Top 30 Most Memorable TV Show Finales Ever

#30: "Happy Ending"

“Schitt's Creek” (2015-20)

Sticking a landing after six seasons is no easy feat. Sticking a landing with heart, humor, and happy-tears is even harder! But, against all odds, “Schitt’s Creek” goes out at the very top of its comedic game. Befitting its name, this episode doles out happy endings all around. Professionally, personally, and in David’s case, from a hilarious miscommunication during a massage. Still, he and Patrick get married, Moira’s career’s back on track, and Alexis is finally standing on her own. What more could you ask for? We may be leaving “Schitt’s Creek” behind, but this farewell was far from crappy!

#29: “Episode 6”

“Fleabag” (2016-19)

The hot priest. The bus stop. That fourth-wall-break that gutted us all. “Fleabag’s” finale is a masterclass in bittersweet perfection. After two seasons of using us as her emotional crutch, Fleabag finally lets go. The priest chooses God, she chooses growth, and in that devastating final scene, she turns back one last time to stop us from following. Then, for the first time, she walks off alone. Sorry, does anyone have a box of tissues? Phoebe Waller-Bridge honors messy humanity over tidy resolution. It’s not exactly the ending we all hoped for, but it’s the ending that makes the most sense for Fleabag and her story.

#28: "All Sales Final"

“Superstore” (2015-21)

The Cloud 9 employees have been through a lot. A twister, a failed unionization, an acquisition, and a whole global pandemic. Every step of the way, “Superstore” acknowledged the reality of being an essential worker with loads of earnestness and a dry comedic wit. So, it’s incredibly refreshing to see this finale actually give our characters their happily-ever-after. The store closes, yes, but we’re left with everyone still friends, cherishing the memories they made just like we did. They even got America Ferrera back to bring closure to Amy and Jonah’s love story. It’s the kind of optimistic farewell that makes us glad we spent six seasons shopping at Cloud 9.

#27: "All Good Things..."

“Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-94)

While the show boldly went where no man had gone before, it wisely brings it all back down to Earth for an unforgettable last act. Picard isn’t just fighting to save humanity. He’s fighting to prove why they're worthy to exist at all, a compelling plot that sends “The Next Generation” through some incredibly moving storytelling. It’s basically two hours of nostalgic reunions, surprising cameos, and heartfelt monologues. But, led by Patrick Stewart’s steadfast guidance, this ship never wavers on its way to a pitch-perfect landing. There’s a reason trekkies continue to heap praise on this episode, that’s all we’re saying.

#26: "Sleeping in Light"

“Babylon 5” (1993-97; 1998)

This isn’t a finale as much as it’s an epilogue, and a gorgeous one at that. For all intents and purposes, the story is over before this episode even begins. “Sleeping in Light” takes place twenty years in the future, with Sheridan nearing the end of his days, and deciding to gather his old crew for one last hoorah. It’s not climactic in the way you’d expect. Instead, “Babylon 5” closes its doors with an introspective look at the lives of its characters, and how they’ll continue to grow and change even beyond what we get to see. Thinking back, that’s as perfect an ending as you could ask for.

#25: “With Open Eyes”

“Succession” (2018-23)

You didn’t really think things were just going to work out, did you? Following all the backstabs, alliances, and even deaths, it would’ve felt unearned for the Roy’s to emerge completely victorious. And yet, “Succession’s” downer of an ending is still a hard pill to swallow. Tom makes out like a thief, but Kendall, Roman, and Shiv come out the other side of the series without much to show for it, and the futility of it all is not lost on them. “Succession” admirably sticks to its guns until the final roll of its credits, and it’s that laser-focused vision that will keep you thinking about it for years.

#24: “One Last Ride”

“Parks and Recreation” (2009-15)

In an era where cynical TV is all the rage and politics is not exactly a laughing matter, “Parks and Rec” dared to end on a distinctly hopeful note, and it’s all the better for it. Despite all the time-jumping shenanigans, the show refocuses in its last hour to give each and every character their personal goodbye. Of course, it then brings them all together for a tearjerker of an ender, and we dare you try and make it through with a completely dry eye. “Parks and Rec” remains remarkably optimistic until the very end, and that’s a feat that’s growing more and more impressive every day.

#23: “START”

“The Americans” (2013-18)

It’s literally all come down to this; Elizabeth and Philip are exposed. They have one chance to make it back to the Motherland. Only, their long-time neighbor and FBI agent Stan is in the way. What follows is a gripping, powerful standoff that encompasses all the series’ themes into one, electric scene. This being “The Americans,” it’s also tightly-written, tense as hell, and brought to life by some truly revelatory performances. Considering the fallout, “START” may seem like a sad note to finish on. But examining the consequences of duty is precisely why “The Americans” is one of TV’s greats.

