“Raising Hope” Series Finale: April 4 on FOX

Raising Hope will have a special one-hour send-off as the critically acclaimed comedy comes to an end after 4 seasons. The series finale starts with the all-new episode “How I Met Your Mullet” (9:00pmET/PT), in which guest star Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey) plays Jimmy and Sabrina’s new maid. Then, in part 2 of the finale, “The Father Daughter Dance” (9:30pmET/PT), Virginia’s dad (guest star Jeffrey Tambor, Arrested Development) returns to Natesville with a big surprise for her and Burt. The series finale also includes a musical performance by Kenny Loggins.

I’m sad to see this show go. It was funny, quirky, and unrefined. It felt like a cross between Roseanne, Arrested Development and series creator Greg Garcia’s other series, My Name is Earl; and while it was outrageous, irreverent and rough-around the edges, it had its sweet moments. Perhaps in syndication, the show will finally find the audience support it never really enjoyed while on air.

Raising Hope premiered in 2010 and stars Emmy Award winners Martha Plimpton and Cloris Leachman, Garret Dillahunt, Lucas Neff, Shannon Woodward and Gregg Binkley. The series follows the lovingly dysfunctional Chance family as they raise an adorable yet unexpected addition to the family – a little girl named Hope (Rylie & Baylie Cregut). In 2011, Martha Plimpton and Cloris Leachman were both nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards for their leading (Plimpton) and guest (Leachman) roles on the show.

Image © Jordin Althaus/FOX