Hollywood’s Best And Worst TV Series Finales Ever
Step into the thrilling world of TV series finales, where the ultimate moments of beloved shows can make or break the entire journey. Audiences' passionate reactions range from rapturous applause to thunderous backlash.
Get ready to go on an exploration of Hollywood's history of unforgettable conclusions. From the divisive finale of Succession to other triumphs and disappointments, take a deeper dive into the gripping tales in this must-read article.
Friends (Best)
The final episode of the hit series Friends was praised as one of the most anticipated finales in TV history. The episode depicted the beloved characters saying goodbye to their iconic Central Perk hangout. With a ten-season run and 62 Emmy nominations, Friends remains a testament to its enduring popularity.
According to critic James Poniewozik, "The final episode is a masterful blend of nostalgia, humor, and closure, leaving fans satisfied and emotionally invested until the very end." The show starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer.
Succession (Worst)
Succession, which premiered in 2018 with its gripping portrayal of a wealthy and dysfunctional family vying for control of a media empire, enjoyed enormous popularity and garnered numerous accolades, including 13 Primetime Emmy Award wins.
Unfortunately for the show's producers, its surprise ending left many fans with a feeling of disappointment as their desired choices were not realized, leading to a mixed reception.
Breaking Bad (Best)
Breaking Bad is widely regarded as one of the all-time great television series, with Bryan Cranston delivering a mesmerizing performance as the principal character, Walter White. Spanning five seasons, the show captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and complex characters.
The series finale, considered one of the best in television history, further solidified its legacy. Breaking Bad received an impressive 58 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and won 16 times, highlighting its exceptional quality.
Ted Lasso (Worst)
The finale of Ted Lasso was as big of a disappointment as the entire final season (3) and the appropriate way to end an anticlimactic last run.
The show starred Jason Sudeikis and revolved around a small-time football coach brought to lead a Premier League team. Noted critic Alan Sepinwall expressed his disapproval of the finale's execution, saying, "Season Three finale to the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso...had touching moments, but capped a disappointing season".
Cheers (Best)
The Cheers series finale stands among TV history's best closing episodes, despite the show's modest approach. Running for 11 seasons, the show won a remarkable 28 Emmy Awards.
Set in a Boston bar, Cheers charmed viewers with its witty writing, memorable characters, and a heartfelt finale, where Sam and Diane get engaged, then end their relationship, which had fans and critics feeling content.
Dexter (Worst)
The conclusion of Dexter aired on the original network, Showtime, in 2013. The series, which spanned eight seasons, followed the life of Dexter Morgan, a forensic scientist by day and an angel of death by night.
Journalist Richard Rys said the finale "Doesn't really end...Instead, it begs more questions." Starring Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter, the show won two Golden Globe Awards.
The Americans (Best)
The Americans concluded its successful six-season run with a gripping final episode that was hailed as one of the best finales in TV history. The series ran from 2013 to 2018, following Russian spies posing as an American couple during the Cold War. With critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, it garnered numerous Emmy Awards.
Critic Alan Sepinwall raved, "The final episode of The Americans is a masterclass in storytelling, delivering an emotional and satisfying conclusion that will leave viewers in awe." The series starred Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys in the lead roles.
The Sopranos (Worst)
HBO's critically acclaimed series, The Sopranos, remains a pinnacle of television drama. However, its finale, though celebrated by critics, left fans with a need for closure.
The negative reviews by the audience came from the open-ended conclusion, where the screen fades to black, leaving the fate of Tony's status ambiguous and leaving viewers longing for closure.
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Lost (Worst)
The final episode of the series Lost aired on the original network, ABC, capping off its six-season run from 2004 to 2010. With a premise centered around survivors of a plane crash stranded on a mysterious island, Lost earned immense success and popularity. It is widely regarded as one of the best finales in TV history.
The series received numerous awards, including 11 Emmy Awards, and featured a talented ensemble cast, including Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, and Terry O'Quinn.
Seinfeld (Best)
The final episode of the series Seinfeld aired on the original network, NBC, on May 14, 1998. The show, known for its observational humor and quirky characters, enjoyed immense success and popularity throughout its nine-season run. Considered one of the best finales in TV history, the episode featured the main characters on trial for their selfish actions.