#22: “Hello, Elliot”

“Mr. Robot” (2015-19)

In this final hour, the truth comes out, and it’s all a lie. That’s no exaggeration. “Mr. Robot’s” curtain call tears apart the very foundation of the show, putting into question every single decision, character, and story beat up to that point. It’s grand, ambitious, and absolutely mind-blowing. So, it’s impressive that “Hello, Elliot” somehow stays completely grounded in the emotional stakes of its lead character. For example, if you didn’t cry seeing Darlene again, we think you’re a simulation, too. It takes a lot of guts to recontextualize four seasons of television in the home stretch. But, we have to admit, it certainly gives you a lot to think about on a rewatch!

#21: "One Flew Out of the Cuckoo's Nest"

“The Golden Girls” (1985-92)

Thank you for being a friend. That’s the final, bittersweet note the show leaves on, and you couldn’t ask for anything better. “The Golden Girls” filled its seven seasons with cheesecake and funny wisdom, but at the end of the day, it was about the unbreakable friendship between these four, extraordinary women. It’s their bond that’s kept people coming back to “The Golden Girls” for decades and decades. And, so, seeing them hug in the kitchen one last time may hurt. But, it’s also the only satisfying way a show like this could have ended. We’re just grateful they were our friends, too.

#20: “And in the End…”

“ER” (1994-2009)

Ready for maximum nostalgia? Because that’s what “ER” delivers in its cozy finale, offering so many winks and nods to the show’s history, it’s almost dizzying. We don’t just mean all the returning faces - although, that definitely doesn’t hurt. Little things, like the episode taking place over 24 hours, Carter demonstrating how to start an IV, and updated intro credits, are all meant to remind us of the pilot. And boy, do they. Considering “ER” was one of the biggest shows of all time, its ending was always going to be historic. Thankfully, fans agree this one landed on the right side of history books.

#19: “The Book of Nora”

“The Leftovers” (2014-17)

From its first episode, which found a group of people living in the aftermath of the sudden and unexplained disappearance of millions of people, “The Leftovers” never promised easy answers. Or any answers, at all. The last episode sees Nora Durst attempting to reach the parallel universe where all the missing people, including her family, reside. But the episode ultimately is about the stories we tell ourselves when grief is too much to bear. Whether or not Nora’s story about the other side is true might not actually be the point. Ultimately, she accepts the loss of her family and may be able to move on from it.

#18: “Mr. Monk and the End Pts. 1 & 2”

“Monk” (2002-09)

A series of blackmails and murders leads the eccentric homicide detective Adrian Monk on the trail of a corrupt judge. However, this mystery hits close to home. The judge turns out to be the man who murdered Monk’s wife several years before. The detective’s years of obsession and pain come to a head in an incredibly tense climax as he points a gun at his wife’s killer and demands answers. It’s a breakthrough moment, made all the more thrilling by Tony Shalhoub’s Emmy-nominated performance. But the real kicker is the ending, which finds Monk connecting with his wife’s long-lost daughter.

#17: “The End”

“Lost” (2004-10)

Diehard fans will say it’s a masterpiece, others will say it’s a complete failure, but it seems impossible not to have strong feelings about this finale. With “Lost,” creators Damon Lindelof, J.J. Abrams, and Jeffrey Lieber crafted a story of incredible scope for network TV, fearlessly tackling topics like faith, science, metaphysics, and parallel universes. By the end, so many threads needed closing that we tuned in just to see if they could land the plane… so to speak. The biggest, most heartbreaking takeaway seems to be that the parallel universe off the island is actually the afterlife. While some viewers wanted a more pat explanation, many thought the show made it clear what happened in an exchange between Jack Shephard and his father.

#16: “Saul Gone”

“Better Call Saul” (2015-22)

Bob Odenkirk’s work as the slimy and narcissistic lawyer who enabled the criminals of “Breaking Bad” made this spin-off must-see TV. But “Better Call Saul” is the story of how an idealistic lawyer becomes the kind of man who protects and abets criminal kingpins, and the climax of that story is as thrilling and bittersweet as anything “Breaking Bad” gave us. Saul is brought before a court full of the people who were harmed, directly or indirectly, by his actions, and he admits his crimes and accepts the punishment. Even as Saul is able to reclaim his conscience and his past as Jimmy McGill, his reputation among criminals follows him into his long prison sentence.

