Was it ever explained or just ignored? I could've sworn they separated but I could be wrong???

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/706/13536a2_1_b.JPG

Barney and Elizabeth did separate for a time, around 1977/78, but I believe they eventually reconciled (off-screen). Barbara Barrie did the occasional guest spot, but when Danny Arnold & co. (wisely) decided to drop the home aspect and make it solely a workplace program, there were only so many times and excuses to have Liz appear at the precinct. Thankfully, Barbara Barrie went on to enjoy a flourishing career on both stage and screen, and became a novelist as well. :cool: :D

The work only format was the wise choice. I think about The Andy Griffith Show and Dick Van Dyke show which largely moved from work to home in the later years and the show suffered for it.

Thankfully, the producers and writers figured this out VERY early on!!!