'That '70s Finale' - An Examination of Seasonal Endings in Popular Sitcoms

The final episode of a beloved television series is often met with mixed emotions by fans and critics alike. For those who have grown attached to the characters, relationships, and storylines that make up such shows, saying goodbye can be an arduous task indeed.

That being said, when approached correctly, the conclusion of a successful sitcom like 'That '70s Show' can prove to be both heart-wrenching and satisfying in equal measure. In this article, we will examine how the show's creators navigated these delicate waters during its fifth and final season.

The first episode of any given season sets the tone for what is yet to come. For those who tuned into 'That '70s Show' as a new viewer during its early seasons, Season 1 Episode 11 ('Cool Hand') provided an excellent starting point from which to immernge oneself within the world created by creators Mark and Bonnie Burns.

Throughout this particular episode - one that aired on February 6th, 1998 - audiences were treated to plenty of laughs thanks in large part due to the stellar cast performances. From Ashton Kutcher's lovable yet dim-witted but lovable character of Michael Kelso all the way down through Mila Kunis' s feisty and independent title character Donna Pinciotti; each member brought their A-game throughout this hilarious hour-long installment.

However, despite its many positive attributes (such as some truly memorable moments between Kutcher's stoner alter ego Steve Urkel-esque antics), even diehard fans couldn't deny that something felt off about 'That '70s Show' during Season 5. Perhaps it was the lack of fresh plot twists or maybe viewers simply grew tired of seeing their favorite characters repeat similar actions over and over again week after week.

Whatever reason may have been behind this decline, one thing is certain: when all said and done, 'The Final Goodbye' would prove to be a fitting conclusion not just for our beloved gang but also arguably the entire series itself.

In conclusion, while no television show can please every viewer at all times; with shows like 'That '70s Show,' sometimes it's better left unsaid rather than risk alienating loyal fans altogether - especially when trying so hard to end things on a high note.

References:

1) IMDB.com: That 1970s Episode Guide (1998-2006)

2) Wikipedia.org: List of That '70s Show episodes

That 70s show season 1 episode 11