When this series started did they know what would happen later?

Most TV shows have a Bible written. It may have been a basic idea that was developed later on

As a daughter of a former low level NBC executive I can explain what goes on behind the scenes. Every show that I know of has a "Bible" of each show that has to be reviewed by the VP of Entertainment for the network that the series is aired on. Generally, in the beginning it's basic. The names of the main characters, the direction it's headed towards. Scripts have to be approved by the network and usually they are required to update the Bible. Each year, after filming has wrapped, most shows stop filming middle of March, series creators have to give the updated to Bible for next season and a budget that they determine they would need to continue the series. The VP of Entertainment along with other executives go over the budget, they look at the ratings, review the revenue taken in through print advertisements and commercials and what they can charge. If the revenue is large and they can charge top dollars and its budget is smaller then what is taken in through the revenue, the series gets renewed. Most season of QL, with the exception of season 2 and 3, QL was on the fence.

They had a VP who believed and liked QL, that was Brandon Tartikoff who was the President of Entertainment Division and the President and Chairman was Grant Tinker. Both were very supportive of QL. In my opinion Mr Tartikoff was the best at his job. He gave new series the time to find its audience (which was unheard of back then and even now) and most shows found their audience. Some of the best loved series such as Cheers, Family Ties were the bottom two in the ratings 95 and 96. He promoted them heavily, put them behind a strong lead in and they became giant hits. He did the same for QL. He also could charge more for commercials because they got the best and most desirable demographics 18-34 as any network would charged for the top 20. Two things he change how the business was run. Tartikoff left the network in 1991 and became chairman of Paramount.

Unfortunately, Tinker left as well and QL lost their network backers. Warren Littlefield replaced Tartikoff. He didn't understand the concept of QL, he didn't like the show and Bellisario was extremely unsupported by the new President of Entertainment. Since Littlefield didn't support the show that's when he started changing days and times it aired. (Usually, a bad sign for any series). When it was time for renewal at the end of season 1992-93. It was down to the wire of whether it was picked up for another season. When they filmed the last episode Mirror Image, they were required to film three different endings because at that time they still weren't sure the show would be renewed. Of course, NBC chose the worst ending that fans and creator never wanted to hear that Sam never leaps home. He's a hero to those he helped change their lives, he should get some closure. What a jerk Littlefield was and true hardcore fans let him know it.

My father had nothing to do with shows filmed on the west coast, he only dealt with NYC filmed series and wasn't a high level executive who made any decisions on whether a series was renewed or cancelled. I was still pretty pissed at him for NBC cancelling my favorite show and how they ended it.

I used to watch QL RELIGIOUSLY every week, or if I wasn't home I'd videotape it. It was my favorite show back then. I too was disappointed with Mirror Image that Sam didn't get to leap home. It sucked when I heard it was cancelled. But now I see why. I also liked a lot of the episodes of Seinfeld, but just not the last one. It stunk! But, I guess Warren Littlefield wasn't a visionary for these two shows.