Chuck — both the character and the TV show — has cheated death for five years. It’s been in danger of cancellation each season but has survived long enough to be able to have a true series finale.

Next Friday marks the end of Chuck and NBC will air the final two episodes together. Executive producer and co-creator Chris Fedak has said that the fifth season was designed as a love letter to the fans who’ve campaigned for so long to keep the show going. The Wienerlicious restaurant (first seen in the pilot) will be back in the finale, as will Chuck’s mom ( played by Linda Hamilton).

What else can Chuck fans expect? Actress Yvonne Strahovski shares, “We (are focusing) on what I think is the heart of Chuck, which is the Chuck and Sarah romance, and it will be difficult to watch because it’s unexpected, what is happening, and I think it will leave audiences a little bit on the edge of their seats wondering how this is going to finish up… I hope it will be [satisfying for them]… The way it sort of gets tied up in a bow to finish it will be good.”

Here’s the last episode preview from NBC:

What do you think? Are you looking forward to the last episodes of Chuck? Are you surprised that it’s lasted this long?

Image courtesy NBC.