Producers of ABC's "Lost" say they're in talks with ABC to determine a fixed end point for the show, which they've always insisted was meant to have a beginning, a middle and, yes, an end.

Apparently, they're going on the "Harry Potter" model, noting that it's worked so far for J.K. Rowling.

No, they won't say yet if the curtain will drop on Season 4, or 5, or even 7 -- because it would be "disrespectful" to the discussions, said exec producer Carlton Cuse -- but reading between the lines, anything more than seven seasons might feel like a stretch.

Referring to "The X-Files," which ran nine seasons, Cuse said, "That show was a bit of a cautionary tale for us. It was a great show that probably ran two seasons too long."

"The most honest answer we can give [is that they'd like it to continue] as long as it's good," said co-creator Damon Lindelof.

But whatever they decide, they insisted they'll announce it in plenty of time, Cuse saying he thinks that will alleviate viewer anxiety that they may not know where they're going, and Lindelof noting that if they wait too long, no one will believe that they meant to choose that time all along.