On the heels of its third season, Apple TV+’s Physical feels — in some ways — better than ever before. But when the end credits roll on Episode 10, “Like a Prayer,” have we truly seen the last of Sheila Rubin’s story? Or is there more of her healing journey and business ventures to come?
Annie Weisman’s ambitious dark comedy drama, starring and executive produced by Rose Byrne, follows a 1980s mother and housewife battling a toxic inner voice and an all-consuming eating disorder when she finds aerobics. After instructor Bunny (Della Saba) shows her the ropes, Sheila builds her newfound passion for fitness into a business empire alongside her best friend Greta (Dierdre Friel), her (eventually ex) husband Danny (Rory Scovel), and the married object of her affection John Breem (Paul Sparks).
Season 3 shows a new series of highs and lows for Shelia, but in the end, it seems she finally finds a long-lasting path towards healing. But was Physical‘s Season 3 finale also the series finale? Or will there be a Physical Season 4 down the line? Here’s everything we know about the future of the Apple TV+ series.
Unfortunately for Physical fans, Season 3 is the final season of the series. Back in May, Apple TV+ announced that the series was renewed for a third season, but that this season would be its last. So Physcial Season 4 isn’t happening as of right now.
“We are so grateful to Apple, Tomorrow Studios and all our creative collaborators for the chance to bring Sheila to life in all her gritty glory,” Rose Byrne and creator, writer and executive producer Annie Weisman said in a statement. “With this final season, Sheila’s three act saga of rebellion, recovery and redemption comes to the satisfying conclusion that she and her fans so richly deserve. We feel so proud to share this last chapter with everyone.”
“Over the course of three enthralling seasons of Physical, we have been honored to work with Annie Weisman and Tomorrow Studios to bring Sheila Rubin’s journey of transformation and personal empowerment to the screen through Rose Byrne’s fearless, moving and often very funny, portrayal,” Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+, said. “We are aware of just how much of an impact this character and story has had on audiences around the world and can’t wait for them to join us on this final exhilarating ride that culminates in an immensely rewarding finale for this celebrated series.”
So how did Physical Season 3 end? Let’s review.
The series finale opened in 1986, and Sheila and Greta’s Strength in Numbers aerobics empire was super successful — so successful that their legal team started crushing anyone who tried to copy the franchise. Outside of work, we learn Sheila lives in a gorgeous beachfront home with her daughter Maya and her smoking hot man, John Breem. Or so it seems… Turns out the two aren’t actually together. Sheila is alone, and Breem lives rent-free in her head, acting as her new inner critic post-Kelly Kilmartin.
For a chunk of the Season 3 finale, Sheila also fears she has a stalker, but it turns out it’s just Tyler, who’s mad at her for running Bunny out of town. Tyler explains that Bunny tried teaching again, but Sheila’s lawyers shut her down, so Bun headed to Mexico — home of the real John Breem — to seek revenge. Worried that Bunny will seduce Breem, Sheila heads to Mexico with Greta under the guise of a girl’s trip, then comes clean about her true intentions. The two friends head to Breem’s church, where he’s expecting Sylvia. He shows her around his new home, starting with the fitness class taught by — yep, you guessed it! — BUNNY. Turns out, John’s wife and Bunny teamed up to get revenge on Sheila. But rather than fight with them, Sheila apologizes to Bunny for cutting her out of her aerobics business and not giving her any credit.
Sheila asks Bunny if she can join her class to clear her head, and Bunny asks the ladies to make room in the back. Sheila kicks her heels off, removes her earrings, and joins the ladies as Olivia Newton-John’s “Xanadu” plays. We see Sheila, presumably in the future, back at home wearing a red dress, looking refreshed, and examining herself in the bathroom mirror. She sees a pimple and — unlike she did in the pilot — makes peace with it, then walks outside to look at her gorgeous ocean view.
As she explains the benefits of exercise in a voiceover, we return to the class in Mexico, where Sheila’s letting loose as Tyler, Greta, Danny, and John dance around her. We flash back to her and Bunny teaching in the mall, the time she took Bunny and Vinnie Green’s classes, and aerobics with Danny. We see a young Maya, Bunny, and Tyler dancing around Sheila in Mexico. Then she’s alone, healing, releasing the pressure, remembering her journey, and working towards inner peace. “To think I started this whole thing looking for control,” her voice says. “When all I had to do touch the infinite was let go of it.” The last shot of the series shows a smiling Sheila waving her arms as Japanese Breakfast’s “Dreams” plays us out and the end credits roll.
That may be where we leave Sheila, but all three seasons of Physical are streaming on Apple TV+ for all your rewatch needs. And if you’re looking for a new Rose Byrne show on Apple TV+ that starts with the letter “P,” check out her new comedy, Platonic, starring Seth Rogen and Luke Macfarlane.