24 of the Most Epic Series Finales in Television History

Most television fans have a favorite series finale they will never forget watching. Shows that become massively popular leave an indelible imprint as much as news, sports, and world events.

From beloved sitcoms to groundbreaking dramas, the must-see finales of these series inspire myriad reactions and many have become symbols of their eras.

1. Seinfeld, “The Finale” (1998)

Regarding polarizing finales, Seinfeld's conclusion (watched by 76.3 million people) may not be the most beloved. However, it remains a cultural phenomenon that's still talked about. The show about “nothing” concludes with a trial for the four leads, bringing in various guest stars throughout the seasons.

No matter one's thoughts about “The Finale,” no one can deny the indelible mark Seinfeld made on comedy television. Love it or hate it, the finale's full circle moment feels appropriate for these hilariously neurotic characters.

2. Newhart, “The Last Newhart” (1990)

No other series finale surprised fans like Newhart. In the understated sitcom's last episode, everyone except Stratford Innkeepers Richard and Joanna decided to sell their homes to Japanese investors. When their friends return five years later, still exasperating, Richard's frustration ends with a blow to his head, awakening to a moment that goes down in history.

The audience cheers as Newhart wakes up in a familiar set next to his Bob Newhart Show co-star, Susanne Pleshette. The only show where fans delight in the “it was all a dream trope,” Newhart's finale reigns supreme in classic creativity.

3. Friends, “The Last One” (2004)

The beloved sitcom ended on the highest of highs with one of the sweetest, funniest, and most emotionally satisfying finales ever. The episode saw the birth of Chandler and Monica's adoptive twins and Ross and Rachel's long-awaited romantic reunion. Most fans would agree that they wept and cheered when Rachel “got off the plane.”

52.5 million viewers watched “The Last One.” We'd venture to guess that nearly all loved this fun-filled, heartwarming send-off. Few shows end this splendidly. Friends prove that a series can remain consistently excellent from beginning to end.

4. Cheers, “One for the Road” (1993)

The most-watched sitcom finale of all time (and the second most-watched finale ever), an astounding 80.4 million viewers tuned in for “One For the Road.”

The episode sees Diane's return and a brief reconciliation between her and Sam. Additionally, Rebecca gets her happy ending with an engagement, Woody becomes a city councilman, and Cliff and Norm remain Cliff and Norm.

After 11 hilarious seasons of laughs, the final moments demonstrate why Cheers resonated with viewers. It's about people enjoying camaraderie in a place “where everybody knows your name.”

5. LOST, “The End” (2010)

A groundbreaking series, LOST redefined the concept of “water-cooler” television with its endless twists and mysteries that had fans talking and theorizing after every episode. While many remained glued to their seats all six seasons, others abandoned the ship.

By the time “The End” aired, the 13.5 million viewers were a mix of loyal fans and those who returned to see the conclusion. Many did not understand this divisive finale and found themselves frustrated. Others loved and embraced the emotional moments, openly weeping at the characters' reunions.

6. Mad Men, “Person to Person” (2015)

This compelling, award-winning series dominated the sophisticated culture zeitgeist in the 2000s. Although the 3.3 million finale viewership can't compare numbers-wise to other shows, the episode's quality makes up for it.

“Person to Person” sees all the characters at professional and personal crossroads following a transition from Sterling Cooper to McCann Erickson. The most profound story sees the tortured soul, Don Draper, finally finding peace and writing the famous Coca-Cola ad “Hilltop.” It's a satisfying end for one of television's most groundbreaking shows.

7. M*A*S*H, “Goodbye, Farewell, Amen” (1983)

 

The finale of the long-running dramatic comedy remains a moment of television we will never see the likes of again. With an astounding 105 million viewers, “Goodbye, Farewell, Amen” sees the end of the Korean War as the 407th M*A*S*H unit prepares to move on with their lives.

With so many viewers, this ending goes down in history, becoming the definition of event television. Likewise, the finale embodies everything the series did so well: provide hearty laughs and poignant moments that stay with viewers forever.

8. Breaking Bad, “Felina” (2013)

Breaking Bad's finale delivers on every level for fans, going out in a blaze of glory with a record 10.3 million viewers. Chock full of all-encompassing moments, tension, and poignancy, “Felina” sees Walter White outsmart his foes, secure his family's future, save his friend, and ultimately accept his fate.