#15: “My Finale”

“Scrubs” (2001-10)

Okay, so if you want to get technical, this wasn’t the last episode of “Scrubs,” but this two-part episode was written, filmed, and aired under the assumption that the show might not make it to a ninth season. It follows Zach Braff’s Dr. J.D. Dorian as his time at the hospital comes to an end, though he’s frustrated when no one wants to say goodbye or participate in the standard sitcom finale clichés with him. He even has to trick his hard-hearted superior, Dr. Cox, into actually giving him a compliment before leaving. Although the show would return, the episode really is a perfect goodbye to the many characters who graced the halls of Sacred Heart Hospital.

#14: “The Last One Parts 1 & 2”

“Friends” (1994-04)

Babies are birthed, phalanges are damaged, keys are turned in, and coffee is had. The series finale of “Friends” gave fans everything they wanted. And it managed to do that and be just as funny and romantic as ever. Has a studio audience ever been as excited as they were when Rachel got off that plane? “The Last One” is a legendary series finale. It’s a reminder of how much these people have been through together. Things may be changing for the core six, but the title says it all. No matter how much happens, they’ll always be friends.

#13: “The Last One”

“St. Elsewhere” (1982-88)

Fans of the hospital drama “St. Elsewhere” were shocked, confused, and maybe even a little frustrated by its final moments. After six seasons, audiences watched as the beloved Dr. Donald Westphall was revealed to be a construction worker, and the exterior of St. Eligius Hospital was revealed to be inside a snowglobe belonging to his young autistic son, Tommy. This suggests that the entire series took place in Tommy’s mind. But what makes this even wilder is that “St. Elsewhere” had a lot of crossovers with other shows, which then means that shows like “Cheers,” “Law & Order,” and even “The X-Files” would technically be in what is lovingly referred to as the Tommy Westphall Universe.

#12: “The Finale”

“Seinfeld” (1989-98)

You can only be horrible people for so long. At some point, karma’s gonna get you. That’s what the four misanthropes of “Seinfeld” found out in the controversial series finale. Part conclusion and part greatest hits playlist, Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer are put on trial and various characters they wronged throughout the series are brought to testify against them. It’s a wrap as soon as the Soup Nazi takes the stand. Although a lot of criticism was leveled at how the episode relied on past episodes instead of creating a satisfying conclusion, the overarching feeling was that the finale just wasn’t funny enough.

#11: “Whenever You’re Ready”

“The Good Place” (2016-20)

Everything comes to an end. “Whenever You’re Ready” is about making meaning of the limited time we have. It’s classic “Good Place,” but it’s also what the best series finales do. As a series, “The Good Place” was never afraid to make us rethink everything we thought we knew about it. Amazingly, creator Michael Schur could always find humor and lightness, even with a subject as heavy as the afterlife. This finale sees its beloved cast of characters finding peace and spiritually moving on, and it manages that without sacrificing humor or heartfelt emotion. Fans and critics agreed that it was a fitting send-off for a surprisingly profound sitcom.

#10: “Family Meeting”

“The Shield” (2002-08)

TV anti-heroes invite us to root for them to get away with their bad behavior. Yet there’s always the expectation of just desserts in the end. After seven seasons of watching Detective Vic Mackey break every rule in the book and indirectly causing the death of his best friend in the process, the finale sees him receiving what feels like the ultimate payback: a desk job. It’s a fitting and pathetic end for a man who gave everything for his work, no matter who was destroyed as a result. Fans and critics were especially happy to see a TV series with an anti-hero get a satisfying ending. After all, “The Sopranos” finale was still on our minds. More on that later, though.

#9: “The Judgment Part 2”

“The Fugitive” (1963-67)

The story of Dr. Richard Kimble evading the law to catch his own wife’s killer almost didn’t get an ending. The two-part series finale aired several months after the last regular episode, as the network seemed to not understand that people actually cared about what happened to the characters. In one of the most-watched episodes in TV history, Richard Kimble comes face to face with his wife’s murderer. Four years of running conclude as Kimble corners the one-armed man at the top of an amusement park tower. The ending was incredibly suspenseful, and a true game-changer for how people expected a network series to end.

