The Best TV-Show Ending: A Journey Through Newhart's Finale

The television world is filled with memorable moments, but few match the genius behind the finale of the sitcom Newhart.

The Bob Newhart Show: A Classic 70s SitCom

From 1972 to 1978, The Bob Newhart Show graced our screens with its witty humor and engaging storylines. Bob Newhart played the role of Robert "Bob" Hartly, a Chicago psychologist, while Suzanne Pleshette portrayed his wife. A regular scene was the couple's silly discussions as they prepared for bed.

From Hartley to Louden: A New Chapter

After The Bob Newhart Show ended, Bob Newhart took on a new role in a different sitcom called simply Newhart. In this series, Newhart played a struggling writer of DIY books and travelogues, named Dick Louden, who moved to rural Vermont. He ran a hundred-year-old inn alongside his wife. Their adventures and hijinks remained a key part of the show's narrative.

The Finale: A Guaranteed Classic

The Newhart series finale, titled "The Last Newhart", delivered a surprise twist that went viral. The entire town was bought out by a Japanese conglomerate and transformed into a massive golf resort. Despite being offered millions, Dick Louden refused to sell his inn and moved to a wealthy neighborhood without his wife. When a reunion of the now-rich cast occurred, Dick, fed up with the chaos, decided to leave.

The climactic moment saw Dick leaving his door when he was hit by a golf ball, suggesting a metaphorical poke in the eye with a sharp stick at the absurdity of the situation. However, the most extraordinary part of the episode wasn't the golf ball. It was the final scene, voted one of the greatest moments in television history by TV Guide Magazine.

A Dream Sequence That Defies Reality

In the final closing scene, Bob Newhart wakes up in bed as Robert Hartly, not Dick Louden. The set he is on is from the original The Bob Newhart Show. He is talking to his wife, who turns out to be Suzanne Pleshette. Much like in the original show, she tells Bob, "Go back to sleep, Bob." This simple yet profound scene brilliantly bookends the series, taking audiences on an emotional and humorous journey through time.

Conclusion: Reflection on Time and Change

The Newhart finale is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the art of television. It not only wraps up the story of Dick Louden but also seamlessly connects it back to the iconic The Bob Newhart Show. This moment captures the essence of time travel and the cyclical nature of life, showing how moments from the past can resonate with the present.

Newhart stands as a shining example of a well-executed series finale that can both surprise and delight audiences. It is a rare gem that showcases the magic of television at its finest.