On This Day in Sitcom History — April 11th

1966: Hazel’s Second (and Last) Series Finale

The cast of Hazel (1966)

The very last episode of Hazel, “A Question of Ethics,” aired on this day in 1966. It was actually the second finale for the series. After NBC canceled it at the end of season four, it was retooled and moved to CBS for its final season in 1965. However, the changes failed to boost the lackluster ratings, and CBS canceled it too.

1984: Coach’s Final Appearance on Cheers

Shelley Long & Nicolas Colasanto in Cheers (1984)

The Cheers season three episode, “Cheerio, Cheers,” aired on this day in 1984. In this episode, Diane (Shelley Long) was the one saying “cheerio” to Cheers (temporarily), but it actually marked the final appearance of Nicolas Colasanto as Coach. Sadly, he passed away from a heart condition two days after shooting this episode. Woody Harrelson took over behind the bar as Woody Boyd beginning in season four.

1991: Kramer Leaves the Building for the First Time on Seinfeld

Michael Richards, Jerry Seinfeld, & Jason Alexander in Seinfeld (1991)

The Seinfeld season two episode, “The Statue,” aired on this day 1991. In this episode, Kramer (Michael Richards) leaves the apartment building for the first time. The writers had initially intended for him to be a slacker who never goes outside, but they quickly discovered that that made it difficult to include him in the storylines.

1993: David Boreanaz’s First Credited Role on Married… with Children

Ed O’Neill, Christina Applegate, & David Boreanaz in Married… with Children (1993)

The Married… with Children season seven episode, “Movie Show,” aired on this day in 1993. It featured a young David Boreanaz (of Bones and Buffy fame) in his first ever credited role as Kelly’s (Christina Applegate) boyfriend, Frank.