TV finales might be tough. After investing years in a beloved present, it may be disappointing to be left staring on the display in shocked silence because the credit roll. Sadly, this occurs loads, and it is like a plot twist we did not ask for. It is no marvel that so many finales find yourself dividing audiences; whereas some need closure, others crave ambiguity. Whereas some need main twists, others simply need their favourite characters to be glad.
Nonetheless, not each present ends in full chaos. Whereas finales at all times spark debate, some have managed to stay to the touchdown with grace and supply audiences with a way of closure that feels genuine and satisfying within the context of the story and the characters, thus being method much less controversial. We glance again at eight standout finales that show it’s potential to say goodbye with out sparking a civil struggle amongst followers, from The Individuals to Schitt’s Creek.
8
‘The Individuals’ (2013–2018)
“START” Season 6, Episode 10
In contrast to different dramatic finales which have divided followers — Sport of Thrones or Misplaced, anybody? — The Individuals delivers a satisfying closure that feels each inevitable and becoming. Anchored by nice writing and lauded by critics and followers alike, it has earned a spot on many lists as the most effective to ever grace the display.
“START” is a fascinating, masterful episode in some ways, together with the way it by no means fails to offer quiet, intimate, and heartbreaking moments with out counting on flashiness. It’s emotionally sincere and maintains a constant narrative, refusing to take pleasure in low-cost shocks, which is at all times a plus. All in all, the beloved (and must-see) spy thriller proves that TV can finish in a method that’s each shifting and fulfilling, with out sparking extraordinarily polarizing opinions and debates.
7
‘Avatar: The Final Airbender’ (2005–2008)
“Sozin’s Comet, Half 4: Avatar Aang” Season 3, Episode 21
Broadly celebrated as one in every of tv’s most satisfying and universally beloved finales, “Sozin’s Comet, Half 4: Avatar Aang,” from Avatar: The Final Airbender, provides a conclusion that ties up years of storytelling by resolving the central battle in a method that feels emotional, true to characters, notably Aang, and downright entertaining.
Relatively than resorting to a morally ambiguous closure that may have left some scratching their heads or triggered some heated debates, Season 3’s final episode stays true to Aang’s traits and values. It honors his journey and culminates in a satisfying and fulfilling decision that feels earned. It isn’t stunning that it was met with overwhelming reward from each critics and followers, notably when the collection set the usual for animation from the very starting.
6
‘Friday Night time Lights’ (2006–2011)
“All the time” Season 5, Episode 13
Friday Night time Lights‘ finale wraps up the core values which have lengthy outlined this fan-favorite collection: group, resilience, and private sacrifice. At its core, the episode sheds mild on Eric (Kyle Chandler) and Tami Taylor’s (Connie Britton) relationship because it faces its best take a look at when Tami is obtainable a profession alternative. True to its spirit, the present doesn’t disappoint; Eric rises to the event, supporting Tami’s development and ambition with out hesitation. Their mutual respect is fantastically highlighted within the episode.
Though it resists the urge to tie up each storyline with a neat bow, Friday Night time Lights’ finale embraces a form of open-ended closure that feels sincere and true to the present’s realism. As a substitute of leaning right into a contrived “fortunately ever after” or chasing a surprising twist, it opts for a way of earned optimism. Like these talked about earlier than, the collection’ robust writing demonstrates {that a} tv present might be nice merely by staying true to its themes and characters, with out delivering pointless spectacle.
5
‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)
“One Final Journey” Season 7, Episode 12
Parks and Recreation‘s closure is one more shining instance of how a TV collection can ship a universally satisfying ending with out dividing a fan base. Relatively than reinventing the wheel, it facilities on what has made the collection a treasured sitcom from the beginning, encapsulating its core message: it facilities on the relationships between its quirky and earnest characters and their shared dedication to doing good for his or her group.
The finale’s heat feels earned for many who have, for years, watched these characters battle and develop. Total, it reiterates the collection’ enduring message of how friendships can endure and that there’s lasting worth in kindness in addition to public service. It isn’t tough to understand how viewers are left with a way of consolation and inspiration, which simply proves that finales might be nice by honoring the journey of the characters.
4
‘Six Ft Underneath’ (2001–2005)
“Everybody’s Ready” Season 5, Episode 12
Six Ft Underneath is likely one of the most fascinating drama reveals of its time, and it’s miles from tough to understand why. “Everybody’s Ready” is a nod to the collection’ greatness. The universally acclaimed ending resonates with audiences not due to shock or divisive storytelling however because of its emotional narrative and meditation on life and loss of life. From the very starting, Six Ft Underneath was in regards to the lovely but messy realities of life; the finale completely honors these themes.
In contrast to many closures that depart threads dangling or characters adrift, “Everybody’s Ready” is satisfying in its closure for every member of the household and their circle, with each character arc being resolved. Add to that the enduring final six minutes, set to Sia‘s “Breathe Me,” and Six Ft Underneath‘s overwhelming reward is sort of justifiable.
3
‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)
“At any time when You are Prepared” Season 4, Episode 13
One other sitcom that earned its wonderful ending is The Good Place. By means of a delicate philosophical evaluation within the present’s style, “At any time when You are Prepared” meditates on the concept that even paradise loses which means with out an endpoint. And what makes this message much more fascinating and poignant is the best way it’s explored — warmly, with a sprinkle of humor and existential readability thrown into the combination.
To nobody’s shock, The Good Place‘s closure was met with reward from each critics and followers, with many naming it thought-provoking and even the most effective finales ever. It offered every character with a deeply private and satisfying conclusion, whether or not that meant selecting to maneuver on or discovering a function. Once more, the finale’s large success solely went to indicate simply how a lot an incredible closure might be constructed round honesty with out betraying its characters and themes.
2
‘Star Trek: The Subsequent Era’ (1987–1994)
“All Good Issues” Season 7, Episode 25
Setting the gold normal for easy methods to finish a beloved TV collection (with out inflicting an excessive amount of fuss), the acclaim round “All Good Issues” comes from its capacity to rejoice the collection’ legacy and characters whereas avoiding polarizing twists and divisive storytelling. The episode revisits key moments from the collection and imagines potential futures, paying tribute to the writing whereas additionally pushing the figures that inhabit the fictional world ahead.
Coronary heart is on the middle of Star Trek: The Subsequent Era‘s finale; it grounds its drama within the bonds between the crew, and that is why it really works. With a considerate construction and the flexibility to completely seize the essence of the present in a single story, Star Trek‘s closure is usually described because the blueprint for easy methods to conclude a long-running collection: epic, intimate, nostalgic, and undeniably satisfying.
1
‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)
“Completely satisfied Ending” Season 6, Episode 14
“Completely satisfied Ending” facilities on David and Patrick’s marriage ceremony day, which culminates in a joyful ceremony officiated by Moira Rose. Regardless of a rainstorm forcing a last-minute venue change, the episode is an excellent mixture of bittersweet goodbyes and the marriage’s pleasure, nodding to the household’s development and dedication to maneuver ahead. Like many different entries talked about right here, Schitt’s Creek additionally honors the event of all the primary characters.
It is tough to stay detached to this swish and emotional finale, and plenty of critics appeared to suppose so, too. Whereas a small subset of viewers expressed some disappointment, the general reception was overwhelmingly optimistic, and most of the people really embraced its bittersweet tone. On the finish of the day, “Completely satisfied Ending” encapsulates what made Schitt’s Creek beloved, starting from its celebration of newfound household and sense of belonging to non-public development.
