Oprah produced the final "Oprah Winfrey Show" herself and kept the plans secret.
Her final original episode will air at 3 p.m. Wednesday on ABC7.
In the end, it was just Oprah, alone on her Chicago stage, talking to viewers about what they've meant to her during the show's run.
In an earlier interview with Eyewitness News, Oprah talked about the enormous platform her show has provided, but also how we can all make a difference.
"Most people have a circle of 25," she said. "My circle is just broader. But I think the power comes from each human being and what you do with your circle."
Oprah announced in November 2009 that she would end her popular talk show after decades on air.