy asked what 'KUWTK' meant to entertainment now that the Kardashians are officially pulling the plug on their show next year.

Ryan, the show's creator and executive producer, told us what the show's lasting impact will be on TV -- but he's even more blown away by the fact every family member used it to create their own brands.

Look no further than BILLIONAIRE Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the OGs, to prove Ryan's point.

As you know ... Kim shouted out Ryan in announcing the end of the road for 'KUWTK,' sending him a big thanks "for believing in us."

You won't be 'Keeping Up' much longer -- the Kardashians are officially pulling the plug on their TV show next year.

Kim Kardashian made the announcement Tuesday, posting ... "To our amazing fans -- It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up with the Kardashians."

She adds, "After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who’ve watched us for all of these years – through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children. We’ll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we’ve met along the way."

Kim goes on to thank EP Ryan Seacrest, E! and countless others.

KKW also says their final season will air in 2021 -- but she doesn't explain why the "First Family" of reality TV is saying farewell to their hit show.

What she does finish with is a lot of gratitude for what the series has brought her entire family. Kim writes, "Without Keeping Up with The Kardashians, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has watched and supported me and my family these past 14 incredible years. This show made us who we are and I will be forever in debt to everyone who played a role in shaping our careers and changing our lives forever."

'KUWTK' has had an incredible run -- 20 seasons is a milestone few TV shows ever hit -- plus it became a pop culture fixture over that time.

Kim Kardashian could become the next Martha Stewart ... because it looks like she's getting ready to tackle the world of home goods!!!

Kim's legal team filed new docs to lock up the rights to "KKW Home."

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Kim is eyeing the sale of "KKW Home" products in retail outlets known for bath and shower products, plus home and bedroom furnishings and accessories.

And, from the looks of things, Kim's planning to slap her moniker on pretty much every home good product you could possibly buy ... bath mats and rugs, towels, shower curtains and liners, linens, drapes, afghans, throws, comforters, blankets, scented oils, room fragrances, candles, body and loofah sponges, bathroom caddies, soap dishes and dispensers, toilet paper holders, organizing and storage containers, trays, baskets, bowls and even wastebaskets.

Basically, everything under the sun when it comes to filling out a living space.

It's no surprise ... Kim's recently been looking to expand her business empire during the pandemic ... as we first told you, she's also looking to grow her beauty biz into skincare.

Scott Disick has more time on his hands following his split from Sofia Richie, and he's spending a lot of it with Kourtney Kardashian ... but the exes aren't getting back together.

Sources close to Scott and Kourtney tell TMZ ... they're NOT a couple, even though they've been hanging out more since his breakup with Sofia.

We broke the story ... Scott and Sofia called it quits last month ... this time for good.

As you know ... Scott and Kourtney hit up Nobu in Malibu over the weekend, where they ate under the same roof as Sofia. Sushi by the ocean is a hot date for a lot of folks, but we're told not so for Scott and Kourtney.

Our sources tell us Scott and Kourtney still consider themselves a family and co-parenting their 3 children is a priority for both. Hence, the time they spend together, even when the kids aren't there, is still all about fam.

Consider their recent trip to Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho. We're told the kids had a blast, and Scott and Kourtney realized it's good for the fam and they want to do more of it.

These family outings were rare when Scott was dating Sofia.

Kylie Jenner is still very much a single woman ... even though some recent photos from Paris might have suggested otherwise.

Sources close to Kylie tell TMZ ... the billionaire is NOT dating Fai Khadra -- despite rumors to the contrary -- they're just very good friends and have been part of each other's small social circle during the pandemic.

Kylie sent the rumor mill into overdrive Friday when she posted some pics with Fai in France, which made them look like a couple. But, we're told the two are NOT dating.

Our sources say Kylie and Fai also made a trip to Utah with friends earlier this summer, but still ... he's very much in the friend zone.

Remember ... Fai was Kendall Jenner's non-date, date in Santa Monica back in October, and we also squashed dating rumors back in 2018 when he grabbed juice with Kourtney Kardashian after her split from Younes Bendjima.

Bottom line from our sources ... Kylie's not currently dating anyone and she remains in a positive co-parenting relationship with Travis Scott.

Kim Kardashian's definitely thirsty ... she straight-up sipped tea through a new smoking hot photo shoot. Good work if you can get it!

