I think I read somewhere that TMTMS was the first sitcom to make a final episode. Before that,shows just were cancelled and disappeared. Is this true?


http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8qP1DUdrJfM/hqdefault.jpg

Leave it to Beaver had a finale in 1963 although they didn't really call it that. In the final episode the Cleaver family is looking at a srapbook of family photos many of which are used to introduce clips from throughout the series run showing Wally and Beaver growing up over the years. In the last scene Ward and June conclude that their boys have grown into fine young men thereby bringing closure to the series.

The Odd Couple also had a final episode in 1975.

The Dick Van Dyke Show has a final episode, though not the final episode produced. (It was filmed out of order.) I think as far as MTM goes, it was the first time a final episode was made to be a major event, with the TV cover and all.

"The Fugitive" also had a final episode, in 1967, I believe.