i was just thinking to my self, right after ron and donny left the show in 1980 the chemestry was not there any more, roger was okay but watching the later episodes without richie and ralph was just not the same anymore, i believe if ron and donny stayed on the show longer it might would have ended in the late 1980's fonzie did not do as helping in the late episodes when joaine and chachi got older, they mostly figured and worked most of there problems out on there own, but what if ron and donny never left

Ron Howard wanted to pursue a career as a director (in which, needless to say,
he has been very successful). But I'm not sure why Donny Most left the show.

Donny left to pursue other career opportunities.

the show did lose when ron howard and don most left thats what makes the welcome home episode so good

Donny left to pursue other career opportunities.
Today, he's the 3rd class jr. garbage man in Hickertown Carolina:rolleyes:

The show was still good IMO although it wasn't the same. It never would have lasted until the late 80's though. Every sitcom only has so many years in them and HD lasted longer than most.

in my opinion, when Ronnie left, they should have had a final and ended it right there

the whole show took a turn for the worst thats what makes the welcome
home episode from season 11 so special it was the last time the old crew was together