Great Sitcom Final Episodes
Did You See That!!!
Throughout the history of television there have been hundreds of sitcoms. Those funny little shows that bring twenty two minutes of laughs and memories. Most sitcoms do not have a long shelve life. Most were simply very bad. But for a chosen few, they became a part of American Television and even a part of the American landscape. And as sad as it is, each of them had to end after a long run on television. Some of the final episodes of these sitcoms are some of the best moments on TV. The following is a short list of the best sitcom final episodes.
The Last Newhart
Newhart
Newhart starred Bob Newhart and Mary Frann and ran on CBS from 1982 through 1990. Newhart and Frann played a married couple who owned and operated an inn in a small town in Vermont. The show was also famous for the odd characters that came in and out of Newart's inn including the great brothers, Larry, Darryl and Darryl.
On May 21, 1990 the final episode of Newhart aired and gave one the most memorable television finales in American television history. The episode itself was a bit odd. The small Vermont town was purchased by Japanese investors who seek to turn the town into a golf resort. Newhart's character refuses to sell and becomes the lone holdout. The rest of the town gets their huge earnings and leave.Then the show runs five years later where the Newhart character is getting pelted with golf balls. Newhart then is hit with a golf ball and the screen turns black.
When the lights turn back on Newhart is lying in bed with his wife from Newhart's prior sitcom, the Bob Newhart show. The set is changed back to the set of the old Newhart show. Bob Newhart then turns to his wife, played by Suzanne Pleshette, and states, "Honey, you won't believe the dream I just had." The final episode of the Newhart show revealed that the entire show had been a dream by Bob Newhart's old character in the Bob Newhart Show. Brilliant and a total surprise.
M*A*S*H
M*A*S*H debuted on CBS in 1972 and ran for eleven seasons. Adapted from a movie of the same name, M*A*S*H tells the story of a team of doctors stationed in South Korea during the Korean War. Many of the stories shown on the series were based on real life stories told by M*A*S*H doctors who served in the army. Combining drama with situational comedy, M*A*S*H is one of the most beloved television shows in television history. The show featured many stars of the day including Alan Alda.
The final episode of M*A*S*Haired on February 28, 1983 and was two and a half hours long. The plot focused on the end days of the Korean War and the medical staff tearing down the medical facility. The doctors all part ways taking a little bit of Korea with them. The final scene and the "Goodbye" is really touching. The Finale is one of the most watched television shows in history.
Cheers
Cheers
Cheers ran on NBC from 1982 until the final episode aired on May 20, 1993. Cheers told the story of the different characters that work and frequent the bar where everyone knows your name. From the ex baseball player ladies man Sam Malone to the lovable beer drinking Norm, Cheers provided some great comedic moments and great laughs.
The final episode aired on May 20, 1993 after much fanfare and hype. NBC dedicated the entire Thursday night of Must See TV airing a retrospective hosted by Bob Costas and an after party. The episode tied many of the loose knots of the show including Sam and Dianne's on and off against Romance and the future of all the characters. The show ends with Sam sitting in his bar alone and telling another potential customer that Cheers is closed.
Cheers - Last Call
Scrubs
Scrubs premiered on NBC on October 2, 2001. Scrubs tells the story of the employees of Sacred Heart Hospital. The story focuses on a group of medical interns and follows their lives as they slowly move up in the hospital. Scrubs is noted for its witty humor,great music soundtracks and original ideas.
During the 7thseason of Scrubs NBC announced it would not renew the show. The show was picked up by ABC for its eighth season. Scrubs' future today is uncertain. Some of the regulars have signed on for a new season but it has been announced that the setting of the show will change. So for those of us who loved Scrubs, the final episode aired on May 6, 2009. And it was a great final episode as it chronicled the last day at Sacred Heart for the shows main character, Dr. Dorian. The final scene was as touching as it was smart and really exemplified the spirit of the show.