I Dream of Jeannie was one of the most successful sitcoms on television when it debuted in 1965. The tale of a NASA astronaut and his 2,000-year-old genie became a global hit due to Barbara Eden’s charisma and Larry Hagman’s humorous timing. However, NBC abruptly ended the show in 1970 after five great seasons, and viewers have been wondering why ever since.

In actuality, the show’s discontinuation was caused by more than just a decline in viewership. The decision by the show’s producers to marry Tony and Jeannie in the fifth season marked the true turning point. The chemistry of the program was permanently altered by what appeared to be a pleasant finale on television but really caused unforeseen tension off-screen.

The fun, flirty enchantment that had made I Dream of Jeannie succeed was broken by marriage, Barbara Eden subsequently disclosed. There was no longer any intrigue or “will they or won’t they?” dynamic. Following Jeannie’s transformation into Mrs. Nelson, the series’ ratings declined, and NBC abruptly terminated it.

Even though it ended abruptly, I Dream of Jeannie is still regarded as a classic of television. Jeannie’s bottle will never be permanently corked thanks to its vibrant comedy, ageless imagination, and Barbara Eden’s remarkable performance.