Did the producers not learn from Gimme a Break!

[TMC]

At least in regards to how not to end a show? Both Kate & Allie and Gimme a Break were produced by Alan Landsburg Productions, which was later known as Reeves Entertainment.

Like on GAB, K&A in its final year, moved them to a different locale. In GAB's case, the show moved from Glenlawn, California to New York City. In K&A's case, they had Allie move into a new apartment after remarrying. Both shows also doubled down on it by adding new characters such as Allie's new husband and Rosie O'Donnell's character on GAB.

Kate & Allie couldn't quite bluntly, hide behind the excuse of one of their cast members dying (like Dolph Sweet in Gimme a Break!) in the middle of its run to justify making radical changes.