What Happened on the Final Episode of ‘Blossom,’ Mayim Bialik’s First Big TV Show?
The flower hats, the theme song, the “very special episodes” … we didn’t actually grow up with Blossom, but it feels like we did! A primetime sitcom that aired on NBC from 1990 to 1995, Blossom centered around a teenager named (you guessed it!) Blossom Russo, played by Mayim Bialik, years before her The Big Bang Theory fame. Blossom lived with her father, Nick Russo ( Ted Wass), a single dad and musician, as well as her two brothers: the dim-witted Joey (Joey Lawrence) and Anthony (Michael Stoyanov), a former troubled youth who returns home after a stint in rehab.
The character of Blossom was portrayed as an intelligent, independent, and self-aware teenager, often breaking the fourth wall to offer voice-over narration. Her look and fashion sense was far from that of the typical TV teenager, inspiring viewers to embrace their own unique personalities and style (and flower hats). Her best friend, the motormouthed Six LeMeure (played by Jenna von Oÿ), was also an ever-present force of nature, sharing in many of Blossom’s escapades.
The show’s premise revolved around Blossom trying to find her way in life while coping with the often quirky personalities and sometimes chaotic situations within her family. Blending lighthearted comedy and serious, dramatic storylines, the series didn’t shy away from touching on sensitive issues like teen relationships, family issues, and substance abuse, often balancing these moments with humor and heart.
With popular stars (Lawrence, in particular, used the show to reemerge as a teen heartthrob after earlier success as a child actor), plenty of laughs, and even more heart, Blossom seemed poised to stick around for years and years… but the show closed up shop after five seasons, airing its series finale on May 22, 1995. So what happened?
Why Did Blossom Get Cancelled?
Everett Collection
Blossom’s inevitable demise was caused by a potpourri of problems. While ratings for the show were never stellar, experts believe that they were never the true reason for the show’s cancellation. Instead, insiders point to the show’s subject matter, citing a constant stream of “very special episodes” that often included bold storylines that the network wasn’t fully comfortable with (remember, the show included an ex-drug addict in the cast from day one – a heck of a first impression for a family comedy!)
With Blossom and Six careening toward adulthood, creative issues intensified as the show began to address even darker and more mature issues. In the end, the show’s ratings could no longer justify the constant creative debates, and NBC decided to bring the show to a close after five seasons.
What Happened in the Series Finale of Blossom?
Alice S. Hall /© NBC /Courtesy Everett Collection
Happily, Blossom‘s series finale, entitled “Before, Blossom: Goodbye” is exactly that – a genuine finale, not just for fans, but for the characters we’d grown to know and love.
The Russo family are all approaching crossroads in their lives, as Nick prepares to marry his girlfriend Carla and sell the home the family shared for so many years. The always-insightful Blossom struggles with the idea of moving on (even making a feeble attempt to scare away interested buyers), while she weighs options for her own future – should she move away to college or stay local? Joey, whom has always been dependent on his family, battles his own fears about whether he is ready to take on the world, while Tony – the once-struggling former addict — shows how far he’s come by lending his family the emotional support they need.
In her final video diary entry (a staple of the series), Blossom finally comes to terms with the inevitable changes in her life, recognizing that leaving home and stepping into adulthood is difficult but necessary for her growth. In a touching moment, Blossom says goodbye, knowing that no matter what happens, her family will always be there for her. Of all the very special episodes that this wonderful show gave us over five seasons, this one just might be the most special of all.
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