Menu
  • Home
  • News
  • Cancelled or Renewed?
    • Cancelled TV Shows (lists)
    • Cancellations
    • Renewals
    • TV Show Status Pages
    • Vulture Watch
  • TV Ratings
    • Daily Network Ratings
    • Ratings by Season/Channel
    • Weekly Averages
    • Soap Opera Ratings
    • Archive
    • Viewer Votes
      • ABC TV shows
      • CBS TV shows
      • The CW TV shows
      • FOX TV shows
      • NBC TV shows
      • All Viewer Votes
  • About
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • RSS
  • Mail

canceled + renewed TV shows - TV Series Finale

   

Life Goes On: What Happened in the Last Episode, “Life Goes On (And On and On)”?

Published: September 1, 2010

Life Goes OnLife Goes On ran for four seasons on ABC, from 1989 until 1993. The TV show was never a hit program and didn’t even crack the list of 30 top-rated shows. Still, it is well-remembered as a program about family relationships and was the first series to feature a character with Down syndrome as a main character.

The TV show revolves around the Thatcher family. Drew and Libby (Bill Smitrovich and Patti LuPone) struggle with typical family issues, as well as help their first son, “Corky” (Chris Burke), integrate into the rest of the world. He eventually moves out, gets a job, and marries Amanda (Andrea Friedman) who also has Down’s.

Paige (Monique Lanier, then Tracey Needham) is Drew’s daughter from a first marriage and, after searching for a career, becomes a builder.

Teenager Becca (Kellie Martin) is the youngest Thatcher (until baby Nick is born) and sometimes too intelligent and emotional for her own good. After a relationship with jock Tyler (Tommy Puett), she falls in love with Jesse (Chad Lowe). A fellow high school student, Jesse contracted HIV after a chance one-night stand at a frat party.

Much of the latter episodes of Life Goes On revolve around Becca and Jesse’s relationship and the social and physical challenges of HIV and AIDS. The last episode is no exception but also gives ample time to Paige and Corky storylines as well.

The 83rd and last episode of Life Goes On, titled “Life Goes On (And On and On),” was first broadcast on May 23, 1993. Here’s what happened…

The episode takes place in flashbacks as a 10-years-older Becca recounts how she, Jesse, and surprise valedictorian Ray (Michael A. Goorjian) graduated from high school. Appeals to the school board by the Thatchers and the principal are denied and Corky does not graduate with his class due to low math grades. Ironically, had he not entered the mainstream program, he wouldn’t have had a problem. He decides not to attend graduation. Later, his family presents him with a special diploma in recognition of his accomplishments and for being a great son, sibling, and husband. After cleaning out his school locker, Corky vows to return to high school.

Paige and Artie (Troy Evans) have been struggling in their construction business. They’ve been working for two months on renovating an old house. Now, the owner can’t afford to pay them and is headed into bankruptcy. They end up taking over the house as payment and Artie proposes that they live there together, in a romantic relationship. Paige isn’t comfortable and he promises never to bring it up again.

When it comes time to list the house with a realtor, Paige is hesitant because of all the time and personal touches she’s put into the place. She eventually agrees to put it up for sale. Artie later surprises her by declaring that they should keep the house. Paige needs a place to live and they need an office for their company. He’ll continue to live in his trailer which she doesn’t think is fair. He explains that, without her, he’d still be sitting in a bar, spending his unemployment check. She agrees to the partnership.

Jesse breaks up with Becca so that she can go on to college and he can go to Europe to try experimental treatments and figure out what to do with whatever’s left of his life. They’re both upset but he says he’s doing it because he loves her. After Jesse leaves, Becca runs after him but he’s already out of sight. She goes to his apartment and finds it empty, save for her portrait, his bracelet, and some other things he’s left for her.

