Hubbry Logo
IGoodbyeIGoodbyeMain
Open search
IGoodbye
Community hub
IGoodbye
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
IGoodbye
IGoodbye
from Wikipedia

"iGoodbye"
iCarly episode
Episode no.Season 6
Episode 13
Directed bySteve Hoefer
Written byDan Schneider
Production code514–515
Original air dateNovember 23, 2012 (2012-11-23)
Guest appearance
Episode chronology
← Previous
"iBust a Thief"
Next →
iCarly (season 6)
List of episodes

"iGoodbye" is the series finale of the American television sitcom iCarly. The episode, which aired as an hour-long special on Nickelodeon on November 23, 2012,[1] guest starred David Chisum as Colonel Steven Shay, Carly and Spencer's father.

The episode serves as the season finale of the sixth season and the series finale to the original series. A revival series was ordered by Paramount+ in 2020, which premiered on June 17, 2021.[2]

Plot

[edit]

Carly is expecting her father, Colonel Shay, to arrive in Seattle to escort her to the Father-Daughter Air Force Dance. She receives an electronic message saying he is unable to come. To comfort her, Spencer asks to take her to the dance, and she accepts. However, Spencer immediately becomes sick after being sneezed on by Lewbert, the apartment building's doorman, and he is unable to attend the dance. Carly is upset by this development, as this is the last year she will be young enough to attend and had been unable to attend the event with her father for the past four years. Sam convinces Freddie and Gibby - who have been at the mall getting Gibby's head re-printed (having sold it in "iLost My Head in Vegas") and saving an abused weasel - to escort Carly to the dance (while Freddie asks if him and Sam want to reunite), but Carly rejects their offer.

Despite his message, Colonel Shay arrives, and escorts Carly to the dance. Afterward, Colonel Shay informs everyone that he has to return to his base in Italy, much to Carly's disappointment as she was looking forward to spending more time with him. Colonel Shay then asks Carly to come with him. She is reluctant to go, but after encouragement from Spencer and her friends (and also Colonel Shay saying there are attractive guys), she decides to go.

Meanwhile, Spencer begins restoring a 1964 Sterling motorcycle for his friend Socko to give to his cousin Ryder for his birthday. Sam, who is into motorcycles, offers to help Spencer fix the motorcycle. He accepts and they fix up the motorcycle together; with Sam recovering one of the crucial components while Spencer recovers from his cold. However, once it is ready on the night of the dance, Spencer reveals that Socko and Ryder recently got into a fight, so Socko will not be giving his cousin the motorcycle now. Sam, at first, gets mad at Spencer for not telling her that before, but Spencer explains that he wants Sam to have the motorcycle. Touched, she happily accepts.

Carly, Sam, and Freddie head into the studio to film a final webcast where Colonel Shay is presented as a special guest. At the end of the show, Carly and Sam inform their viewers that iCarly will be on a hiatus while Carly is in Italy and (in a nod to viewers of the show) thank their fans for all their support over the years. After the show, Carly packs her things in her room downstairs with Spencer, they take the time to say goodbye and Carly thanks Spencer for everything and the siblings share a tearful hug. Freddie is packing his tech-stuff in the studio when Carly stops him by holding his hand and they kiss for the last time before she departs and upon walking out, Freddie raises his hands in triumph. Before going to the airport with her father, she finishes her goodbyes with the rest of the gang. She saves her goodbye with Sam for last and they share an emotional moment in the elevator as Sam gives her the remote from the show as a keepsake.

On the flight to Italy, Carly views a montage of archived iCarly webcasts on her laptop while everyone reminisces upon many memories over the past seasons. Sam tries out her brand-new motorcycle for the first time, riding on it happily through the South, leading to the events of Sam & Cat. Then, the episode ends with Freddie, off-screen, saying his famous closing line on the webshow, "And... we're clear."

