Top 10 Best TV Show Endings of the Last Decade

Widely considered one of the greatest sitcoms of modern television (with one of the greatest casts ever assembled) “Parks and Rec” ended on a perfectly sweet and hopeful note for Pawnee's most dedicated public servants. Through a flashforward, we are given a glimpse into each character’s future. The final episode gave viewers closure for all the characters they’ve grown to love over seven seasons. It saw Andy and April start their family, while Ben and Leslie took on a seemingly Presidential life. Heck, even Ron’s dreams came true – and we for one couldn’t be happier for him!

It’s safe to say that “Hannibal’s” finale lived up to the show's reputation for unsettling psychological horror. The series, which has often been lauded for its atmospheric delights, culminated in an intense and pulse-pounding face-off between Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter. Their complex relationship ends ambiguously, mind you. We knew going in that Lecter would go out the monster we know him to be, but did Graham become a hero or villain? We can’t say for sure, but we do know that this finale was as visually stunning and emotionally unsettling as we’d hoped it would be!

Were all the intricate mysteries and complex narrative threads neatly unraveled in “Mr. Robot’s” two-part finale? For the most part. The show, which took viewers on a mind-bending journey for four seasons, finally let us in on Elliot Anderson's true reality (or is it realities). You see, things conclude with our “Mastermind” joining the other manifestations of his shattered psyche. The story circuits all linked back to Elliot’s quest for personal peace amidst global chaos. And while also delivering powerful emotional messages along the way, "Mr. Robot'' logged off leaving viewers not only intellectually fulfilled, but deeply moved.

The fact that this Phoebe Waller-Bridge-starring British comedy drama only had just two seasons, doesn’t make its ending any less beautifully bittersweet. In it, our dry-witted heroine and the “Hot Priest” don’t exactly run off together. Though she doesn’t get what she wants in a romantic sense, the character clearly undergoes undeniable growth and acceptance. By breaking fourth wall one last time, and walking away from the camera, “Fleabag’s” finale also signified the end of our relationship with her too. It all adds up to an impactful meta-moment that sealed the show’s status as a true modern work of art.

Talk about ending things on top! A lot of people didn’t discover “Schitt’s Creek” until later in its run, thanks greatly to its addition on Netflix. And, given the show’s newfound popularity, not to mention colossal awards wins, Dan Levy and Co could have easily kept the series going. Instead, they opted to finish things with dignity, grace, and, of course, plenty of humor. Heck, the episode actually sees David get two happy endings… if you catch our drift. The rest of the gang learn that happiness doesn’t come from wealth, but rather friends and family. And with each arc wrapped up in a poignant bow, “Schitt’s Creek” delivered one the best sitcom finales ever!

This profound supernatural HBO series concluded its exploration of grief and faith in enigmatic fashion, keeping the unpredictable spirit of the show ‘till the very last scene. “The Leftovers” centered on the unexplained disappearance of 2% of the population and the aftermath of the baffling event. And so, the finale builds to an enthralling monologue from Carrie Coon’s Nora where she details what could’ve happened to “The Departed.” However, it trades concrete answers of the show’s many mysteries for an emotional resolution for the characters – especially Kevin and Nora. And in doing so, it delivered a truly unforgettable and touching farewell.

As a spinoff prequel to the critically beloved series “Breaking Bad,” expectations for “Better Call Saul” were sky-high. And while it took audiences some time to truly warm to the show’s charms, it eventually took off as an exceptional drama in its own right. And just like its predecessor, “Better Call Saul” delivered a satisfying conclusion that saw, in part, Saul’s story ultimately end with him in prison. Impressively, the writers were able to skillfully navigate the converging timelines of the two shows, while also preserving the integrity of the standalone narrative. In short, “Better Call Saul” had no issue carving its own place in the history of great TV finales.

An impeccable period drama through and through, “Mad Men” concluded with some thought-provoking commentary on the nature of advertising and the human condition. Throughout the episode, series lead Don Draper seemingly finds some semblance of inner peace. However, during a meditation session, Don sparks an idea and grasps what he truly is - an adman. Cue the iconic Coca Cola commercial that perfectly encapsulated the upcoming 1970s. Of course, audiences are left to ponder whether Don truly changed, or if this genius epiphany shows that he’s nothing more than the world’s greatest salesman. Either way, there’s no denying the folks at AMC sold us one heck of an outstanding series finale!

This finale to FX’s acclaimed spy drama is, in a word, intense! “The Americans” concluded its six-season run on quite the thrilling note. With their cover blown, Philip and Elizabeth are forced to grapple with the repercussions of the events of the series thus far - especially in regard to their child, Paige. With the Jennings family facing the consequences of their actions, and a return to Russia, everyone is compelled to be true to themselves. The episode provides a weighty reflection on the cost of espionage on a human level, making it stand as a brilliant end to this cold war story.

In a world where power plays and family discord reign supreme, HBO’s “Succession” concluded with all the requisite chaos and moral decay – and then some. The gripping finale wrapped up all its major storylines, including just who would end up succeeding the late Logan Roy. In the end, Shiv is stuck in an unhappy relationship, Roman is left broken, and Kendall has lost, well, everything. At least Tom is left sitting pretty! The final episode left no stone unturned and once more underscored themes around loyalty, legacy, and the media’s influence on societal structures. And what can we say, it all adds up to a contemporary television masterpiece!

What TV series finale of the last ten years left you in awe? Share your favorites in the comments below.