The Neighborhood Final Season: What to Expect as the CBS Comedy Says Goodbye

After seven seasons of laughs, life lessons, and the occasional passive-aggressive bake-off, The Neighborhood is heading into its eighth and final season on CBS. And if the premiere is any indication, the block is buzzing with change, reflection, and more than a little chaos.

So what can fans expect as the beloved sitcom takes its final bow? A lot, actually. With major character transitions, some surprise returns, and a tightly written endgame in the works, the last season of The Neighborhood promises to be both a love letter to fans and a proper send-off to one of CBS’s longest-running comedies.

Empty Nesters and Existential Crises

Let’s start with Calvin and Tina, who are officially empty nesters now that Malcolm has set up shop in Venice and Marty’s house has a new roommate in girlfriend Courtney. Never mind that these two have technically been without kids at home since Season 3 — this time, it feels real. For Calvin, that means less parenting and more time to meddle in everyone else's business. And for Tina, well, she might finally get the spa day she’s been dreaming of since 2018.

Gemma, meanwhile, is spiraling just a little as Grover graduates from Walcott Academy and heads off to high school. Suddenly free of the child she’s had under her wing from kindergarten through eighth grade, she’s wondering what’s next. Cue the existential crisis, complete with coffee-fueled soul searching and probably a misguided yoga retreat or two.

According to co-showrunner Bill Martin in an interview with TVLine, this season leans into transitions. The writers are exploring what happens when characters hit natural turning points in their lives — like Gemma questioning her purpose now that her son no longer attends the school where she teaches. It’s equal parts identity crisis and overdue reality check.

Dave vs The Robots

Now let’s talk about Dave. Our favorite overly enthusiastic neighbor has managed to automate his own job at the VA thanks to his latest obsession with artificial intelligence. Now, with machines doing his work, Dave is left with something even scarier than war stories and backyard barbecues — free time.

The result is a multi-episode arc that turns Dave into a sort of comic punching bag. As co-showrunner Mike Schiff told TVLine, “We’re tormenting that poor guy like a piñata.” Expect hobbies gone wrong, awkward attempts at reinvention, and more than one midlife crisis disguised as a quirky side hustle.

Familiar Faces and a Focused Finish

While the final season will include a few fun guest appearances — including The Big Bang Theory’s John Ross Bowie reprising his role as Dave’s former boss Gregory, and Angelique Cabral returning as Malcolm’s literary agent Lisa — the focus will stay squarely on the core ensemble.

Martin and Schiff emphasized to TVLine that they want this final season to feel intimate, not overstuffed. Sure, they’d like to bring back Tina and Dave’s parents (played by Glynn Turman, Kevin Pollak, and Marilu Henner), but they’re prioritizing character closure over cameos.

A Finale That Feels Like Home

As for the final episode, don’t expect a bloated hour-long sendoff. The current plan is a classic, half-hour goodbye — simple, emotional, and satisfying. Schiff pointed to The Mary Tyler Moore Show as the gold standard for sitcom finales, describing it as “just a half hour where everybody gets fired, they all sing 'It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,' and we cry, and she turns off the lights.” That’s the tone they’re aiming for — no fireworks, just heart.

Martin added that their ultimate goal is for fans to walk away thinking, “Oh, this is why we enjoyed this ride.” Not a bad legacy for a show built on awkward neighborly encounters and backyard barbeques.

The Bottom Line

The Neighborhood is heading out the way it came in — funny, thoughtful, and just the right amount of petty. With storylines that reflect real-life transitions and a final act focused on the core cast, this last season is shaping up to be a fitting farewell.

Stay tuned, stay nosy, and maybe check on your own neighbors once in a while. Or don’t. We’re not judging.