Cast

[edit]

Main

[edit]
  • Miranda Cosgrove as Carly Shay, Spencer's younger sister and the host of her own eponymous web show titled iCarly, which has become an internet sensation.
  • Jennette McCurdy as Sam Puckett, the delinquent sidekick and troublemaking best friend of Carly and co-host of iCarly.
  • Nathan Kress as Freddie Benson, iCarly’s technical producer and director. He is also the techy, geeky neighbor of Carly and Spencer.
  • Jerry Trainor as Spencer Shay, Carly's older brother, and a skilled artist. He is also Carly’s legal guardian.
  • Noah Munck as Gibby Gibson, the odd background star of iCarly, and one of the gang’s friends.

Guest star

[edit]
  • David Chisum as Colonel Steven Shay,[3] Carly and Spencer's father who is in the air force.

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

The A.V. Club's review found that the finale covered most of the show's usual concerns, about the importance of self-expression, the role of social media in young people's lives, and the background of "war, recession and technology"; although the first half was too slow-moving, it provides closure and the ending where Carly and Sam do one final episode of their webshow is "touching and funny".[4] Newsday reckoned it was purely for fans, and concentrated heavily on setting up spin-offs for its cast.[5]

Ratings

[edit]

"iGoodbye" drew 6.4 million viewers, and it was the highest-rated program in November 2012 in kids and tweens.[6][7] The episode's debut airing in the United Kingdom attracted 437,000 viewers, the highest ratings that any program on Nickelodeon UK had received up to that time.[8]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"iGoodbye" is the series finale of the American teen sitcom , broadcast as a one-hour special on on November 23, 2012. Created by , who also wrote the episode, and directed by Steve Hoefer, it serves as the 108th and 109th episodes overall, concluding the show's six-season run that premiered in 2007. The episode stars as Carly Shay, as Sam Puckett, as Freddie Benson, as Spencer Shay, and as Gibby Gibson, with guest star portraying Colonel Steven Shay, Carly's and Spencer's absent father. In the episode, Carly eagerly anticipates attending her final military father-daughter dance, only to learn her father cannot join her from his overseas posting, leading to initial disappointment. He surprises her by returning home unexpectedly, escorts her to the event, and later offers her the chance to relocate to Italy with him for his next assignment, forcing Carly to confront major life changes and say goodbye to her Seattle life, friends, and the iCarly webshow. Interwoven subplots include Sam assisting Spencer in restoring a motorcycle, which she later receives as a gift, Spencer hiding an illness on an important night, and Gibby accidentally trapping his head in an artificial head-making machine after selling his first creation. The narrative culminates in emotional farewells, a final iCarly broadcast reflecting on past adventures, and hints at romantic developments, emphasizing themes of growth, transition, and the inevitability of change. "iGoodbye" drew 6.4 million viewers upon its debut, marking the highest-rated program for children and tweens in November 2012 and the strongest iCarly episode in 15 months. It received widespread praise for providing satisfying closure to character arcs, with a 9.1/10 rating on from over 1,200 user votes (as of November 2025), lauded for its heartfelt handling of farewells and integration of the show's signature humor with technology-driven teen experiences. The finale effectively wrapped up the series' exploration of friendship, family dynamics, and online fame, leaving a lasting impact on its young audience.

Background and Development

Announcement and Writing

In May 2012, iCarly creator and executive producer announced that the series would conclude after its sixth season, with the finale designed as an hour-long special to deliver a satisfying close to the show's narrative. This decision was primarily influenced by lead actress Miranda Cosgrove's desire to attend college, having deferred admission previously. The , which had aired since September 2007, prepared to wrap up its run following strong viewership and cultural impact among young audiences. The writing process for the finale, titled "iGoodbye," was spearheaded by Schneider, who focused on crafting emotional resolutions for the core characters, including transitions for Carly and the discontinuation of the web show that defined the series. Schneider incorporated long-standing plot threads, such as the in-person introduction of Carly's father—a U.S. frequently referenced but never seen—to address unresolved family elements and provide deeper closure. He later noted that this element had been envisioned from the outset of planning the finale to properly conclude the storyline. The script was finalized in the months leading up to production, allowing time for revisions to heighten the episode's sentimental tone while maintaining the show's signature humor. To accommodate the expanded scope, "iGoodbye" was structured as a double episode (production codes 514–515, overall episodes 108–109), enabling a more comprehensive exploration of the characters' farewells compared to the standard 22-minute format. This format choice underscored Schneider's intent for a memorable send-off that honored the ensemble's journeys.

