In January 1986, Shelley Long, who portrayed waitress Diane Chambers, announced her plans to leave the series after the end of her contract, shortly before the beginning of the start of the sixth season [REF].
Three endings were filmed for the season finale, "I Do, Adieu", because it was possible that Long might decide to stay: 1) Sam and Diane become married; 2) Diane accepts an offer to finish a novel; 3) not revealed by the producers [REF].