for the longest time I thought NBC pulled the plug because ratings were sagging after Jackee left, but then I read on TV.com that the ending in 1990 was Marla Gibbs' decision, citing that the show had run it's course (although I find it surprising she pulled the plug after five seasons considering The Jeffersons ran for 11). It does seem a little poignant and series finale-esque that the final episode was called "No Place Like Home", which was the theme song and everything, but the episode didn't play as a series finale.

for the longest time I thought NBC pulled the plug because ratings were sagging after Jackee left, but then I read on TV.com that the ending in 1990 was Marla Gibbs' decision, citing that the show had run it's course (although I find it surprising she pulled the plug after five seasons considering The Jeffersons ran for 11). It does seem a little poignant and series finale-esque that the final episode was called "No Place Like Home", which was the theme song and everything, but the episode didn't play as a series finale.

"No Place Like Home" was the last original episode to air. It was not the last original episode produced. "Class of 1990" was the last episode produced. NBC never aired the episodes in their correct production order for some reason. As you can tell by the guide, the show was pulled in February and did not return until late April back to the lineup (usually that's a sign when a show is pulled before midseason replacement time in the spring half of the season).

Besides, the series seemed to be running on fumes during the last season when Jackee left. The new characters were not needed.