Casting Decisions

The main cast of iCarly reprised their roles for the series finale "iGoodbye," ensuring continuity after the show's six-season run. returned as Carly Shay, as Sam Puckett, as Freddie Benson, as Spencer Shay, and as Gibby Gibson. The episode's casting emphasized the established ensemble to underscore longstanding character relationships in the conclusion, without introducing major new recurring roles. Recurring supporting actors, including as Marissa Benson and as Lewbert Sline, also appeared. A notable addition was guest star , cast as Colonel Steven Shay—Carly and Spencer's father—in his first physical on-screen appearance following prior voice-only mentions in episodes such as "iMeet the ."

Episode Content

Plot Summary

The episode "iGoodbye" centers on Carly Shay, the teenage host of the popular web show , who anticipates attending the annual father-daughter military dance with her estranged father, Colonel Steven Shay, a U.S. officer stationed abroad. Carly's excitement turns to disappointment when her father calls to inform her that a surprise inspection prevents his attendance, marking the last year she is eligible for the event as she approaches adulthood. Her older brother and guardian, Spencer, attempts to step in by escorting her but becomes severely ill with a fever after being sneezed on by Lewbert, the building doorman, leaving Carly initially without a partner for the dance. In parallel subplots, Spencer collaborates with Carly's best friend Sam Puckett to repair a dilapidated 1964 Sterling lent by Spencer's friend Socko, providing moments of levity amid the tension; Sam ultimately receives the fully restored bike as a gift in recognition of her longstanding friendship with Carly. Separately, while at the mall getting a of his head made, Gibby—another key member of the crew—accidentally gets stuck in the replication machine; Freddie helps free him, and the shop owner gives him the for free. To Carly's astonishment, Shay arrives in unannounced, having rearranged his schedule, and escorts her to the dance, where they share a bonding evening filled with dancing and conversation that bridges years of absence due to his military commitments. The next day, during a discussion, he extends an invitation for Carly to relocate to and live with him for a year, prompting her to reflect on her life in , her close-knit friendships, and the show's future. After weighing the opportunity to strengthen their relationship, Carly accepts the offer, deciding it necessitates putting on indefinite hiatus. The narrative builds to its emotional climax in the final iCarly webcast from the Shay apartment's studio, broadcast live to millions of viewers. The group delivers heartfelt goodbyes, with Sam expressing her tough but affectionate bond with Carly, Spencer conveying brotherly pride, and Gibby adding his signature humor. Carly shares a tender kiss with Freddie, acknowledging their long-simmering mutual attraction that has evolved from childhood friendship, before announcing her departure to . The resolution unfolds through a poignant montage of flashbacks highlighting key memories from Carly's life and the iCarly adventures, culminating in Freddie's solemn sign-off as the web show permanently ends. As Carly heads to the airport, she bids a tearful farewell to Spencer, Sam, Freddie, and Gibby, then boards the plane bound for , symbolizing her transition to a new chapter.

Cast List

The cast of "iGoodbye," the series finale of iCarly, features the show's core ensemble in their final appearances together, emphasizing the intimate closure of the narrative.

Main Cast

Guest Stars

  • David Chisum as Colonel Steven Shay
Minor roles include recurring performers such as David St. James in a brief appearance.