Four years later, towards the end of her time at college, Becca returns home to tell her parents that she’s engaged — to Jesse. He tracked her down after four years apart. His AIDS is in remission and he’s been traveling through Europe, writing articles for art journals. Drew and Libby aren’t thrilled but Jesse and Becca aren’t asking for permission. The wedding takes place in the Thatcher home, with Corky as best man and Paige as matron of honor. Those in attendance include Drew, Libby, Nick, Amanda, and Ray and his new family.

In bed later, Becca tells Jesse that she wants to have his baby. He’s shocked that Becca, as a medical student, would even suggest such a thing. She doesn’t want to be left alone and he tells her that she’ll never be alone, that she’ll have children with someone else some day. Jesse suggests that she’ll tell her children how much they loved each other and couldn’t stay apart. “When you remember me, I’ll always be right there with you. I will never leave you alone, Becca. I promise.”

Back in the future, we see that Becca has been telling the story to a young boy in bed. The boy comments that he wished that he’d known him. She says, “I wish everybody had known him. He was a kind, gentle, beautiful man.” “Just like Daddy?” “Yeah, just like Dad.” The boy pleads with her to tell him another tale but she says, “I have no more stories to tell.” The little boy says, “I love you, Mommy.” And Becca replies, “I love you, Jesse.” and kisses him. Fade to black, end of series.

For some additional information about the last episode, go here.

What do you think? Do you think the last episode of Life Goes On was a suitable ending to this groundbreaking show? Would you like to see the cast reunite someday for a new project?


More about: Life Goes On

Related Articles

  • Life Goes On
    Life Goes On: Update on Chris Burke
    February 25, 2012
  • Life Goes On
    Life Goes On
    August 26, 2010
  • Where Are They Now? Some Greenroom Chatter for October 13, 2008
    Where Are They Now? Some Greenroom Chatter for October 13, 2008
    October 13, 2008

Canceled and renewed TV show
« Previous Post
Next Post »

10
Leave a Reply

avatar
9 Comment threads
1 Thread replies
0 Followers
 
Most reacted comment
Hottest comment thread
7 Comment authors
Jean. KoontzDebbieSaskiatroyRyan Recent comment authors
avatar

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Jean. Koontz
Reader
Jean. Koontz

Would to see any reunion. Kelly Martin & Chad Lowe are together on Hallmark series, Hailey Dean Mysteries
Had not noticed that this series was nestled between my H.S. grad & meeting my husband

Vote Up10Vote Down Reply
April 27, 2020 9:24 pm
Debbie
Reader
Debbie

This was such a good program. I still miss it. I cried like a baby at the last episode. I was so sure that by some miracle Jesse would be cured. I keep hoping to see re-runs, or at least be able to buy the series on DVD.

Vote Up10Vote Down Reply
December 6, 2014 3:05 pm
Anonymous
Reader
Anonymous

Chad lowe was absolutely riveting as Jessie… I cried each episode he was in as his depth and emotion through that role could be felt througb the screen.. I taped many episodes that focused on him and Becca

Vote Up00Vote Down Reply
July 29, 2015 11:59 pm
Saskia
Reader
Saskia

I saw every episode of this show, my friends and I loved it. We would come together every Sunday-evening to watch it together. We were about the same age as Becca was, so we were naturally drawn to her storie. I remember the episode where Tyler died very well. After this episode the three of us where standing in the kitchen sobbing and comforting eachother, we were in shock. We didn’t think he would die….they wouldn’t let him die…but the producers did let him die. I’ll never forget that scene of us in the kitchen 😉 Hopefully it will get… Read more »

Vote Up10Vote Down Reply
May 9, 2013 12:15 am
Marta
Reader
Marta

I was too little to watch the show properly when it was on air, and I remember only few things about it, mostly how I was impressed by Corky’s attitude and Becca & Jesse’s deep and pure feeling. Yes, when I think about it now, it was a little childish and naive, but so beautiful. I turned sixteen eight years ago and I still dream about love like that, even though it seems like a lost story when you’re not a teenager anymore. But I think, I feel and I do deeply believe that series like that should be produced… Read more »

Vote Up00Vote Down Reply
April 4, 2013 7:49 pm
Debbie
Reader
Debbie

I too loved this program. There was no suitable ending to it, because I wish it had never gone off the air. I have done google searches trying to see if I could watch at least the final episode again. I sure hope they do re-runs of this someday.

