Honestly, it’s still kinda wild to think about. By the time Ugly Betty season 4 rolled around in 2009, the show was basically on life support. ABC had shuffled it off to the "Friday night death slot," and if you were a fan back then, you probably remember the pit in your stomach every time the ratings dropped. People were already writing its obituary.
But then something weird happened. Instead of phoning it in, the writers decided to actually go for it. They leaned into the transformation we’d all been waiting for since 2006.
Betty Suarez finally stopped being the "assistant" and started being the professional she was always meant to be. This wasn't just about the braces coming off (though that $Million Dollar Smile$ episode was a massive moment). It was about her finding her voice at Mode.
The High Stakes of the Final 20 Episodes
When the season kicked off with the two-part "The Butterfly Effect," the vibe was different. Betty was no longer Daniel’s shadow. She was the Associate Features Editor. That’s a huge jump. But it wasn't an easy transition. You’ve got Matt Hartley—her ex—acting as her boss and basically making her life a living hell out of spite.
It was messy. It was uncomfortable. It was exactly what the show needed to feel real again.
Marc St. James spent half the season resenting Betty because he felt he deserved that promotion more than she did. And honestly? Looking back, he had a point. Marc lived and breathed Mode. Watching them navigate that tension while eventually becoming actual peers—and dare I say, friends—is one of the most rewarding arcs in the entire series.
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What happened to the cast?
If you noticed a few missing faces, you weren't imagining things. Ashley Jensen, who played the iconic Christina McKinney, left the main cast after season 3 to head back to Scotland. She did pop up for a guest spot in the "London Calling" episode, which was a nice bit of fan service, but her absence left a hole in the Suarez/Meade dynamic.
Meanwhile, Daniel Eric Gold was bumped up to a series regular. His character, Matt, went from a sweet love interest to a bitter antagonist before eventually finding his own path in Africa. It was a polarizing choice for fans, but it forced Betty to stand on her own two feet without a man to lean on.
Ratings, Cancellations, and the Move to Wednesdays
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. The numbers.
The move to Fridays was a disaster. At one point, during the episode "Level (7) with Me," the show hit an all-time low of 3.39 million viewers. For a show that used to pull in over 14 million, that was a death sentence. ABC tried to save it by moving it to Wednesday nights after Eastwick got the axe, but the damage was done.
In January 2010, the official word came down: Ugly Betty season 4 would be the last.
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The network actually cut the episode order from 22 down to 20. This is why the final few episodes feel like they’re moving at 100 miles per hour. We went from Betty getting her braces off to her moving to London in the blink of an eye.
The London Factor
Episode 18, "London Calling," is a fan favorite, but here’s a fun bit of trivia: they didn't actually go to London. Despite the sweeping shots of the Thames and the red buses, most of it was filmed on sets in New York.
Even with the budget constraints and the looming finale, that episode managed to bring back Gio Rossi (Freddy Rodriguez) and Henry Grubstick (Christopher Gorham). It felt like a "greatest hits" tour of Betty's past loves, helping her realize that none of them were her future.
Why the Ending Still Sparks Debate
The series finale, "Hello Goodbye," is probably one of the most discussed endings of that era. Betty lands a dream job in London. She leaves the poncho and the chaos of New York behind.
But it’s that final scene on the steps in London that gets people. Daniel Meade shows up. He’s quit Mode. He’s looking for a fresh start. He asks Betty out to dinner.
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Is it romantic? Is it just two friends?
America Ferrera and Eric Mabius played it with just enough ambiguity to keep us guessing for nearly two decades. Some fans hated the idea of them together, arguing it ruined their "brother-sister" bond. Others (the shippers) had been waiting for that moment since the pilot.
Whatever your take, you can't deny the growth. Seeing Betty walk away into a bright, busy London street—no longer the "ugly" girl, but a confident woman—was the perfect closing shot.
How to Revisit the Series Today
If you're looking to binge the final season again, you’ve got options. As of 2026, the series remains a staple on streaming platforms.
- Hulu/Disney+: Most regions carry the full 85-episode run here.
- Physical Media: If you're a nerd for commentary tracks, the Season 4 DVD set has some great "deleted scenes" that explain why certain subplots (like the Community of the Phoenix cult) felt a bit rushed.
- The Soundtrack: Keep an ear out for "New in Town" by Little Boots during the London montage—it basically defines the late-2000s energy of the show.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you’re watching Ugly Betty season 4 for the first time, pay close attention to the costume design. As the season progresses, Patricia Field and Molly Rogers subtly evolved Betty’s wardrobe. She doesn't lose her "Betty-ness," but the colors become more cohesive, and the tailoring gets sharper. It's a masterclass in visual storytelling that mirrors her professional ascent. Also, keep an eye on Justin’s storyline; his coming-out arc in "Million Dollar Smile" remains one of the most sensitive and well-handled depictions of LGBTQ+ youth in network TV history.