Newhart's Unforgettable Finale: A Bridge Between Sitcoms

The Finale That Shocked Television

The Newhart finale became one of the most talked-about moments in television history. After eight seasons of running his own successful inn in Vermont, Dick Loudon (Bob Newhart) suddenly woke up in bed next to his wife, Joanna (Mary Frann), from his previous sitcom, The Bob Newhart Show. This twist ending bridged the gap between the two shows, revealing that Newhart had all been a dream within the world of the original series.

A Goodbye to Two Beloved Sitcoms

Before his adventures in Newhart, Bob Newhart had enjoyed eight seasons as a psychologist in The Bob Newhart Show (1961-1972). The finale of that show saw the Newharts moving to New York City for a new chapter in their lives.

A Classic Twist

Truly surprising moments were relatively rare on television at the time, so the Newhart team's twist ending was a game-changer. It left viewers reeling, wondering how the two shows could possibly be connected. The creative minds behind Newhart cooked up a classic twist that would leave an unforgettable impression on television history.

A Full Episode to Remember

Here's a full broadcast of the final first-run episode (series finale) of The Bob Newhart Show, titled "Happy Trails to You":