Top 10 Most Rewatched TV Endings EVER

#10: “M*A*S*H” (1972-83)

It is the most watched series finale of all time. When “M*A*S*H” ended after 11 seasons, 105.9 million tuned in. Titled “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” the Alan Alda directed episode saw the staff of 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital depart their campsite as the end of the Korean War draws near. Like all episodes of “M*A*S*H,” the finale is a high wire act balancing raw emotions and dark humor. A true dramedy, it’s not the easiest rewatch. However, its heart is what beckons audiences to revisit, proving that laughter really is the best medicine.

#9: “Cheers” (1982-93)

It’s the series, “where everybody knows your name.” For eleven seasons, the beloved sitcom “Cheers” welcomed us into its bar week after week. When it was finally time for the show to close up shop, an audience estimated by NBC to be 93 million gathered around to say farewell. In the episode, Rebecca gets married, and Diane makes her long awaited return, reuniting with Sam, who eventually calls things off to stay with his one true love: his bar. Whether you’re seeking some laughs, some comfort or both, this finale will always be a welcomed rewatch.

#8: “The Shield” (2002-08)

Corruption. Tension. Immorality. These are the key ingredients that made up the world of “The Shield.” From 2002-2008, the FX series followed a fictionalized unit of Los Angeles’ Police Department as they go to extreme and illegal lengths to fight crime. During the finale, Detective Vic Mackey will do anything to maintain his position, even at the expense of his colleagues. There’s some pretty heavy and tragic outcomes for the characters like Shane and Ronnie, and Vic ends up losing his family to witness protection and being taken off the streets, where he ends up pushing papers.

#7: “Six Feet Under” (2001-05)

Over the course of five seasons, HBO’s “Six Feet Under” depicted the challenging subject of death with heart and humour. The premise followed the ongoings of a Los Angeles funeral home run by a family known as the Fishers. Staying true to its form, the series ends with a beautifully crafted montage that flashforward to reveal how each character eventually dies. As Sia’s song, “Breathe Me” plays overtop, you’re not only saying goodbye to the show, but also these individual characters. It’s an effective moment that makes it a satisfying ending to a show fans love to watch over and over.

#6: “Breaking Bad” (2008-13)

In 2013, TV watchers waited with baited breath to see how this television phenomenon was going to wrap up. In episode 16 of “Breaking Bad’s” fifth season, Walter White attempts to tie up loose ends. After seeing his family one last time, freeing Jesse and killing Jack, Walter is accidentally wounded. Eventually, he succumbs to his injuries, passing away in his cherished lab. It is a poetic moment that suits the show’s dark tone. Although it’s a bitter ending for everyone’s favorite anti-hero, this near perfect episode is highly re-watchable - as was the finale of spinoff “Better Call Saul,” which aired 9 years later.

#5: “The Good Place” (2016-20)

This comedy was centered around the idea of endings, so it’s fitting that its own conclusion was pitch perfect. For four seasons, “The Good Place” focused on a cast of characters existing in the afterlife - with that afterlife changing over time. Everyone from Eleanor to Chidi to Tahani to Michael received a completion that was tailored for them. Poignant and bittersweet, the series’ fond farewell made us laugh, cry and reflect. It’s still a comfort show for fans, and its finale is a cherry on top of this great series, which ended in a “good place.”

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

This show hits a little different for millennials. For anyone growing up in the 2000s, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” was one of the coolest shows on the air. A fusion of mindblowing animation and masterful storytelling, kids were glued to their screens whenever it was on. After three seasons, the series completes its journey with a full throttle battle. In “Sozin’s Comet, Part 4,” the protagonist, Aang, takes down Fire Lord Ozai, victoriously ending the Hundred Years’ War. It's a triumphant moment made even better by how every single character has their own moment. Totally nostalgic, it’s no wonder millennials love to revisit it!

#3: “Seinfeld” (1989-98)

People tend to be divided on this finale, but that doesn’t mean it’s not rewatchable! When “Seinfeld” left the air, audiences weren’t too hyped about the show ending with the foursome going to jail for breaking a "Good Samaritan" law after they didn’t help a car jacking victim. The nearly hour long finale is split into two episodes and features surprise cameos from some of the series’ most treasured characters. It’s a wacky premise that stays true to its sitcom’s tone. Sure, it might have not worked for everyone but fans will always come back to say goodbye to the “The New York Four” time and time again.

#2: “The Sopranos” (1999-07)

It was the finale that prompted panic. Famously, “The Sopranos” ends with a cut to black that actually convinced viewers it was a technical glitch. The finale scene shows protagonist Tony Soprano and his family gathering at a diner. Throughout the scene, there are cuts to suspicious looking individualities, giving the impression that it might not end well for the mob boss. As Journey’s “Don't Stop Believin” plays on, the anticipation builds and then suddenly halts, leaving us hanging on by a thread. A perfect cliffhanger, fans return to watch this finale to hunt for any hints as to what really happens after the cut. While there are many theories, we think it’s fun that everyone has their own interpretation.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“The Wire,” (2002-08)

Considered One of the Best Series Ever, This Finale is Something to Behold

“The Leftovers,” (2014-17)

This Series' Life was Short, But Nonetheless Impactful

“Stranger Things,” (2016-25)

Conformity Gate Encouraged Fans to Rewatch This Finale

“Justified,” (2010-15)

The Way This Show Ended was Totally Justified

“Scrubs,” (2001-10)

Anytime You Need a Laugh This Finale is The Perfect Medicine

#1: “Friends” (1994-2004)

It’s the one where it all ends. For a decade, “Friends” made us laugh, cry and cheer. In 2004, its finale drew in millions of loyal fans for one last round at Central Perk. Monica and Chandler moved to the burbs and welcomed twins. Ross and Rachel finally get back together. Phoebe makes plans to start a family with her hubby, Mike. And Joey stays in New York, continuing to pursue his dreams…until his self-titled spin-off, but that’s a whole other topic. Leaving our best pals behind was an emotional roller coaster yet checked all the boxes of a satisfying ending. It’s like a warm hug that we’ll gladly revisit anytime.

Which is your most rewatched series finale? Let us know in the comments!