Production Details

Filming Schedule and Locations

Filming for the iCarly series finale "iGoodbye" was directed by Steve Hoefer and occurred at Nickelodeon on Sunset in Hollywood, California, during the week of June 13, 2012, with the last day of principal photography on June 20, 2012. The production primarily utilized the show's established interior sets, including the Shay apartment, the iCarly studio within the apartment, and the Ridgeway Junior High school interiors, all constructed at the studio facility. Additional exterior filming was required for the episode's departure scene, which depicted Carly's emotional farewell before boarding a plane to . The hour-long format of "iGoodbye" necessitated extended daily shoots compared to the typical 22-minute episodes, allowing time to film intricate emotional sequences such as the final iCarly webcast and a reflective montage of past webcasts. Post-production, encompassing , for the webcast segments, and sound mixing, wrapped by fall 2012 to meet the November premiere schedule.

Music and Sound Design

The music and sound design of the series finale "iGoodbye" prominently features the show's signature theme song, "Leave It All to Me," written by and performed by featuring , which plays in the opening and closing sequences to bookend the episode's emotional narrative. A slower, more sentimental variation of the theme underscores the goodbye montage, evoking as clips from past episodes flash by, heightening the farewell's poignant tone. The episode also incorporates "The Joke Is On You," an original song co-written by and Zack Hexum and performed by Niki Watkins, adding a lighthearted yet fitting musical touch to key subplots. The original score, composed by —the primary music creator for the series—emphasizes emotional beats throughout the runtime. No new original songs are performed during the in-episode , aligning with the finale's focus on reflection rather than performance; instead, subtly underscores subplots, such as the motorcycle repair sequence involving Sam, providing gentle rhythmic support without overpowering the dialogue. Sound design plays a crucial role in immersing viewers in the iCarly universe, particularly through effects that simulate interactivity during the segments. These audio elements collectively contribute to the 47-minute runtime's emotional depth, blending familiarity with subtle innovation to honor the series' legacy.

Broadcast and Viewership

Premiere Information

"iGoodbye" premiered as an hour-long special on on November 23, 2012, at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT, marking the season 6 finale and the conclusion of the series as its 109th overall. The was heavily promoted by as the end of iCarly's original six-season run, with multiple trailers emphasizing emotional farewells and the storyline involving Carly Shay's departure from . These promotional efforts highlighted the series' legacy and built anticipation for the finale's themes of closure and transition. Internationally, the episode first aired in the on UK on April 5, 2013. Following its initial broadcast, "iGoodbye" became available for streaming on platforms such as Paramount+, where the full series has been accessible since the service's launch in 2021. The scheduling aligned with the holiday weekend in the United States—airing the day after on Black Friday—to capitalize on increased family viewership during the long weekend.

Ratings and Metrics

The U.S. premiere of "iGoodbye" on November 23, 2012, attracted 6.4 million total viewers, marking it as the highest-rated program among kids and tweens for the month of November. This figure represented monthly viewership highs in key demographics, with the episode ranking #1 among kids 2-11 (8.4 rating/2.8 million viewers, up 100% from the prior month) and tweens 9-14 (7.8 rating/1.5 million viewers, up 46%). It also performed strongly in kids 6-11 (11.7 rating/2.3 million viewers, up 83%), underscoring its broad appeal within Nickelodeon's during the 2012-2013 television season. In the , the episode premiered on UK on April 5, 2013, drawing 338,100 viewers on the day of broadcast, including 212,000 kids aged 4-15. This performance positioned UK as the top-rated kids' channel for the day and rated as the #1 kids' show premiere of the week, setting a record for the channel's viewership at the time. Including encores, the total reach exceeded 954,500 individuals and 600,800 kids, based on BARB consolidated data. The strong ratings of "iGoodbye" bolstered iCarly's overall legacy as Nickelodeon's longest-running live-action until 2019, spanning six seasons and 109 episodes from 2007 to 2012. This finale not only capped the series' consistent demographic dominance but also highlighted its role in sustaining high viewership for the network's live-action programming.

