The Original Network Finale - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

pilotguy · 04-24-2003, 12:42 PM

I don't remember when "Wings" ended it's original network run on NBC (I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't really watch the series back then).

When the series DID end it's network run, does anyone remember if much fuss was made about it?

Unlike "Cheers", "Murphy Brown", "Mad About You" and similar sitcom series, I don't recall much hoopla being made about "Wings" ending it's run.

Does anyone have any memories of how much attention was given to the end of "Wings"?

(At least they didn't show the "Wings" cast on TV completely WASTED at a "wrap" party, the way that NBC showed the "Cheers" cast....THOSE "Cheers" people were barely conscious)!

nantucket_wings · 04-24-2003, 12:50 PM

it seems to me like not many people where talking about the last episode of Wings ... I seen it when it originally aired on tv, and I taped it and I do remember that our local news station in Green Bay, Wisconsin ('Antonios' birth city and the birth state of Tims dad and sister) did have interviews with some of the cast members, I do remember that and I also remembering them talking about how 'Antonios' parents came to Green Bay and ran their own business ...

... I wonder if that place is still open, and what kind of business it was, Ill have to look and see if I cant find any more info on it

losthighway · 04-24-2003, 01:21 PM

Unfortunately Wings got very little respect when the series ended. And as I recall very little coverage or support from NBC as far as promos etc..

When the series ended in May of 1997 it concluded with a one hour finale, which was just the final two episodes back to back.

As I recall (and I may be wrong about this) Wings was cancelled or notified they were being cancelled about two months before the end of the season, so the writers had time to put together a final episode and I think it was one of the best sit-com series finals ever. But I don't think the creators of the show or the actors wanted to end it, I think it was a decision by the NBC executives. The ratings had dipped a little, but they were still pretty good. I just think NBC wanted to try out some new shows and figured it was time to move on.

Sometimes great shows can go on too long (MASH, Cheers and now Frasier and Friends) all ran either a couple seasons too long or are running a couple seasons too long. So maybe it was for the best that Wings ended when it did.

Adamantium · 04-24-2003, 04:18 PM

I remember that the commercial let us know it was the Series Finale, because I watched the episode. That was the first episode I saw of the last season. So I don't know how much of a fuss was made over it, at least I knew to tune in.

Chocoholic · 04-24-2003, 09:46 PM

I saw it when it first aired and I don't remember anyone making a big deal about it at all, unlike some other finales. I didn't like the finale so much. I think Joe and Helen's wedding would have made a perfect ending to the series.

I've always thought of Wings as like the kid you know in high school, the one who was always nice to everyone and a lot of the kids and teachers liked, but when it came to academic awards, class superlatives, and stuff like that, they never got any recognition.

HaskellGirl · 04-24-2003, 10:25 PM

I loved the finale. I think its the best series finale I've ever seen.

04-24-2003, 12:42 PM	#1
pilotguy Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 09, 2003 Posts: 1,305	The Original Network Finale I don't remember when "Wings" ended it's original network run on NBC (I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't really watch the series back then). When the series DID end it's network run, does anyone remember if much fuss was made about it? Unlike "Cheers", "Murphy Brown", "Mad About You" and similar sitcom series, I don't recall much hoopla being made about "Wings" ending it's run. Does anyone have any memories of how much attention was given to the end of "Wings"? (At least they didn't show the "Wings" cast on TV completely WASTED at a "wrap" party, the way that NBC showed the "Cheers" cast....THOSE "Cheers" people were barely conscious)!

04-24-2003, 12:50 PM	#2
nantucket_wings " Wing Nut " Senior Member Join Date: Apr 08, 2003 Location: Mansfield, Ohio Posts: 1,042	it seems to me like not many people where talking about the last episode of Wings ... I seen it when it originally aired on tv, and I taped it and I do remember that our local news station in Green Bay, Wisconsin ('Antonios' birth city and the birth state of Tims dad and sister) did have interviews with some of the cast members, I do remember that and I also remembering them talking about how 'Antonios' parents came to Green Bay and ran their own business ... ... I wonder if that place is still open, and what kind of business it was, Ill have to look and see if I cant find any more info on it
	__________________ Stace aka: Nantucket_Wings

04-24-2003, 01:21 PM	#3
losthighway Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Apr 14, 2003 Posts: 370	Unfortunately Wings got very little respect when the series ended. And as I recall very little coverage or support from NBC as far as promos etc.. When the series ended in May of 1997 it concluded with a one hour finale, which was just the final two episodes back to back. As I recall (and I may be wrong about this) Wings was cancelled or notified they were being cancelled about two months before the end of the season, so the writers had time to put together a final episode and I think it was one of the best sit-com series finals ever. But I don't think the creators of the show or the actors wanted to end it, I think it was a decision by the NBC executives. The ratings had dipped a little, but they were still pretty good. I just think NBC wanted to try out some new shows and figured it was time to move on. Sometimes great shows can go on too long (MASH, Cheers and now Frasier and Friends) all ran either a couple seasons too long or are running a couple seasons too long. So maybe it was for the best that Wings ended when it did.

04-24-2003, 04:18 PM	#4
Adamantium TVAdam No More Forum Veteran Join Date: Sep 11, 2002 Location: Springfield, Ohio Posts: 7,828	I remember that the commercial let us know it was the Series Finale, because I watched the episode. That was the first episode I saw of the last season. So I don't know how much of a fuss was made over it, at least I knew to tune in.

04-24-2003, 09:46 PM	#5
Chocoholic Member Forum Star Join Date: Dec 01, 2000 Location: Between a rock and a hard place. Posts: 11,235	I saw it when it first aired and I don't remember anyone making a big deal about it at all, unlike some other finales. I didn't like the finale so much. I think Joe and Helen's wedding would have made a perfect ending to the series. I've always thought of Wings as like the kid you know in high school, the one who was always nice to everyone and a lot of the kids and teachers liked, but when it came to academic awards, class superlatives, and stuff like that, they never got any recognition.

04-24-2003, 10:25 PM	#6
HaskellGirl Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 15, 2002 Posts: 590	I loved the finale. I think its the best series finale I've ever seen.