Vote Up00Vote Down Reply
January 25, 2012 1:35 pm
troy
Reader
troy

Loved the show. I sure miss the wacky in-laws angry hand throwing mom. I sure miss the episodes that involves corky trying to struggle in the world trying to be the person he is. Every one around him takes special care of him and assures him that he will be the person he is.

Vote Up00Vote Down Reply
December 5, 2011 2:37 am
Ryan
Reader
Ryan

This was an absolutely brilliant show!! Such a shame it finished.

Vote Up00Vote Down Reply
September 14, 2010 4:26 am
Beth Coccaro
Reader
Beth Coccaro

I actually boycotted ABC for a few years when they cancelled this show. Of course, I complained bitterly in a letter to them first.

Vote Up00Vote Down Reply
September 10, 2010 8:17 pm
MK
Reader
MK

I used to love this show. The recap makes me want to see it again.

Vote Up00Vote Down Reply
September 2, 2010 7:40 am
wpdiscuz   wpDiscuz
Fall 2020 Schedule Cancelled TV Show Lists Ratings (by TV Channel) Status Lists of 800+ Shows
  • Cancellations
  • Renewals
  • Year of the Rabbit TV Show on IFC: canceled or renewed? Year of the Rabbit: Season Two Cancelled; Channel 4 and IFC Renewal Reversed
  • At Home with Amy Sedaris TV show on truTV: (canceled or renewed?) At Home with Amy Sedaris: Cancelled by truTV, No Season Four
  • Peaky Blinders TV show on BBC One and Netflix, ending no season 7 Peaky Blinders: Season Six; BBC & Netflix Series Ending But the Story Will Continue
  • High Maintenance TV show on HBO: (canceled or renewed?) High Maintenance: "Cancelled," No Season Five for HBO Comedy Series
  • Animal Kingdom: season six renewal, no season 7 Animal Kingdom: Season Six; TNT Series Gets Early Renewal for Final Season
  • Insecure TV show on HBO: ending, no season 6 Insecure: Season Five to End Issa Rae TV Series on HBO
  • More...
  • Weakest Link TV show on NBC: canceled or renewed for season 2? Weakest Link: Season Two Renewal for NBC Game Show Revival January 25, 2021
  • Help! I Wrecked My House TV Show on HGTV: canceled or renewed? Help! I Wrecked My House: Season Two Renewal for HGTV Series January 25, 2021
  • Eli Roth's History of Horror TV Show on AMC: canceled or renewed? Eli Roth's History of Horror: Season Three Renewal for AMC Series January 24, 2021
  • Bridgerton TV show on Netflix: season 2 renewal Bridgerton: Season Two Renewal for Netflix Period Drama Series (Video) January 21, 2021
  • Snowpiercer TV show on TNT: season 3 renewal Snowpiercer: Season Three; TNT Series Gets Early Renewal Ahead of Second Season premiere January 19, 2021
  • Tyler Perry's Sistas TV show on BET: season 3 renewal Tyler Perry's Sistas: Season Three; BET TV Series Renewal Announced January 19, 2021
  • More...
  • TV Ratings
  • Quick Questions
  • New TV show ratings (cancel or renew?) 6 2020-21 Season Ratings for New TV Shows (week 18)
  • TV show season ratings 4 2020-21 TV Show Season Ratings (week 18)
  • All Rise TV show on CBS: (canceled or renewed?) Monday TV Ratings: All Rise, 9-1-1: Lone Star, All American, The Wall, The Bachelor
  • The CW TV show ratings (cancel or renew?) The CW 2020-21 Season Ratings (updated 1/26/21)
  • FOX 2020-21 Season Ratings (updated 1/26/21)
  • More...
  • Salvation TV show on CBS: season 3 (canceled or renewed?) Salvation: Season Three? Should the CBS Summer Series Be Renewed? September 18, 2018
  • Take Two TV show on ABC: canceled or renewed for season 2? Take Two: Season Two; Should the ABC TV Show Be Renewed? September 13, 2018
  • Shooter TV show on USA Network: canceled, no season 4 Shooter: Season Four? Would You Watch the Cancelled Show on Another Channel? September 13, 2018
  • Shades of Blue TV show on NBC: no season four Shades of Blue: Season Four? Would You Have Kept Watching the NBC Series? August 20, 2018
  • Quantico TV show on ABC: canceled, no season 4 Quantico: Season Four; Would You Have Watched More of the Cancelled ABC Series? August 4, 2018
  • More...

