For television shows, consistency is critical to attracting and maintaining a consistent level of viewers. One way to grab attention from people is to have an exciting first episode that instantly gets people talking, but when a series ends, audiences can get nervous. Even if a show has high standards throughout, such as Game Of Thrones, they can still fall short with the finale. Fortunately, these 21 shows prove that great final episodes can be done to ensure the highest quality ending to leave fans happy.
The Good Place
The Good Place always tackled philosophical ideas and theories in a funny yet emotional manner. The finale was no different from that, as it left audiences with the clear message that the people you choose to spend time with are the most important. Each character wraps things up in the way they would like, which can cause audiences to shed tears, but it also provides a definitive ending.
Schitt’s Creek
This series provides plenty of amazing comedic scenes, and the finale doesn’t disappoint. From an interesting massage to the wedding that wraps up the show, Schitt’s Creek goes out with a bang that audiences will love.
Modern Family
Modern Family might be a light-hearted comedy, but audiences fell in love with the characters as if they were their own flesh and blood. The fact that people saw them grow as people and with their connections led to the finale being very emotional. But it wrapped the show up in a great way, and even though Sarah Hyland admitted she was disappointed by how things finished for her character, fans enjoyed the directions they all took.
New Girl
New Girl always brings laughter from its fans, and the finale doesn’t disappoint in that regard. While the show appears to be pushing toward an upsetting finish, the fact that it ends with a colossal prank perfectly fits the show’s tone.
Six Feet Under
Six Feet Under’s final episode certainly has plenty of emotion, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so intense. The episode gives fans insight into what happens to every character involved, and while that can provide some sad moments, it allows audiences to part ways with the people they’ve invested so much emotion in.
E.R.
Considering how long E.R. ran for, there was always the chance it wouldn’t stick the landing, but that wasn’t the case. A big reason this final episode was so good was that it rewarded long-term fans. Whether it was bringing back specific characters such as Doug Ross or ending storylines, it provided fans with a great television episode.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer always combines horror, thrills, and engaging characters. By the end, Buffy no longer feels isolated because more slayers are starting to emerge. This wraps things up perfectly for her as an individual, and that’s what audiences wanted to see.
Twin Peaks
The final episode of Twin Peaks provided a big revelation for fans, leaving people both surprised and entertained. It ensured everyone was talking about it, and the fact that it wasn’t afraid to take significant risks in the end paid off massively.
The Americans
The Americans maintained an extremely high level of consistency from start to finish, and the finale didn’t disappoint. Providing surprises and serious sadness, the last episode ensured that people would talk about the show long after it ended.
BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman might’ve dipped in quality towards the end, but the last episode was an example of the show at its best. The series lets the character admit that things are coming to an end, with that feeling being transparent throughout the episode. There’s emotion and some humor, and while not every question is answered, the finale entertains and rounds things out in style.
Fleabag
Fleabag doesn’t overstay its welcome as a television show, meaning the quality is exceptionally high throughout. That includes the finale, which does bring plenty of emotion as the future of the lead characters is very much determined. While it might not be how everyone wants it to end, Fleabag proves that not every series needs a glossy happy ending, and that’s sometimes the right decision. It leaves some aspects up to interpretation, too, and that keeps the show’s intrigue alive.
The Wire
The Wire delivered a robust final episode to wrap up a memorable series well. The show ensured that storylines were drawn to a close and given a proper finish, which ensured that no fans were left frustrated.
Chernobyl
Chernobyl might’ve only been a miniseries, but considering the high quality of every episode, this one needed to end in style. The opening episode is one of the best in recent history, and fortunately, the final episode is just as strong. It packs the right level of emotions while being insightful about the situation, satisfying people.
The Office
The Office might’ve dropped in quality towards the end of its run, but the series is so beloved that the ending will always be necessary. Fortunately, it went perfectly, packing a punch with genuine humor and some callbacks to older storylines while ensuring that each character had the ideal ending. Bringing back Michael Scott was crucial, considering his importance to the show overall, and while he didn’t dominate the episode, it was great to have him.
Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul might’ve started as a spinoff prequel to Breaking Bad, but it became just as popular due to its quality. The ending proved to be a perfect finish for the show, wrapping up the specific story arcs that had taken place throughout the show while ensuring that the high standards weren’t dropped.
This Is Us
This Is Us is one of the most emotionally charged television shows ever, and the finale was no exception. Audiences knew what was coming due to Rebecca’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease, but that didn’t stop it from being any more complicated for people to see. Watching the aftermath of her death and seeing how the family comes together for the next stage provides the right level of emotion, grief, and hope, which is what the show is all about.
Mad Men
Mad Men wrapped things up brilliantly, particularly for people who loved Don Draper’s character. Throughout the series, he constantly looked for something; seeing him look specifically for peace was a neat touch. The ensemble cast isn’t neglected, whether it’s Sally focusing on her siblings or Joan kickstarting her career finally in charge. Every box is ticked for fans.
The Sopranos
The Sopranos finishes with an unclear ending regarding Tony Soprano. While it seems very clear what’s about to happen to him, it never officially reveals it, which feels perfect for this particular show and his character.
Mr. Robot
Mr. Robot was a clever show that kept fans on edge. Twists and turns always happened, leaving people guessing. That was clear with the final episode, which packs one final major twist, highlighting how the show was never afraid of taking big risks. Revealing such a significant piece of information at the end could’ve backfired, but the quality of this series worked out perfectly.
Breaking Bad
After five seasons of incredible tension, twists, and unforgettable characters, the final episode managed to end with a bang. Wrapping up the overall storyline of Walter White, showcasing the emotions that he goes through and how his connection to Jesse Pinkman is ultimately crucial to him, was a brilliant touch. The final scene is fitting and allows one of the strongest shows ever to end impressively.
Friends
Few television shows have had as much pressure to deliver a perfect final episode as Friends. This American sitcom is one of the most popular shows of all time, and the fact that the finale was viewed by 52.2 million highlights that. Fortunately, fans weren’t disappointed as they wrapped things up in a manner that wrapped up all the storylines and left the characters in a fresh scenario, ready to move on to something new. The episode had jokes and plenty of heart, giving people everything they wanted.