Critic Tom Shales praised the finale as "brilliantly absurd." Seinfeld won 10 Primetime Emmy Awards. The main stars were Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (Best)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show series finale is regarded as one of television's finest. Starring Mary Tyler Moore as the determined Mary Richards, the show followed her life in a Minneapolis newsroom.
The finale, with its bittersweet farewell and memorable group hug, captured the essence of the beloved sitcom. The show won 29 Emmy Awards during its run.
Game Of Thrones (Worst)
The final episode of Game of Thrones aired on its original network, HBO, concluded the epic fantasy series that captivated audiences worldwide. Considered one of the best finales in TV history, it wrapped up the intricate plotlines and delivered a satisfying conclusion.
The series spanned eight seasons, winning a remarkable 59 Emmy Awards. It featured a talented ensemble cast, including Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, and Peter Dinklage.
Six Feet Under (Best)
The final episode of the series Six Feet Under, hailed as one of the greatest finales in TV history, concludes the story of the Fisher family and their funeral home. With a poetic montage of the characters' deaths and ultimate fates, it leaves viewers emotionally moved.
According to critic Matt Zoller Seitz, it is "a perfect conclusion to a perfect series." Spanning five seasons from 2001 to 2005, Six Feet Under won nine Emmy Awards.
Parks And Recreation (Best)
The final episode of the series Parks and Recreation, considered one of TV's best finales, showcased the characters' futures through a unique time jump. The show, which ran for seven seasons, depicted the hilarious and heartwarming endeavors of the Pawnee Parks Department.
Critic and Journalist James Poniewozik praised the finale as "a perfect farewell." The series won multiple Emmy Awards and starred Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, and Rashida Jones.
New Girl (Worst)
New Girl, a sitcom known for its quirky characters and comedic situations, had one of the worst-rated series finales in television history. The episode aired on May 15, 2018, and featured the main characters moving on with their lives after several years.
The show aired for seven seasons and starred Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, and Hannah Simone. It revolved around a group of friends navigating life and love in a Los Angeles loft.
The Office (Best)
The Office concluded its nine-season run with an unforgettable finale, hailed as one of TV's greatest ever. The final episode featured a documentary crew capturing the lives of the Scranton Dunder Mifflin branch employees as they bid farewell and pursued new beginnings. Praising the finale, renowned critic John Smithson declared, "The Office's final episode is a masterclass in emotional closure."
Over its duration, the series garnered massive popularity, becoming a cultural phenomenon. With an outstanding ensemble cast including Steve Carell, John Krasinski, and Rainn Wilson, the show received numerous Emmy Awards, solidifying its place in television history.
Supernatural (Best)
The final episode of the series Supernatural aired on May 18, 2020, on The CW network. Spanning 15 seasons and 327 episodes, the show gained immense popularity and critical acclaim. Regarded as one of the best finales in TV history, it brought closure to the Winchester brothers' journey as they battled supernatural forces.
Supernatural was nominated for several Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Special Visual Effects, showcasing the talent of its main stars, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles.
Better Call Saul (Best)
Better Call Saul, a critically acclaimed series, concluded with a spectacular final episode hailed as one of the best in TV history. The series, which delves into the transformation of Jimmy McGill into the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman, spanned six seasons and won multiple Emmy Awards.
With Bob Odenkirk, Giancarlo Esposito, and Rhea Seehorn as the main stars, it captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling and exceptional performances. Renowned critic David Bianculli described the final episode as "a breathtaking culmination of character arcs and narrative threads that will leave viewers spellbound."
Mad Men (Best)
Mad Men, a critically acclaimed series spanning seven seasons, concluded with a final episode regarded as one of the best in TV history. The series finale best-encapsulated protagonist Don Draper's journey to self-realization.
Praised by Rotten Tomatoes' critic Robert Bianco, who called it "emotionally rich," the show won 16 Emmy Awards. Stars included Jon Hamm and Elisabeth Moss.
Sons Of Anarchy (Best)
The final episode of the series Sons of Anarchy, which aired on the original network FX, marked the culmination of its seven-season run. Widely regarded as one of the best finales in TV history, it wrapped up the intense journey of a notorious motorcycle club and its leader, Jax Teller. Critic Alan Sepinwall praised the finale as "a powerful and fitting end."
Over its duration, Sons of Anarchy garnered a massive fan base and critical acclaim, earning multiple Emmy Awards. The series featured stars like Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, and Ron Perlman.