The Latest

  • The Witcher: Blood Origin: Jodie Turner-Smith Cast in New Netflix Series
  • Assembly Required: Tim Allen and Richard Karn Reunite in History Competition Series
  • 90 Day: The Single Life: Discovery+ Launching 90 Day Fiance Follow Up Series
  • Fraggle Rock: Production Begins on Apple TV+ Revival Series from Jim Henson Company
  • Weakest Link: Season Two Renewal for NBC Game Show Revival
  • Rebel, Grey's Anatomy, Home Economics: ABC Announces Series Return and Premiere Dates
  • Head of the Class: Five Cast in Pilot for HBO Max Sitcom Reboot
  • Behind Every Man: OWN TV Series Returns This Month
  • Help! I Wrecked My House: Season Two Renewal for HGTV Series
  • NBCSN Cable Channel Shutting Down at the End of 2021
  • Eli Roth's History of Horror: Season Three Renewal for AMC Series
  • Chad: TBS Sets Premiere of New Single-Camera Comedy Series (Video)
  • Below Deck Sailing Yacht: Season Two Premiere Date Announced for Bravo Series (Video)
  • Invincible: Robert Kirkman Animated Series Coming to Amazon in March
  • America's Most Wanted: FOX Reviving Cancelled Series with Elizabeth Vargas as Host
  • Sister Wives, Outdaughtered, Return to Amish: TLC Sets Returns of Four TV Series
  • The Beast Must Die: AMC Acquires Revenge Thriller Series
  • Year of the Rabbit: Season Two Cancelled; Channel 4 and IFC Renewal Reversed
  • The Walking Dead: Season 10; AMC Releases Trailer Ahead of Series' Return
More...

Popular

  • 2020-21 Season Ratings for New TV Shows (week 18)
  • 2020-21 TV Show Season Ratings (week 18)
  • The CW 2020-21 Season Ratings (updated 1/26/21)
  • FOX 2020-21 Season Ratings (updated 1/26/21)
  • ABC 2020-21 Season Ratings (updated 1/26/21)
  • CBS 2020-21 Season Ratings (updated 1/26/21)
  • NBC 2020-21 Season Ratings (updated 1/26/21)
  • Starz TV Show Ratings (updated 1/26/21)
  • Cancelled or Renewed? Status of ABC TV Shows
  • FOX TV Shows: 2020-21 Viewer Votes
  • The CW TV Shows: 2020-21 Viewer Votes
  • CBS TV Shows: 2020-21 Viewer Votes
  • Viewer Votes Ranking for the 2020-21 Network TV Shows
  • ABC TV Shows: 2020-21 Viewer Votes
  • NBC TV Shows: 2020-21 Viewer Votes
  • Cancelled or Renewed? Status of FOX TV Shows
  • Cancelled or Renewed? Status of Cable & Streaming TV Shows (A-D)
  • 2020-21 TV Show Season Ratings (week 17)
  • 2020-21 Season Ratings for New TV Shows (week 17)

No infringement of previously copyrighted material is intended on this site. DMCA.

Copyright © TV Series Finale. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.

wpDiscuz