Kim's quest to remind everyone -- ahem, Kanye West -- she's still one of the baddest chicks on the planet continued after hitting up Malibu on Wednesday ... showing off her bod in this awesome snake-print, string bikini.

She showed up to the 'Bu after shooting a recent episode of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" ... setting herself down in the hot sand with an iced tea and that always picturesque SoCal backdrop.

Kris Jenner's done amazing work as a momager, and now it looks like she’s eyeing another sweet business venture based on something she says to her daughters.

The Kardashians matriarch filed trademark docs last week to lock up the rights to what she likes to say ... "You're doing amazing sweetie" ... first delivered way back on a 2007 episode of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians."

Kris is looking to slap the catchphrase on a slew of products, ranging from cosmetics and clothing to baby supplies and home goods ... and even books and magazines.

As you may recall, Kris was on set for Kim Kardashian's nude Playboy shoot on the 'KUWTK' episode and snapped a few pics herself before offering the words of encouragement ... "Kim, you're doing amazing, sweetie."

The phrase got the meme treatment for years, but has also made a comeback of sorts after Kylie Jenner appeared in the much-talked-about music video for Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's "WAP."

As you can see ... Kylie's sexy guest spot on the vid gave Kris the perfect setup for the callback.

This isn't the first time Kris has aimed to capitalize on her famous reality TV mom status. She also scored a "momager" trademark in 2017, and parlayed that into an unforgettable cameo in Ariana Grande's "Mean Girls"-esque vid for "thank u, next."

Kim Kardashian seems to be telegraphing a clear message amid her recent marriage struggles -- she's still a classic baddie, and maybe some folks need some reminding.

KKW was down in Cabo this weekend for a beach bikini photo shoot for her KKW Beauty brand that put Kim in an environment (and outfit) we love to see. It's a skimpy pink 2-piece -- and the photogs running things had a lot of creative poses for their muse to get into. The more the merrier!

Check out the pics ... ya got Kim walking along the shore, Kim emerging from a pool (backside shot, of course), Kim looking at her phone, Kim eating ice cream ... and Kim doing a cartwheel. That last one's the most interesting -- great angle we don't often see.

We're told Kim came south of the border by herself, sans Kanye and the kids. We're told it was a business trip/photo shoot and there's nothing like a stroll on the beach to help clear her head of all the family drama lately.

Kim Kardashian seems to be expanding her beauty biz ... 'cause it looks like she's now ready to tackle the world of skincare!!!

Kim's legal team filed new docs to lock up the rights to "KKW Skin."

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Kim wants to sell "KKW Skin" products in retail outlets known for skincare and cosmetics.

Kim's planning to put her moniker on pretty much every skincare product under the sun ... preparations, moisturizers, lotions, creams, cleansers, toners, facial scrubs, body scrubs, facial mists, serums, masks, balms, facial oils, body oils, peels and powders.

Basically, everything you could possibly buy to take care of your skin and try and look like her.

TMZ broke the story ... Kim's beauty biz reached billion-dollar status in June, courtesy of a massive deal with cosmetic conglomerate Coty Inc., which forked out $200 million for a 20% stake in KKW's biz, valuing her co. at a cool $1 BILLION.

As we first told you ... Kim's deal with Coty would include skin, hair, personal and nail products.

Kanye West may have missed another important deadline in his presidential run, and this one certainly suggests his campaign is on the rocks.

Kanye, the presidential candidate, is required by FEC rules to file a financial report if he raises or spends $100k on his campaign.

The filing deadline was August 20, but according to an FEC official ... the agency hasn't received it.

So this means one of 2 things, and neither is good for Kanye -- either he missed the filing deadline or he didn't raise $100k ... and how do you run for Prez if you can't raise $100k?

As we reported, Kanye really ramped up his campaign in late July after his off-the-rails rally in South Carolina, hiring a third-party group called Let the Voters Decide to help get him on the ballot in several states.  He's also hired a team of political advisors.

Ye spent at least $30k to get on the ballot in Illinois ... but it didn't pay off.

Scott Disick and Sofia Richie are not just taking a break, on-again-off-again, or having some relationship issues -- they're donezo ... this time for good.

Sources close to the former couple tell TMZ ... while they have been trying to work things out for the past few months, they've officially broken up following their initial split back in the early days of the coronavirus shutdowns.