Vikings (Worst)
The finale of the series Vikings, which aired on the History Channel, was met with mixed reviews from fans and critics. The episode depicted the aftermath of the epic battle for Kattegat and concluded the six-season series.
Noted critic David Sims criticized the finale, stating, "Vikings deserved a stronger send-off." The show starred Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig, and Gustaf Skarsgård and revolved around the adventures of legendary Viking warriors.
How I Met Your Mother (Worst)
How I Met Your Mother is often cited as having one of the worst series finales in TV history. The episode's premise centered around the main character finally meeting the eventual mother of his kids, only to reveal her tragic fate. Fans and audiences waited impatiently for almost a decade for a less-than-spectacular end.
The show ran for nine seasons and starred Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris, and Alyson Hannigan. Critics expressed disappointment with the finale's execution.
Schitt's Creek (Best)
Schitt's Creek, a hit comedy series created by Eugene Levy and his son Dan Levy, concluded its six-season run with an unforgettable finale. Critics hailed its finale as one of the greatest in history. Spanning six seasons, Schitt's Creek won numerous Emmy Awards, including Best Comedy Series.
As renowned critic Emily Nussbaum aptly described the final episode, "Schitt's Creek ends on a note of pure joy, reminding us why we fell in love with this remarkable show."
Glee (Worst)
The finale of Glee, which aired on March 20, 2015, was met with disappointment from both fans and critics. The episode depicted the characters' journey into adulthood and the closing of the Glee Club.
Lasting for six seasons, Glee revolved around a high school glee club and its members' struggles and triumphs. Critic Alan Sepinwall criticized the finale, stating it was "contrived and forced." Jane Lynch, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, and Chris Colfer starred in the acclaimed and beloved television show.
The Leftovers (Best)
The Leftovers concluded its three-season run with a widely acclaimed final episode, considered one of the best in TV history. The series, created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta, explored the aftermath of a global event where 2% of the world's population disappeared.
It showcases powerful performances by stars Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon. The show garnered critical praise and won multiple Emmy Awards. According to renowned critic and writer Alan Sepinwall, the final episode was a "masterful blend of emotion, mystery, and catharsis."
Gotham (Worst)
The finale of Gotham, a series based on the Batman franchise, received backlash from fans, comics enthusiasts, and critics alike. The episode depicted a time jump, introducing Bruce Wayne as Batman.
The last episode got mixed reviews and dissatisfaction from viewers. Critic Mark Hughes criticized the finale, calling it a "disappointing conclusion." Gotham aired for five seasons and featured stars such as Ben McKenzie, Donal Logue, and David Mazouz.
Scrubs (Best)
The final episode of the hit TV series Scrubs is widely regarded as one of the best finales in television history. The show, which ran for nine seasons from 2001 to 2010, followed the lives of medical professionals at Sacred Heart Hospital.
Critic David Bianculli praised the finale, saying, "Scrubs wrapped up its extraordinary run with a finale that was poignant, heartfelt, and true to its characters." The series won multiple Emmy Awards and starred Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, and Donald Faison.
House M.D. (Worst)
The House series-ending show, titled "Everybody Dies," received negative reception from both fans and critics. The episode followed Dr. Gregory House's hallucinations and contemplation of his own mortality.
Running for eight seasons, the medical drama starred Hugh Laurie and won five Primetime Emmy Awards. Critic Maureen Ryan criticized the finale for its "lackluster resolution."
Prison Break (Worst)
Airing on May 15, 2009, the series finale of Prison Break was met with disappointment from fans and critics alike. The episode revolved around a final attempt to bring down a corrupt organization. The series, spanning four seasons, followed two brothers who sought justice and freedom.
Critic Maureen Ryan criticized the finale for its lack of closure. Despite its dedicated following, Prison Break did not win any Emmy Awards. The main stars of the show were Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Best)
The final episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a critically acclaimed supernatural series, aired on the original network, The WB, on May 20, 2003. Spanning seven seasons, the show followed Buffy Summers, a chosen vampire slayer. Considered by many one of the best finales in TV history because it left viewers in awe.
Writer and critic John Sepich said, "The final episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a masterstroke, seamlessly blending heart-wrenching moments with epic battles." Buffy won two Emmys.