It would take an extraordinary finale of such a revolutionary series to impress audiences. Luckily for fans, filmmakers amplified the tension to the millionth degree while understanding that, at its core, Breaking Bad follows one man's journey.

9. The Big Bang Theory, “The Stockholm Syndrome” (2019)

Although modest compared to the most-watched finales, The Big Bang Theory bolstered an impressive 18 million viewers. In the episode, the gang travels to Stockholm to celebrate Sheldon and Amy winning the Nobel Prize. Howard and Bernadette lament leaving their kids, Leonard and Penny struggle to keep a secret, and tensions rise with the group when dealing with Sheldon's ego.

Yet, in the end, they all forget their frustrations after Sheldon's heartfelt, gracious speech acknowledging how his friends helped him along the way. The Big Bang Theory's finale solidifies the show's finest trait: providing laughter and genuine character growth.

10. The Office, “Finale” (2013)

After Steve Carrell's departure, The Office still provided laughs in its final two seasons. Still, it never reached the same heights as previous seasons. However, the finale ended the series on a high note. The episode centers on the aftermath of the Dunder Mifflin documentary and Dwight Angela's wedding.

In proper Office form, the episode gives every character their moments, offers side-splitting laughs, and heartwarming moments that showcase how far they've all come. The particular style of comedy The Office employed represents a specific point in television. Its finale marked a door closing.

11. The Mary Tyler Moore Show, “The Last Show” (1977)

A groundbreaking series, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, gave audiences a refreshing depiction of an independent working woman. After seven successful seasons, 21.2 million fans tuned into the funny and heartfelt conclusion.

The entire WJM team gets fired, except for Ted. As they say goodbye to their jobs and each other, audiences witness a bittersweet iconic scene as they all cry, hilariously moving together in their group hug. In the final moment, Mary turns off the lights, symbolically ending the show on a touching note.

12. The Golden Girls, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest” (1992)

The Golden Girls remains one of the beloved sitcoms that has stood the test of time, thanks to the hilarious banter of the four leads and writing that balanced provocative and heartwarming comedy with occasional thought-provoking episodes.

The finale centers on Dorothy's wedding and her goodbyes to her mother and best friends Sophia, Blanche, and Rose. Watched by 27.2 million people, the show's final moments inspire many laughs and tears as Dorothy leaves and returns multiple times. Thus, the ending closed the door on the progressive (at the time) series, leaving everyone with warm hearts and inspiring future shows.

13. Six Feet Under, “Everyone's Waiting” (2005)

Six Feet Under follows the lives of a family-owned funeral home. Over five seasons, viewers witness the ups and downs of the Fischer family. Through all the joys and sorties, one core theme remained: death.

Given the show's over-arching theme, the finale's format makes perfect sense and proves emotionally satisfying and moving. Indeed, this creative approach shows a fast forward for each character, highlighting life's most significant moments until their death. Viewers shed tears, but not out of sadness or shock. Instead, they experience bittersweet feelings that stay with them forever.

14. The Sopranos, “Made in America” (2007)

This top-rated drama follows mob boss Tony Soprano, who struggles to balance his family and work. By the series' end, he seems to have resolved one final problem.

In the final scene, Tony's family arrives at a diner to join him for dinner. However, an unseen menace lurks in the shadows. When his daughter arrives, a bell rings, and boom, the show cuts to a black screen. This ending proved divisive and controversial. Still, the ambiguous sharp cut is brilliant because it can represent Tony's death.

15. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “Chosen” (2003)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer sits in a unique place in TV history. For many, the finale demonstrates what the show did best and gave fans one of the most powerful conclusions to a series.

Viewers witness the show's enduring feminist themes, sharp dialogue, and poignant performances on full display in the final battle against the First Evil. By the episode's end, we see the strength of collective courage. Unlocking the power of the “Potentials,” a group of new slayers, Buffy knows the world will endure and that she no longer has to fight alone.

16. The West Wing, “Tomorrow” (2006)

The West Wing holds a rare distinction among television viewers. The series followed the lives of Democratic President Bartlet and his White House staff. Despite featuring a liberal president, the show had a bipartisan appeal.

The finale sees the Presidential race between two new candidates as Bartlet prepares to move on. The entire episode has virtues, but the scenes where the departing President thanks every staff member inspire tears and smiles. The West Wing's end also represents the end of something viewers may never see again: a political series with mass appeal from all sides of the political spectrum.