Critical and Audience Response

Reviews from Critics

praised "iGoodbye" for providing emotional closure to the series, highlighting significant character growth such as Carly's decision to move to and Sam's embrace of independence through her motorcycle journey. The review commended the episode's avoidance of contrived plot twists, describing it as a satisfying conclusion that balanced humor with heartfelt farewells during the final . However, it noted minor criticisms, including a dragging first half filled with predictable gags and Carly appearing less compelling compared to the supporting ensemble. Newsday acknowledged the episode's emphasis on spin-off opportunities, particularly for Sam Puckett, whose storyline paved the way for the upcoming series alongside Grande's character. Despite this forward-looking focus, the review lauded the heartfelt moments, including the emotional father-daughter dance and Carly's poignant departure to with her father, which elicited strong responses from viewers. It awarded the finale an A grade, positioning it as a fitting send-off for longtime fans. Common Sense Media's assessment of as a whole emphasized positive themes of and personal change in episodes like "iGoodbye," deeming it suitable for family viewing with a focus on tween-appropriate lessons about growth and relationships. The series received a 3-out-of-5-star rating, reflecting its blend of humor and mild commentary without excessive risks for young audiences. Critics generally viewed "iGoodbye" as a strong finale for a children's , appreciating its emotional depth and closure while noting some predictability in the storytelling. This consensus aligned with user-voted ratings, which averaged 9.1 out of 10 on , underscoring its impact as a memorable conclusion.

Fan Reactions and Legacy

The airing of "iGoodbye" on November 23, 2012, elicited overwhelmingly emotional responses from fans, many of whom expressed profound sadness over the end of the series that had accompanied them through their formative years. Viewers highlighted the poignancy of Carly's farewells to her friends and family, particularly the heartfelt kiss between Carly and Freddie, which provided long-awaited closure for shippers while evoking tears for the impending separation. buzz around the episode, including trends like #iGoodbye, amplified these sentiments, with fans sharing personal stories of how the show mirrored their own transitions into . In the immediate aftermath, dedicated iCarly enthusiasts launched online petitions urging to renew the series or produce additional content, reflecting a reluctance to let go of the characters and their world. These efforts underscored the show's deep connection with its audience, as fans across age groups—from preteens to adults—voiced desires for extended adventures, citing the finale's open-ended nature as fuel for hope. While not resulting in immediate renewal, such campaigns highlighted the episode's role in fostering a loyal community eager for more. Culturally, "iGoodbye" cemented iCarly's status as an enduring icon of and early youth media, pioneering tropes in storytelling such as DIY , viral sketches, and the blending of real-world with fictional hijinks. The episode's nostalgic montage of past webcasts paid homage to this innovative format, influencing subsequent shows and online creators by normalizing the idea of teens as digital influencers before platforms like fully dominated. References to the finale in broader pop culture, often as a benchmark for bittersweet teen goodbyes, have kept its resonance alive in discussions of early internet-era entertainment. The episode's legacy extends directly to later projects, as its conclusion—with Carly departing for to join her father—served as a narrative bridge for the 2021 revival on Paramount+. The reboot's premiere, "iStart Over," picks up years later, with Carly returning from her time abroad to relaunch the web show alongside familiar faces like Spencer and Freddie, addressing the time jump while exploring adult iterations of the original dynamics. The series ran for three seasons before being canceled in October 2023. In August 2025, announced that an movie is in development for , aiming to provide closure following the reboot's abrupt end. This continuity honored the finale's setup, allowing the franchise to evolve while capitalizing on fans' enduring affection. Retrospective analyses continue to praise "iGoodbye" for its sensitive handling of teen milestones, such as family reunions and budding romances, which provided authentic closure amid the characters' growth. The episode bolstered creator Dan Schneider's reputation as a architect of feel-good, relatable hits during his tenure, though this acclaim predates subsequent controversies surrounding his production practices. Overall, it endures as a touchstone for generational , reinforcing iCarly's impact on how youth-oriented media navigates change and connectivity.

References

  1. https://www.[imdb](/page/IMDb).com/title/tt2495724/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.