#8: “The Last Show”

“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-77)

There was a lot to love about Mary Richards and her colleagues at the WJM TV station. Whether they were bumbling through a disastrous news broadcast or any number of personal and professional issues, viewers had grown to love this group of eccentrics. And just as sad as we were to see them go, Mary and her colleagues have one of the most memorable sign-offs of any sitcom series. They refuse to break their last group hug. They move as one awkward unit so they can hold each other just a minute longer before they all go their separate ways, leaving our TV sets forever. It’s also credited with inventing a lot of sitcom tropes we still see.

#7: “Made in America”

“The Sopranos” (1999-2007)

Oh yes, the moment millions of Americans thought their cable went out. Six seasons and many murders later, Tony Soprano’s back is against the wall. He’s staring down the barrel of a full-scale mafia war with New York, and knows that anyone, even strangers, could be his potential murderer. People interpret the sudden cut to black at the end of the episode in different ways, but even if he survives, as long as Tony’s the boss of the Sopranos Crime Family, he can never let his guard down. He’s cursed either way. This shocking and nontraditional ending has become fodder for analysis and ridicule ever since it aired.

#6: “Sozin’s Comet”

“Avatar: The Last Airbender” (2005-08)

This beloved animated fantasy series was never a traditional heroic story, where the good guys would beat the bad guys into submission. “Avatar: The Last Airbender” captivated audiences with its stories of war, fascism, and nonviolence, and made these themes palatable for a young audience. In the final four episodes, collectively titled “Sozin’s Comet,” protagonist Aang is forced to confront his nonviolent philosophy. Even in the face of a dangerous and relentless firebending enemy, Aang refuses to commit murder. The finale touches on the series’ overarching themes of peace, faith, and violence while still delivering a complete and thrilling story with plenty of heart and laughs in between.

#5: “The Last Newhart”

“Newhart” (1982-90)

Bob Newhart was no stranger to television audiences when he starred on “Newhart.” He had already starred on “The Bob Newhart Show” a decade before. So in the series finale of “Newhart,” when the Bob Newhart of “Newhart” woke up in the bedroom set from “The Bob Newhart Show,” the audience’s mind was completely blown by the revelation of a Newhart multiverse. Suzanne Pleshette, his co-star from the first series, made a cameo in her role as his wife, Emily, and listened impatiently as he described the “Newhart” show as a funny dream he had. Never did another “it was all a dream” twist feel so earned and so funny.

#4: “One for the Road”

“Cheers” (1982-93)

“You can never be unfaithful to your one true love,” says resident philosopher and accountant Norm Peterson. Sam Malone, the owner and bartender of “Cheers” seems not to know what he means. The finale has seen him finally lose his business partner and former girlfriend Rebecca Howe to a new man, and even reconnect with Diane Chambers, the woman he fell in love with early in the series. Still, it’s the bar and the patrons who have become his family, and he realizes just how lucky he is to have them. Things will continue at Cheers as they always have, whether or not we get to see it every week.

#3: “Everyone’s Waiting”

“Six Feet Under” (2001-05)

While the show always seemed focused on death, a hard topic to get away from when a funeral home is the primary setting, the finale of “Six Feet Under” was a celebration of life. As Claire Fisher prepares to leave for New York City, she makes amends with her family and drives away from the only home she’s known. We’re treated to a series of flash-forwards, set against Sia’s “Breathe Me,” that visits each major character at the point of their death. It’s a breathtaking and surreal sequence that sums up the series’ entire theme: death is tragic and goodbyes are inevitable, but this is what makes life precious.

#2: “Felina”

“Breaking Bad” (2008-13)

Unlike “The Sopranos,” “Breaking Bad” brought its story of a criminal anti-hero to an end in a satisfying and predictably bloody manner. Having destroyed his relationship with his family and with the authorities on his tail, Walter White and his longsuffering henchman, Jesse, are involved in a showdown with a former associate. But not even Walt finally being honest about why he turned to crime can save him from his fate. The finale does a great job tying up all the loose ends. Walt is honest with those he wronged and faces his punishment, Jesse gets his freedom, and all debts are paid.

#1: “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen”

“M*A*S*H” (1972-83)

This episode walked so that future series finales could run. Bringing eleven seasons of laughter during wartime to a close is no small feat, but “M*A*S*H” ended with a bang. The horrors of war are on full display in the finale, as Hawkeye Pierce suffers from a nervous breakdown over a traumatic incident involving refugees hiding from enemy patrol units. The ensemble of lovable army physicians spend their last days together, say their goodbyes, and then go off on their separate paths, forever changed by their time at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. The old joke that “M*A*S*H” lasted much longer than the actual Korean War is a testament to its timelessness, even now, fifty years on.

What TV finale is stuck in your head? Let us know in the comments below!