As you'll recall ... Scott entered rehab not long after they went bike-riding together on the beach in April, and then there were other signs they were on the outs.

Mainly, Sofia was hanging out with another guy in mid-May -- just days after Scott's brief rehab stint -- and rumors began to circulate she was dating other people.

However, our sources say she was the one really pushing to get back together with Scott ... it just didn't happen. We're told Scott recently called it off definitively, and they're no longer on speaking terms.

As for what led to the breakup ... our sources say the 15-year age difference became a growing source of friction, as well as Scott's family commitments. We're told he's also seeking a quieter lifestyle to focus on his business ventures ... and it didn't mesh well with Sofia's life.

Our sources say Scott was very clear in his decision that this is it -- he doesn't see them getting back together. We'll see.

Kris Jenner is no stranger to making some savvy business investments, and she just turned another profit ... unloading her Hidden Hills crib to a familiar buyer.

Jenner bought the 9,400-square-foot, 6-bed and 8-bath home in November 2017 for $9.9 million and just sold it for $15 million ... TMZ has confirmed. We're told the deal was done off-market and purchased by the heiress of the Coty Inc. fortune, Katharina Harf.

Coty might sound familiar -- it's the same company that purchased a majority stake in Kylie Jenner's cosmetic company for $600 million -- and got her in range of billionaire status.

Harf will be able to enjoy the home's zero-edge pool and 10-person spa ... not to mention, she's now neighbors to Kim and Kanye. The sale was first reported by Variety.

Don't worry about Kris though ... she's still got plenty of places to rest her head. She's still got another family home in Hidden Hills and another vacation home out near Palm Springs.

Kylie Jenner's under fire for allegedly identifying herself as a person of color in a photo caption, but she's denying ever writing any such thing online.

The beauty mogul is taking major heat for the post that went up Sunday, and currently has the caption, "brown eyed girl." But, some Internet folks are claiming that caption is edited, and originally said, "brown skinned girl." Huge difference.

Sources close to Kylie insist she never wrote it, plain and simple. We're told the caption was always "brown eyed girl," and that the other caption making the rounds online is simply a doctored image circulated by trolls. Her camp is firm -- she never changed it at all.

Of course, this wouldn't be an issue if you weren't allowed to edit captions on IG -- like you can't on Twitter -- but you can, and a lot of people claim they saw the 'skinned' line first.

What's likely making doubters/haters skeptical is the fact Kylie is sometimes accused of cultural appropriation -- a lot of the Kardashians are, frankly -- and that magnifying glass is on her again ... no doubt, because she was featured in Cardi B's immensely popular "WAP" music video.

Folks thought the cameo should've gone to a Black girl -- like Jordyn Woods, for example -- and that putting Kylie in was giving her more exposure than she needs or deserves.

That debate's raging on, but on the "brown" caption issue, Kylie's peeps say there's no debate ... 'cause it didn't happen.

Kim Kardashian showed up for Kanye West's Sunday Service over the weekend, and it could -- COULD -- be a sign that maybe their make-or-break vacation worked.

Kim and the kids made the trek to Wyoming to join Kanye for the service ... a service we haven't seen for a while. She posted video with the caption, "Guess what's back?!?!"

Among the many highlights -- Kim and Kanye's kids running around as North yells for her Dad ... a lot of singing and dancing, and a new song alert.

As for COVID-19 ... Kim says Kanye's team took precautions to keep the choir healthy and safe, pointing out that they filmed without an audience. She says the music will be available soon for those who need their spirits lifted.

Kanye also tweeted ... "Praise God. We would like to thank our staff for making sure all Covid safety guidelines were followed today during Sunday Service at our West Mountains family ranch in Wyoming."

It seems like the family getaway -- which included a tropical resort in the Dominican Republic did everybody good.

Kendall Jenner was true to form -- as in looking amazing -- as she stepped out of Nobu restaurant in Malibu Saturday night, with a guy she's said in the past she's not dating, but if Kendall and NBA star Devin Booker are just friends, they're REALLY good friends.

Kendall and Devin have chowed down at Nobu in the past. They've been seen together in various places over the last few months, including a road trip through Sedona, AZ. They've also been flirting online, so there's definitely some smoke here.

As for Devin, he was sprung from the NBA bubble Friday after the Phoenix Suns failed to make the playoffs.