17. Full House, “Michelle Rides Again” (1995)

Of the most watched series finales, Full House ranks high among family sitcoms with 24.3 million viewers. In this episode, the youngest daughter, Michelle, has a horse-riding accident and suffers from temporary amnesia.

As her family tries to jog her memory, the series reminds audiences of what it does best: providing laughs and heartfelt lessons about the importance of family. Full House embraced its corny side until the very end but didn't lack genuine emotions. Indeed, the show resonated and provided comfort to millions. The last line solidifies this as Danny says they will always get through life together.

18. The Cosby Show, “And So, We Commence” (1992)

With Bill Cosby's off-screen crimes, The Cosby Show's legacy has become tainted. Still, no one should deny the series' cultural impact nor dismiss the rest of the cast and crew. The number of viewers for this series finale (44.4 million) proves the show's immense popularity until the end.

The episode centers on obtaining enough tickets for Theo's college graduation. Like the series, the finale balances the laughs with heart and an emphasis on the large family. It also ends uniquely as Cliff and Claire dance off-screen, breaking the fourth wall.

19. Boy Meets World, “Brave New World” (2000)

The finale to Boy Meets World represented the end of an era for kids and teens who grew up with ABC's TGIF. “Brave New World” featured highlights of the various relationships in the series as the characters embark on a new, uncertain future.

Although clips dominate the episode, they give the fans a heartfelt and necessary framework that makes its final moments more impactful. As Cory, Topanga, Shawn, and Eric say goodbye to Mr. Feeny, tears flow as he imparts final words of wisdom to dream big and do good. Anyone who doesn’t shed a tear might be made of stone.

20. ER, “And in the End…” (2009)

The finest medical drama ever created, ER ended its 15-season run with an understated but poignant finale. The episode balances multiple stories: Dr. Carter (Noah Wylie) opens a state-of-the-art medical facility, Dr. Green's daughter returns as an aspiring doctor, and numerous patients come in and out of the ER.

This finale works brilliantly because much of it plays like a typical episode, while the rest sees the return of numerous favorite cast members like Eriq LaSalle and Alex Kingston. The finale moments give viewers a sense of comfort amidst the chaos. Like the rotating cast, life goes ever on.

21. Frasier, “Goodnight Seattle” (2004)

One of the most successful spinoffs, the viewership of Frasier's series finale doesn't reach Cheers numbers. Still, with 33.7 million viewers and a terrific finale, Frasier ends on a high note.

The episode sees Martin's wedding, the birth of Niles and Daphne's baby, and Frasier's emotional farewells to his family and friends as he prepares to leave Seattle. Goodbyes will always be bittersweet, but in Frasier's case any tears pale in comparison to the number of laughs. Frasier remained consistent in quality until that final interlude about “toss salads and scrambled eggs.”

22. Succession, “With Open Eyes” (2023)

Succession does not inspire warm and fuzzy feelings. On the contrary, this series revolves around unlikeable characters that audiences cannot help but find compelling.

In the final episode of this contemporary, multiple-award-winning drama, an agreement and vote for the new Waystar Royco CEO seem imminent, but things do not go as expected. Most fans would agree that Succession has an indistinguishable magnetic force that keeps viewers glued to their screens. The finale proved no different, as the performances stood out as some of the most astounding ever.

23. Beverly Hills, 90210, “Ode to Joy” (2000)

A revolutionary series in the teen drama genre, Beverly Hills, 90210 ended in a simple, sweet, satisfying way for loyal fans. The episode revolves around longtime loves David and Donna's wedding. Additionally, Steve and Janet learn to balance work and family, while Kelly is torn between her fiancé Daniel and former flame Dylan.

Everything ends as viewers would hope, and fan favorites like Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, Tiffani Thiessen, and Gabrielle Carteris briefly return for one last hurrah. Although it doesn't have the same impact as the rest of the series, this conclusion still moves and represents the end of a significant era.

24. Game of Thrones, “The Iron Throne” (2019)

Few shows have the cultural impact of Game of Thrones. The show's popularity and praise make the final season and finale much more disappointing for loyal fans. Indeed, no other series on this list fails on such a monumental scale.

This conclusion leaves viewers with numerous questions and an unsatisfying ending, especially for Jon Snow and Daenerys. That leaves only one reason to consider Game of Thrones an era-defining must-see episode: to, out of sheer curiosity and fascination, witness an epic adventure that epically fails.